I Know Great Jeans—Here Are 5 Styles for Fall, Along with the Ideal Sweaters to Pair Them With

      Jane Herman serves as an editor in residence at Who What Wear, authors the denim-focused Substack Jane on Jeans, and is the creator of The Only Jane, a denim apparel brand. To simplify things for you: think jeans paired with a cozy sweater. Here are five standout denim styles that encompass the main fit categories—slimmer, straight, flared, bootcut, and barrel—along with a luxurious, comfy sweater to complement each look. No complicated styling, no extra layers—just a complete outfit (well, except for shoes). Picture this: unexpected proportions, charming intarsias, and yarns so soft they feel like a cuddly kitten… These are sweaters that fashion enthusiasts affectionately describe as "emotional," mainly because our feelings about them can be quite intense and irrational. Do you really need a wool turtleneck featuring a large-scale purple harlequin pattern? Questioning it kind of misses the essence. However, let's center our attention on jeans for a moment, as there are some excellent options available, and I believe vintage Levi’s remain the ultimate classic, so I'll share my top three sources as well. (For those who are just starting, check out Meg Younger at Jean Genie Vintage. She’s an expert at sourcing vintage jeans online.) Whether you prefer bootcut or barrel styles, this selection is relevant. While I’ve paired each pair of jeans with a specific type of sweater, the truth is you can mix and match freely. Trust your instincts. Scroll down and discover what resonates with you (literally). You can't go wrong with these fantastic sweaters and jeans.

      (Image credit: Courtesy of AG; Aflalo; Buck Mason; Levi's; The Only Jane) 5 Sweaters to Pair With Your Jeans

      Sweaters with collars—whether buttoned or not—have a unique ability to convey both a polished and casual vibe depending on how you style them. I enjoy wearing them unbuttoned over a crewneck t-shirt (casual) or fully buttoned with statement necklaces (dressy). Shop:

      - LOULOU DE SAISON: Homere Cashmere Sweater

      - B SIDES: Merino Wool Polo Sweater

      - KHAITE: Herve Cashmere Polo Sweater

      - j.crew: Brushed Cashmere Rugby Sweater

      - Jenni Kayne: Cashmere Burke Polo

      Style With:

      - AFLALO: Brontë Jean in Rigid Denim

      The slight flare of these jeans adds extra length to the legs. They’re currently on my wish list.

      True Fair Isle sweaters are crafted on the remote Scottish island that shares the same name. Recognized by their knitted designs that wrap around the neck and shoulders, these sweaters epitomize cozy winter attire. Pair one with a comforting set of jeans. Shop:

      - róhe: Fair Isle Knitted Sweater

      - COS: Fair Isle Wool-Cashmere Sweater

      - FAVORITE DAUGHTER: The Snowed in Cardigan

      - miu miu: Wool Crew-Neck Sweater

      Style With:

      I’m fond of this pair of jeans. They’re soft, easy to wear, and look fantastic with an oversized sweater. The inserts along the outseams create a gentle curve in the leg. I grab these every weekend.

      (Image credit: @janepageherman) Whether it's cashmere, cotton, or wool, you need at least one—or two—of these sweaters to pair with everything. Shop:

      - La Ligne: Solid Marin Sweater

      - Gap: 100% Cotton Oversized Sweater

      - ALLUDE: Wool and Cashmere-Blend Sweater

      - &Daughter: Caragh Chunky Crewneck

      Style With:

      An oversized turtleneck can serve as outerwear in certain situations. All the sweaters mentioned here feature a dropped shoulder design that rounds at the bicep. Balance out the volume with jeans that are clean, straight, and sleek. Shop:

      - Guest In Residence: Cozy Turtleneck

      - TOAST: Roll Neck Wool Cashmere Sweater

      Style With:

      - The Only Jane: The Sally Jean in City Blue

      These jeans are my go-to when aiming for a more polished look. They cinch beautifully at the waist and resemble trousers when worn with heeled boots. (Yes, I designed them, so I might be a bit biased.)

      A novelty sweater gives off a crafty and emotional aura, reminiscent of handmade styles—something whimsical. Many of this season’s standout options embody a Western-prairie theme, making jeans paired with cowboy boots a perfect match.

      - DRIES VAN NOTEN: Ribbed Wool Sweater

      - Loeffler Randall: Idris Intarsia Cardigan

      - Alex Mill: Molly Hand-Crochet Cardigan

      Style With:

      - Buck Mason: M082 Roper Jean

      Inspired by the original Levi’s 517, Buck Mason’s Roper encompasses all the characteristics of a