Elevate your style game with the classic pairing of a sweater over a dress shirt.
A staple in men’s fashion, this layered look brings together comfort and class, ideal for any setting.
Join us as we showcase a carefully curated list of over 20 outfits to get inspired.
Navy Sweater Over White Dress Shirt
Garbed in a navy cable knit sweater layered over a white dress shirt, this casual yet polished look is ready to impress.
The ensemble is neatly rounded off with a pair of brown suede Chelsea boots and light blue denim jeans, blending comfort with a touch of sophistication.
Blue Zip-Front Cardigan Sweater
Sporting a sophisticated blue zip-front cardigan layered over a crisp white dress shirt.
Additionally, this modern look is paired with tailored navy chinos.
Finish off elegantly with a pair of black double monk strap shoes, offering a seamless blend of casual and dressy elements.
Patterned Sweater Vest
Rock a navy sweater vest over a crisp blue shirt paired with sleek charcoal pants.
Finish with classy dark brown boots.
A modern twist on classic vibes!
Rich Brown Tones
A soft light brown half-zip sweater drapes gracefully over a sharp white dress shirt, striking the perfect balance between comfort and sartorial finesse.
The rich brown trousers provide a smooth transition down to the classic dark brown penny loafers.
This crafts a look that’s as appropriate for a day at the office as it is for a relaxed weekend brunch.
Navy V-Neck Sweater
The multi-color checkered shirt offers a touch of prep-school chic without trying too hard.
Another intricate element is the robust brown derby brogues.
It’s an outfit that embodies a confident man who values a sharp yet understated approach to his wardrobe.
Preppy Looks
This outfit is a playful twist on the classic preppy look, infusing a dash of daring with its vibrant green sweater atop a soft pink dress shirt.
The ensemble is casually grounded by distressed khaki jeans, a nod to a more relaxed, adventurous spirit.
Navy sneakers add a contemporary edge, proving that a little spice in your wardrobe can go a long way in crafting a look that’s both fresh and familiar.
Iconic Fair Isle Sweater
The Fair Isle sweater, with its intricate pattern of blues and traditional design, brings a touch of heritage to a modern silhouette.
This woolen piece, layered over a light blue dress shirt, offers a rich contrast against the clean lines of the charcoal gray dress pants.
The outfit is anchored with dark brown lace-up boots, adding a rugged yet polished finish.
With Bomber Jacket
There’s something about a bomber jacket that just makes you feel stylish and confident.
Layer it with a dark brown cable V-neck sweater and a light blue plaid dress shirt.
Finish the ensemble with a pair of black leather brogues, a dark tie, and a dark brown leather belt.
With a Navy Double-Breasted Blazer
A double-breasted blazer is a must-have piece in every men’s wardrobe.
A beige crew-neck sweater and light blue dress shirt will elevate your look.
Additionally, pair navy pants with brown shoes to complete this outstanding style.
Brown Shawl Cardigan Sweater over Blue Chambray Shirt
This beautiful brown shawl cardigan over a light blue chambray button-down shirt is perfect for a spring day out.
The blue pants and brown shoes really give a kick to this ensemble.
Don’t forget about the accessories if you want to dress up your look.
Add a navy paisley tie for a touch of texture and dark brown sunglasses for an elegant finishing touch.
Small Detail but Counts
The camel-toned sweater provides a warm contrast to the cool, dark hue of the slim-fitting trousers.
Layered over a patterned dress shirt, the look is both polished and approachable.
This is complemented by a navy dotted scarf neatly tucked into the dress shirt.
Burgundy V-Neck Sweater
The deep burgundy of the V-neck sweater envelops the crispness of the light blue striped dress shirt.
Below, the charcoal chinos offer a sleek yet comfortable base.
Grounding the look, the dark brown sneakers infuse an element of contemporary cool, challenging the traditional dress shoe norm.
Green Cargo Pants
This ensemble strikes a confident note with its earthy green cargo pants, making a bold statement without saying a word.
Topped with a cream sweater that whispers sophistication, and a crisp white dress shirt peering from underneath, it’s a classic with a twist.
The brown chukka boots are the perfect punctuation.
With a Dark Green Suit
The stylish chaps frequently choose this refined outfit with a dark green suit and a blue cardigan.
This outfit is brought together by a nice pair of brown leather double monks.
So untuck the top two buttons of your dress shirt and skip the tie for a dapper look!
Wear Striped Button-Up Dress Shirt
A dress shirt with light blue vertical stripes and a wool polo neck solid sweater?
This business casual ensemble is great for work.
To complete this get-go, try wearing charcoal pants and brown shoes such as suede loafers.
Cashmere Cable Knit Sweater
Few things are as versatile and comfortable as a cable sweater.
Whether you dress it up or down, this cozy sweater is always a great option for fall outfits.
Beige trousers and black lace-up boots beautifully anchor the whole getup.
Wear Black Overcoat
Wear a sweater over dress shirt combo for this black overcoat outfit.
Make sure that your accessories complement the overall look.
Black print tie and black leather Oxfords look immaculately stylish.
Black Parka
Parka jackets are stylish pieces perfect for cold weather.
If cold weather strikes, just pull out a tan sweater over a dress shirt.
Additionally, wear blue denim jeans and brown leather boots.
Finally, please don’t skip the black tie, as it will give formality to your look.
Or a Navy Parka
A navy wool parka can add an edge to this neatly put-together winter outfit.
Add navy vertical striped dress pants and a pair of dark brown lace-up boots.
Beige Duffle Coat
A traditional duffle coat is made of a cozy wool blend and intended to keep you warm.
You may add some casual elegance to your everyday uniform by wearing a beige duffel coat with black pants.
Brown leather loafers would be a more traditional choice for footwear.
Wearing Sweater Over Dress Shirt Outfits: The Basics
This effortless style will complement any outfit, regardless of the time of year.
Let’s explain some fundamentals before you start layering your look.
Choose a Proper Dress Shirt
A properly fitted dress shirt will make all the difference.
A good rule of thumb is to buy a size that fits comfortably around your waist, sleeves, and shoulders.
You’ll have to deal with unpleasant bunching under your sweater if it’s too big.
It would be best to aim for breathable material with lighter dress shirt fabrics such as 100% cotton, broadcloth, or poplin.
Also, you don’t want to wear your dress shirt untucked if it is longer than your sweater.
And lastly, your dress shirt collar tips should also be tucked in.
Different Types of Sweaters
When layering a sweater over a dress shirt, it’s important to understand the variety of sweaters available and how they can complement your style:
- Crew Neck: The classic cut. It sits around the base of the neck and works well with most body types. Ideal for a clean, academic look.
- V-Neck: Offers more depth and is perfect for showcasing the dress shirt underneath. It’s a good choice if you plan to wear a tie.
- Cable Knit: Textured and thick, adding a cozy feel. Best suited for casual settings or cold weather due to its bulkier nature.
- Cardigan: A button-up or open-front sweater. It’s versatile and can be dressed up or down. Plus, it’s easy to put on and take off as needed.
- Turtleneck: Provides a sleek look while keeping your neck warm. It can replace the need for a scarf and gives off a sophisticated vibe.
- Sweater Vest: Sleeveless and excellent for a preppy aesthetic. It layers well without adding bulk to the arms, keeping the silhouette streamlined.
- Quarter-Zip: Sporty and functional. It can be zipped up to different heights depending on the desired exposure of the dress shirt.
- Cashmere: Luxurious and soft. While not a style per se, the material choice is crucial for comfort and exudes a sense of luxury.
Each type serves a different aesthetic and functional purpose, so consider the occasion, weather, and your personal style when choosing the right sweater to layer over a dress shirt.
Matching Colors and Patterns
Consider wearing neutral shades for a more conservative look appropriate for the workplace.
That includes brown, navy, white, khaki, gray, and black.
Wearing the same shade in multiple items is a big mistake.
It will look monotonous.
Try pairing a solid-colored shirt with a patterned sweater or vice versa.
Another option is to wear a dress shirt of solid colors and a sweater with a patterned tie.
On the other end, mixing patterns can be a bit riskier.
You can go for stripes or checks, but make sure they are subtle and fit the outfit well.
We recommend if you choose to go for patterns, go for only one item.
