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Hello, These 20 Chunky Sweaters Are The Only Fall Wardrobe You Need

by Kelly Hoover Greenway
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
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Labor Day has come and gone, and as far as I'm concerned that means the fall season can officially begin. Yes, in many places it is still scorching hot outside, but it's like that movie Field of Dreams where the God-voice says, "If you build it, they will come." In this case, I believe that if we talk about chunky sweaters for fall that are available to buy right now, cooler temperatures will come. So everyone think cool thoughts, okay? And then head on out (or go online) to pick up a new seasonal sweater offering for your closet which is currently filled with maxi dresses and tank tops.

I love sweaters; the chunkier the better. And though I don't often get to wear them in sunny-old Los Angeles (I know, cry me a river), I still feel all warm and fuzzy inside when I see the stores start to fill their shelves with, well, warm and fuzzy sweaters. There's just something about wrapping myself up in something soft, cozy, and not form-fitting that makes me want to bake cookies and run through a pumpkin patch. And, don't even get me started on knee-high boots... swoon!

So for anyone who's ready to say goodbye to this hot (girl) summer, and throw on something that feels more like "warm hug winter" may I present to you these 20 chunky sweaters that are all looking for their forever home.

1Open Knit Cardigan

This lime green chunky knit cardigan will give you the perfect pop of color on those cloudy fall days. And whether you can pull off the belted sweater look as well as this model won't matter because you'll be so darn cozy in this sweater priced at $50 from Zara.

2Striped V-Neck

I've got a thing for stripes, so this V-neck sweater from Target is definitely calling my name, particularly since it's only $24! Slouchy, comfy and available in sizes XS - XXL, it's what fall dreams are made of. There aren't any reviews of it yet on Target's website, but something tells me that's going to change very soon.

3Cable-Knit Crewneck

If this sweater doesn't make you want to curl up next to a fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate, I don't know what will. Priced at $85, like most things from Gap, it'll stay in style for years to come. It's available in light blue (as seen above) as well as black and white. Plus, you can get it in petite, regular, or tall sizes for your own perfect fit.

4Stand-up Collar

There are few things I love wearing more in the fall and winter than a bright white sweater. They remind me of snow, and to be really careful when I drink red wine. This $24 stand-up collar sweater from H&M is also available in gray for those of you not willing to roll the dice on spilling your pumpkin spice drinks all over it.

5Long & Layered

If there's one thing I love more than chunky sweaters, it's being able to layer with a chunky sweater. This oversized long-sleeve cardigan with a draped collar and open front is perfect for those "Is it cold enough for a sweater or will I be sweating by noon?" days. It's also 30 percent off right now on Zappos and I'm about to order one for myself so I highly suggest you do the same, and soon.

6Chevron Colorblock

You had me at colorblock. I'm in love with the chevron print on this sweater, and it looks as comfortable as it is cute. It's a final sale item right now on Torrid's website, so make sure you know your sizing in their clothing before you order because there are no returns or exchanges.

7Asymmetrical Cowl Neck

This bestselling sweater has more than 900 reviews on Amazon (with an average rating of 4.1 stars) and comes in pretty much every color imaginable. And I mean, who doesn't love a cowl-neck, with buttons to boot! Prices range from $19 - $36 depending on size and color.

8Striped Pullover

Lots of women I know say Target is their happy place, and I totally get that. But for me, it's Anthropologie. Walking through that perfectly curated wonderland when fall rolls around is just about as good as it gets for me, as is this pretty in pink (and purple, and blue, and brown) striped sweater.

9V-Back (AKA Sexy Back)

Yes, sweaters can still be sexy and this v back olive beauty is proof of that. When they talk about "business in the front, and party in the back" I'm pretty sure they're talking about this sweater. My only wish is that it came in more colors!

10Oversized Boho

I will live in this sweater. In fact, can someone just make sure I'm actually buried in this sweater? Comfort level is a perfect 10 for this handmade, waffled linen and cotton sweater that also comes in beige, white, and pink.

11Slouchy Balloon Sleeve

Let's just pause for a moment to soak in the gorgeous dropped, long balloon sleeves on this sweater. Stripes on one side, colorblock on the other... could anything be more perfect? If you want a statement sweater this season, look no further.

12Sweater Dress

Why stop at a sweater top when you can have an entire sweater dress? With cable-knit detailing and a slouchy silhouette it's perfect for just about any fall occasion, including one where you just lounge around on your couch and watch Hallmark movies all day.

13Off The Shoulder

No chunky sweater list would be complete without an off the shoulder option, amirite? Show off those shoulders you spent all summer tanning before it all fades away. Also available in cream and olive green.

14Maternity Sweater

Technically this is a maternity/nursing sweater (and an awesome one at that), but it's also the type of sweater you can wear long after that baby is born. I love the slits on the side coupled with the high neck. And that emerald green color is just perfection for keeping the season merry and bright.

15Front Pocket, Hand-Knit Sweater

This sweater has pockets. I repeat, this sweater has pockets! Handmade and available in tons of colors, the description on this sweater says it's like "wearing a cloud" it's so soft. The seller has loads of great reviews on Etsy as well which is always a plus. Did I mention it also has pockets?

16Oversized Red Sweater

I think everyone should own a bright red sweater, and this perfectly-priced one from ASOS is tops on my list. You can dress it up with a fun skirt for holiday parties, or pair it with jeans for a weekend brunch. However you wear it, you're guaranteed to shine bright on even the gloomiest days.

17Gingham Sweatshirt

Think of the warmest blanket you ever owned. Now, turn it into a sweater - that's what this gingham-inspired pullover number reminds me of. Reviewers say it's more of a sweatshirt than a sweater, but with an average rating of 4.5 stars, most everyone agrees it's as cute in person as it is in pictures.

18Classic Ribbed Crewneck

You cannot go wrong with a chunky sweater from J. Crew, as demonstrated by this oh-so-comfy looking bestseller that's currently on sale. Just like you and your gorgeous fall self, it will never go out of style.

19Animal Print

Zebra print, need I say more? OK fine, I will. This boxy-style sweater with a round neckline also comes in leopard print and white and black checkered print so basically there's a perfect pattern for everyone. But at $30, you might as well just buy all three!

20Ribbed Balloon Sleeve

Oh hello, perfect balloon sleeves, how are you this fine fall day? According to ASOS website, this sweater is "selling fast" so please don't waste too much time figuring out if you need it and just trust mama when I say: you do.

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