Every year when August 1st strikes, we begin mourning summer in advance. We mentally prepare ourselves to pack up our slip dresses and statement flip-flops, to adjust our skincare routines to suit a drier climate, and to generally be spending less time outdoors. Quickly we remember this truth that we never should've forgotten in the first place: fall clothes are fun, sweaters are fun! Plus, the changing of seasons and need to play around with layering presents us with a fashion challenge that results in us, and our personal styles, growing and evolving.
So, yes, it's time to start thinking about sweaters, but that's an exciting thing. And as we start thinking about the fall and, ultimately, winter seasons, it only makes sense to take a look back at Fall/Winter 2026 runways. According to our favorite designers, what silhouettes, patterns, and styles should we keep in mind as we shop for new knitwear?
Ahead, 4 fall 2026 knitwear trends that we’re already shopping.
Broad Shoulders
Tory Burch FW26 // Launchmetrics
Carolina Herrera FW26 // LaunchmetricsNot just in the form of sweaters, Fall/Winter 2026 runways were all about broad and/or puffy shoulders and taking up space. Tory Burch's Fall/Winter 2026 collection featured knits with boxy silhouettes and distinct shoulders layered over button-up tops, while Carolina Herrera's collection leaned into more of a balloon silhouette.
Shop The Trend:
Sheers & Cutouts
Schiaparelli FW26 // Launchmetrics 
Diotima FW26 // Launchmetrics Naked dressing is taking over all areas of fashion: skirts, shoes, and dresses, of course, for example. It's not at all surprising that we'd all start leaning into knitwear that exposes a little skin, too. Schiaparelli's Fall/Winter 2026 collection featured a turtleneck sweater with mesh panels of varying sizes throughout, while Diotima's collection included knits with noticeable cutouts.
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Argyle
Zankov FW26 // Launchmetrics
Khaite FW26 // LaunchmetricsAll year, we've had the urge to dress a little preppy and lean into the literary chic and poet core aesthetics that we know and love. With that said, argyle trending is a natural progression of that. Zankov's Fall/Winter 2026 collection featured argyle on argyle: a collared sweater with an additional cardigan wrapped around the model's waist. On Khaite's runway, chunkier argyle knit was paired with opera gloves for a sophisticated look.
Shop The Trend:
Sweater Dresses
Proenza Schouler FW26 // Launchmetrics
Isabel Marant FW26 // LaunchmetricsWhen we talk about knitwear, we're not just talking about tops. This season, we're shopping for sweater dresses in various lengths and varying textures. On Proenza Schouler's Fall/Winter 2026 runway, we noted the long, slightly slouchy knit dresses and their ability to be dressed both up and down. On Isabel Marant's runway, a strong case was made for the mini sweater dress—they're just begging to be paired with fun tights, in my opinion.
