Outfit Formula: How to Style a Cable Knit Sweater

Our recent Outfit Formula week was met with so much positive feedback that I have another one for you—this time featuring one of my favorite transition pieces: the neutral cable-knit sweater.

While I’m in no rush to end the summer, this is the perfect time of year to start thinking about pieces you can wear now and later. That’s where a lightweight, breathable knit comes in.

This kind of sweater works overtime in your wardrobe. Throw it on over a tank with denim shorts, or layer it with a skirt and heels for a late summer dinner out. It’s comfortable, cozy, and just polished enough. For today’s post we’re highlighting the L.L. Bean Signature Cotton Fisherman Sweater priced at $119 available in regular and petite sizes in XS – XL. If you want a slim fit buy your true size, I however, like it a bit oversized, so I go up one.

If you’re looking for a simple formula that helps you ease into early fall, this is it.

3 Ways to Style a Cable Knit Sweater

The Formula

Cable-Knit Sweater + Base Layer + Bottom + Comfortable Shoe + Simple Accessories

A classic cable-knit, like the one featured here, is incredibly versatile. It adds texture, interest, and just enough warmth for breezy nights or overly air-conditioned restaurants. The key is mixing it with seasonally appropriate layers to keep the look fresh.

Below, I’m breaking down three easy outfit formulas using one neutral sweater—styled for everyday life, no matter where you’re headed.

Look 1: Casual Polished

Sweater + Button-Down Shirt + White Tailored Shorts + Birkenstock-Style Sandals + Pearl Studs

This look feels clean, preppy, and perfect for everyday errands or lunch with friends. I love the contrast between the chunky knit and the crisp button-down—it’s a modern nod to classic East Coast style. Above I’m using a perfect blue striped button-down also from L.L.Bean available in regular, petite and plus sizes for $60. It’s 95% cotton with just a touch of spandex for comfort.

Pairing it with structured white shorts keeps things balanced and chic, here we’re using Madewell’s 100% linen shorts in white for $78 – select colors are currently on sale for $55 – 65, while the cream Birkenstock sandals (I have these and LOVE them) and simple, $60 pearl studs and the best selling Monica Vinader Pearl Scatter Bracelet pull the whole look together without trying too hard.

📌 Style Tip: Let the button-down peek out at the collar and cuffs for added dimension.

Look 2: Weekend Cool

Sweater + White Tank + Denim Shorts + Flip-Flops + Tortoise Sunglasses + Gold Jewelry

This is the kind of throw-it-on-and-go outfit we all need. The cable-knit instantly elevates casual denim shorts (these are from Gap Factory), making them feel more styled and intentional. I really like these shorts and they are only $22 – I have them in dark, light (above) and white.

I layered it over a simple white bodysuit—a piece I always like to remind you is totally wearable, even if it doesn’t seem like it at first. I never bother snapping the bottom, but I do love that the extra length keeps everything tucked in and smooth. This one is only $15 at Target with sizes in XS – 4X.

Gold accents and tortoise sunglasses add just the right amount of polish, without making it feel overdone and these simple flip flops look rich but are under $20 at J.Crew Factory.

📌 Style Tip: Push up your sleeves to lighten the look.

Look 3: Elevated Evening

Sweater + Slip Skirt + Heeled Sandals + Statement Earrings + Metallic Clutch

I love mixing soft textures with a little shine, and this combo nails it. I wore something similar in Miami recently on a chilly night at a rooftop restaurant—it was comfortable, chic, and relaxed all at once.

The oversized knit layered over a satin slip skirt feels fresh and modern, while cool champagne-toned heels (these are Cole Haan – a great find at DSW for $75 in a super wearable heel) and a metallic clutch (also a steal at DSW) add just the right amount of polish for date night or dinner out. I also love the look of these long earrings from UnCommon James for only $48.

The featured dress is actually from Gap and is on sale for about $40 – it’s bare so keep that in mind.

You can also recreate this with a skirt, something like this Washable Silk Skirt from Quince is lovely and could take you through the end of year holidays.

It’s also a great example of how you can wear a single color head-to-toe and still create visual interest—just by playing with tone and texture.

📌 Style Tip: Take this formula into winter by recreating it in deeper tones—think charcoal, navy, or burgundy—and swapping the heels for suede knee-high boots. It’s just as chic, with a little extra warmth.

Shop this Post

‘Building a wardrobe you love doesn’t have to mean starting from scratch. Sometimes, it’s as simple as finding a great staple—like a cable-knit sweater—and learning how to make it work multiple ways.

If you’re looking for more inspiration and thoughtful style advice, I’d love for you to join me over on Substack. It’s where I share deeper, more personal reflections on style, life, and everything in between—like a behind-the-scenes conversation with our community.

I also regularly post photos of what I’m actually wearing (free to all subscribers), so if you ever wonder how these formulas translate into real life, that’s where you’ll find it.

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