Sweaters are one of the most versatile pieces in a man’s wardrobe. Depending on how you style them, they can feel sharp enough for the office, relaxed enough for the weekend, or refined enough for an evening in the city. The key is not just the sweater itself, but the proportions, the colour combinations, and the shoes you choose to finish the look. In this guide, I’ve put together seven different outfits that show how a single category of garment — from roll necks and crew necks to cardigans and vests — can work across different settings without ever feeling repetitive.
1. White Roll Neck with Black Trousers
A clean and elegant combination built around a white roll neck sweater and black tailored trousers in a slightly wider cut. When you don’t want colour or bold accents, strong black and white contrast is more than enough. The key here is fit — the sweater should sit close to the body but not be too tight or too loose, and the trousers should ideally have a slightly higher waist so the proportions look balanced and intentional. Finished with black Chelsea boots, the look carries a subtle 70s influence while staying sharp and modern.
2. Navy Crew Neck with Grey Trousers
This navy crew neck sweater layered over a white dress shirt and paired with grey flannel wool trousers is a strong option when you want to look sharp for work without feeling overdressed. It sits perfectly in that business casual space — ideal for offices where a blazer feels like too much, but a polished appearance still matters. Leave the top button of the shirt undone to introduce a bit of ease and avoid looking stiff. Finish the outfit with black cap toe derby shoes for a more formal touch, or switch to dark brown if you prefer to keep things slightly more relaxed.
3. Aubergine Cardigan Over a Blue Shirt
Playing with shades of blue, this look combines an aubergine V-neck vest with a light blue houndstooth shirt and blue chinos. It strikes a smart balance between polished and relaxed, making it just as suitable for the office as it is for after-work plans. Simply roll up the shirt sleeves to give the outfit a more laid-back feel once the day is done. Brown tassel loafers with no-show socks are the ideal finishing touch here — anything heavier or more formal would make the outfit feel too strict and disrupt its light, easy character.
4. Navy Roll Neck with Denim and Boots
For a more casual direction, try a thicker navy roll neck paired with classic blue jeans and mahogany leather boots, which naturally become the focal point of the outfit. It’s simple and straightforward, but still strong and well put together — ideal for a relaxed walk through the city on a mild autumn day. If you’ve taken the time to polish your boots properly, cuff the jeans slightly to give them the attention they deserve and to keep the proportions clean.
5. Camel Crew Neck with Denim
If you want a similar vibe to the previous outfit but with a bit more refinement, try a cashmere camel crew neck with blue jeans and brown suede Chelsea boots. The warm tone of the sweater adds a subtle touch of luxury, while the suede boots make the outfit feel more considered without turning it formal. It’s still relaxed and easy to wear — just a slightly more polished version of the casual combination.
6. Shawl Cardigan with Olive Trousers
If black, grey and blue start to feel repetitive, introducing green and brown is a great way to refresh your wardrobe. This outfit is a good example: a textured shawl collar cardigan in thick wool layered over a light blue denim shirt, paired with olive green chinos. The mix of earthy tones feels warm and balanced without being loud. Dark brown grain leather brogues complete the look and connect the upper and lower parts of the outfit naturally. It’s a warm, confident combination that works just as well in Paris as it does in any other city.
7. Blue Crew Neck with Off-White Trousers
When the sun is out, it’s the perfect time to introduce lighter and brighter colours. A vivid blue sweater layered over a light blue shirt, paired with off-white chinos and dark brown tassel loafers, creates a fresh combination that works well for the office while still feeling relaxed. Keep the look easy by leaving at least the top button of the shirt undone — or even two if the collar allows — to avoid stiffness and add a bit more character to the outfit.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, styling a sweater isn’t complicated — but it does require attention to detail. Fit, balance, and colour harmony matter more than bold statements. Whether you prefer clean black and white contrast, layered business casual combinations, earthy tones, or lighter summer shades, a well-chosen sweater can anchor the entire outfit. Build around it thoughtfully, keep the proportions right, and let the simplicity do the work.
