I’m rounding up the best nautical striped sweaters from affordable price points to timeless splurges that you’ll have for years to come.
Full disclosure, this isn’t the only nautical striped sweater in my wardrobe, despite my best attempts to dramatically cull repetitive items. I also have a chunky crisp white and dark-almost-black navy sweater with buttons at the neck and grosgrain detailing that probably dates back to 2010 J.Crew. But I couldn’t resist this swingy boatneck style when I was in a boutique in Austin, TX last November. I bought it thinking maybe I’d wear it over the winter, but it just has those perfect first days of spring vibes. And, with the unusually mild weather we’ve had, it was definitely time to break it out.
Why I Love a Nautical Striped Sweater
That’s exactly why I love a nautical striped sweater. They usher in those early spring days, where there’s a bit more than an evening chill in the air. You need a sweater, but you want to pack away the neutral cable knits and cozy grandpa cardigans. You’re ready for something that feels more crisp and tailored, something that evokes days of boating off the New England coast (even if that’s only a pipe dream).
They work both casually and dressed up, all depending on the accessories. You can run around in the yard barefoot — as I am here — or throw on a silk scarf and a pair of polished flats to head out to dinner. They’re the ultimate seasonal piece, and no one will ever judge you for wearing it over and over again, whether that’s in one week or over the years.
Outfit details: Frank & Eileen Jeans (full review here!) | Gold Twist Hoops (similar) | Diff Sunglasses | Aurate Pearl Bracelet | Populent Signet Ring | Satin Hair Scrunchie
The Best Nautical Striped Sweaters
Here are the best nautical striped sweaters I’ve found from around the internet. There’s a $39 sweater with cable knit details, a classic $148 version in a cotton-cashmere blend, and a charming $41 cardigan. Basically, something at every price point. Plus, there are a few I’ve added at the end that didn’t take kindly to a collage, including a polo sweater from Anthro that’s on my wish list.
Click the image below to shop each image or use the links below!
Left side: Maisonette Breton Sweater | Tory Burch Merino Sweater | Madewell Pullover Sweater | J.Crew Factory Cable Mockneck Sweater
Right side: Boden Oversized High Neck Sweater | Gap Shaker Stitch V-Neck Cardigan | L.L. Bean Cashmere Sweater
What to Wear With a Nautical Striped Sweater
To be honest, this is where I sometimes struggle a bit. But I think the safest bet is a lighter wash jean that won’t look off next to the navy of the stripes. As the weather warms up, a chic straight white jean is perfect, even if the sweater is ivory. And I almost never tuck in — this look is easy, breezy, casual.
