What to wear with a fisherman sweater

I went to Ireland for the first time three years ago, and if you've never been, I highly recommend it. It's a gorgeous country, the food was surprisingly good, the beer was even better, and the people were the kindest I've ever met on vacation. But of all the things that pleasantly surprised me on that trip, I was perhaps most blown away by the sweaters. Which makes sense, because there are sheep literally everywhere in Ireland—you've got to do something with all that wool, so why knot knit a sweater or several thousand? Ireland introduced Aran sweaters to the world—the cable-knit patterns are meant to evoke fishermen's ropes, hence why they're also known as fisherman sweaters—and Grace Kelly really put them on the map by famously wearing one on the cover of Vogue. Like most things associated with Princess Grace, a fisherman sweater is a classic that never goes out of style, but they seem to be especially trending this season, possibly because of their extra coziness and comfort in these up-and-down times. And while I've featured an Aran knit here before (way back in 2018), this time it's the real deal, straight from Ireland. Here's how I'm styling my fisherman sweater. 



If you ask me, a good fisherman sweater should be warm and thick enough that you can layer a turtleneck or thermal underneath and be virtually untouchable against the cold. This is that sweater—it's made of Donegal merino wool and wearing it makes me feel invincible. The yarn feels a little raw; it's not scratchy, but it's not super soft either, and that's a good thing, because that means it's going to last and not pill. The quality is incredible, especially considering it was made in Ireland; a designer version of a sweater like this would be hundreds of dollars more. I feel like I've discovered a little secret! I went up a size to a medium because I wanted a more oversized fit, but that was probably an error on my side, as it's a bit big in the arms and long (I'm hoping I can reshape it a bit when I wash it). But in spite of being so thick and slightly large, the sweater can still easily fit under my favorite camel coat, or with whatever else I decide to wear with it. 




Keeping in the classic theme of this look, and considering the unseasonably cold weather we've been having, I went with my favorite camel coat, which you last saw with a sweater tunic in February. I love this coat because it feels like a bathrobe, and in spite of the fact that it was under $100 at Uniqlo, it looks far more expensive and draws a ton of compliments (most recently from a random guy at Target). No matter how much you spend, you can't go wrong with a camel coat; this one is from several years ago, but I've linked Uniqlo's current version below. 




As I mentioned the last time I wore these jeans, Sean hates them, but I don't care because they're so ridiculously soft and comfortable. That said, I kind of understand his point now that I've seen these photos; the leg is kind of blocky, so paired with an oversized sweater and generously cut coat, I kind of look like a big blob. I've been contemplating cutting a few inches off the hem of this pair, with the idea that a shorter, ankle-exposing inseam with give my legs a bit more shape. They were not cheap, however, and I don't want to ruin them, so for now, they might just be my indoor jeans. 




I will, however, be proudly seen in my Gucci Brixton loafers, which are also incredibly comfortable but classy and polished too. I feel like a fancy lady whenever I wear these (you last saw them with paperbag pants), and more importantly, my feet are super happy. As I've noted before, this style runs super big—I'm in a 38, which is a half size smaller than what I typically wear in Gucci shoes and a full size smaller than what I wear in most European shoes. If these are on your holiday wish list, I hope you get a pair, because they're an incredibly good investment and will forever be a classic. 




OUTFIT DETAILS: Uniqlo coat (current version here) | The Irish Store Aran sweater (c/o) | Re/Done '70s Stovepipe jeans | Gucci Brixton loafers 




12 comments

Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom said...

This cable knit sweater is so cozy looking! I love the camel jacket with it, such a great fall look!

Carrie
curlycraftymom.com

Kristin said...

Beautfiul sweater! I love a good chunky sweater, particularly a neutral. And it's so nice to have souvenirs from traveling that you can wear again and again!
-Kristin

Lovely said...

That's a beautiful sweater! Prefect for the season. Cozy and chic!
xoxo
Lovely
www.mynameislovely.com

the 4 M's said...

It's a beautiful sweater and looks so warm. I love the knitted pattern on it.
www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com

Mica said...

What a lovely cosy knit! it looks so good with the distressed jeans and that coat is such a classic :)

Hope you are having a great weekend :) We went out and did more Christmas shopping yesterday which was fun :)

Away From The Blue | Handbag Gift Guide

Anonymous said...

Love that coat, Cheryl! We were in Ireland just about 2 years ago and you are so right about those sweaters! I bought a zip front hooded version for our 20+ son, and he loved it!

xx Darlene

Darlene said...

Hmm. I didn't select anonymous so will try again.

Nancy 's Fashion Style said...

Oh those kind a sweaters are the best! I have never been to Ireland, I am a real UK lover, but friends are totally mad about that country!

Life's a shoe said...

I really love your outfit, this coat is gorgeous! You look great!

Life is a Shoe

Shelbee on the Edge said...

Such a beautiful sweater, Cheryl! I love this easy casual, cozy outfit. I went to Iceland years and years ago and I remember all the gift shops there had gorgeous hand made fisherman sweaters as well. There were so many to choose from and I was on a very limited budget at the time, so I ended up not getting one. I do have 3 lovely Icelandic necklaces that I did bring home as a souvenir and I still wear them all these years later. Thanks for linking with me!

Shelbee
www.shelbeeontheedge.com

Shauna Crymble said...

This item looks so cute and cozy! Thank you for your style tip!

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