FAIR ISLE SWEATERS ARE STILL GOING STRONG FOR FALL AND WINTER

Why Fair Isle Sweaters Are Still Going Strong for Fall & Winter 2025

Hello, ladies! I hope you all have been well! I came home from our lovely European vacation to a crazy week of catching up, shooting content, and having my daughter and her family come in for 10 days. While they were here, I had a procedure on my gluteal tendonitis, called Tenex. Oh, goodness, was it painful, and getting over it has been slow. Sitting on the toilet has not been fun! I can’t do anything rigorous for 6-8 weeks. While all this was going on, both my little granddaughters came down with Hand, Foot, and Mouth. As my mom always says, “It’s always something!” I am on the fifth day after the procedure, moving around as best I can, and everyone left this morning. Seriously, who gets tendonitis in their butt cheek?

I shot these photos last week before everything hit the fan. I got on the Fair Isle bandwagon last year and can say that it is still going strong for this fall and winter. Nothing says cozy and comfortable quite like a Fair Isle sweater. With roots tracing back to the remote Shetland island of Fair Isle, this traditional knit has been warming hearts (and wardrobes) since the 19th century. Artisans originally crafted the intricate, multicolor patterns to reflect their Nordic heritage — and while the motif still evokes nostalgia, today’s versions are far from old-fashioned.

This season, the Fair Isle is back on the style radar — and stronger than ever. Fashion houses like Celine, Ganni, and Molly Goddard have reimagined the classic knit in fresh shapes, new color palettes, and even bold pairings, making it feel modern and relevant again. At Chanel, the look turned elegant and ladylike with an embellished brooch, a crisp white collar, and a diamond-patterned skirt, while Celine’s take leaned into après-ski chic — think a traditional sweater under a butter-yellow fur coat, jeans,  and tan boots.

The magic of the Fair Isle is its versatility. It’s cozy enough for a cabin weekend yet polished enough for city strolls or casual dinners. Pair it with white jeans (like I did here), classic trousers, or even a midi skirt and boots for an updated twist. The detailed yoke and mix of colors make it easy to style — just let the pattern shine and keep the rest simple.

If you’re looking for a piece that feels timeless yet current, this is it. The Fair Isle is proof that heritage style never truly fades — it just evolves. And as we head into cooler months, it’s the perfect blend of comfort, warmth, and understated sophistication that feels right at home in any wardrobe.

I paired my Fair Isle sweater from Frame (so soft and cozy) with these super stretchy corduroy pants, which do a good job of holding you in. I need them in another color, too. I’m obsessed with these leopard print boat shoes. I’ve worn them with everything since I bought them. I am also loving this gorgeous leather tote (available in 9 colors) from Cuyana. I love a smaller bag, but during the day, it’s nice to have a bigger tote to fit all my essentials. Cuyana’s bags are of such high quality and would make great Christmas gifts.

I know the above photo has nothing to do with Fair Isle sweaters, but I wanted to show you all one of my favorite new pants from Ruti. These pants are incredibly comfortable and would make a great travel pant. The style is very similar to a slim “horseshoe” type and made of nylon and spandex. I  wear them with sneakers most of the time, but I wanted to show that they are elevated enough to dress up a bit. I’m wearing a stripe (light-weight) sweater, a leather bomber jacket, and new boots that I bought in London (went down a half size). Head to SoHeather for her look.

I think I overdid it yesterday and am feeling very sore today. Even though it’s beautiful outside, I think I’ll take a rest day. One of my best friends from Alabama is coming for three days tomorrow, and I want to try to be up and about for her.

I hope you all have a great weekend! It’s supposed to get super cold here tomorrow, but only for two days. That’s Texas fall weather for you! I have added some of my favorite Fair Isle sweaters below.

Stay safe and Be well! xx