WHAT TO WEAR WITH A CREW-NECK SWEATSHIRT: 10 STYLISH IDEAS

Crew-necks are the perfect transitional piece for chilly fall evenings and crisp spring mornings. First created as an alternative to itchy wool athletic jerseys, this comfortable clothing is now a closet staple for even the most sports-averse. With loungewear now the typical daily uniform for remote workers, designers are constantly looking for new ways to put a stylish spin on comfortable favorites.

Learning what to wear with a crew-neck sweatshirt is just a question of finding complementary pieces that elevate the style without impacting the cozy feel.

WHAT TO WEAR UNDER OR OVER A CREW-NECK SWEATSHIRT

With crew-neck sweaters, layering is key. But this goes far beyond wearing a crew-neck over a classic button-up. Here are several outfit ideas for dressing up a sweatshirt:

Beneath a trench coat

Wearing a crew-neck under a trench coat transforms a piece of timeless outerwear into a creative streetwear outfit. Trenches are versatile enough to look good with anything: wide-leg jeans, pants, sneakers, heels, boots—you name it. 

Achieve this look with a white crew-neck, colored faux-leather trench coat, wide-legged jeans, sporty sneakers, and a colored belt bag. 

Under a blazer

Blazers enhance most outfits, and loungewear is no exception. Using this traditionally formal piece creates the contrast needed to elevate sweatshirts from casual comfort-wear to a head-turning ensemble. A crew-neck and blazer with skinny jeans is a never-fail combo. 

An oversized blazer works best for this look, allowing space for the crew-neck without feeling restrictive and preventing the shirt and blazer from bunching up. Add a baseball cap, white sneakers, and a tote bag for a sporty look. 

For an office-approved outfit, pair a chic black oversized blazer with a black crew-neck, matching pants, and Prada shoes. 

Over a button-down

For a sense of refinement, layer a button-down shirt beneath the crew-neck, opting for classic white or a color that complements the top layer. A white button-down under a navy or gray crew-neck with straight-legged blue jeans and loafers or boat shoes creates a look that’s New England chic. A low ponytail, sunglasses, and simple gold jewelry are the perfect finishing touches. For an even more polished feel, lose the loafers and add a pair of heels and a chic top-handle bag. 

Atop a turtleneck 

Styles popular in the ’90s have taken a firm hold on the fashion world, and layering a turtleneck under a crew-neck is an easy, comfortable way to tap into that nostalgia. Contrasting colors like a white turtleneck and a colorful crew-neck pair well together, but there’s room to play with texture. The classic cotton crew-neck is always a safe bet, while a more tactile mohair satisfies the desire for a warm, cozy look. Pair a crew-neck with jeans or wear it alone as a sweatshirt dress for a cozy oversized crew-neck outfit. Top it all off with a pair of Golden Goose sneakers and gold chains with charms for some star quality. 

Tied over a T-shirt

Nearly everyone has a white tee and crew-neck in their closet, making this one of the most accessible pairings on the list. Even if a stop at the tennis court isn’t on the day’s agenda, draping a crew-neck over the shoulders or tying it diagonally across the chest gives off a feeling of posh yet playful athleticism. 

This pairing can be worn with basic blue jeans and sneakers or dressed up with tan chinos and loafers. Accessorize with a simple gold watch and matching pouch. One of the best things about this look is its functionality. When the temperature falls, the crew-neck can be slipped on with sleeves rolled up or down for a chic, disheveled look.

Over a dress

Extend the life of summer dresses of any length by topping them with a crew-neck. A crew-neck worn with a mini dress gives a model-off-duty vibe, while a maxi dress is the perfect underlayer for a stroll through Central Park. 

One soft, sweet iteration of the crew-neck-over-dress look is with a floral-embroidered wool sweater over a black maxi dress—the wool’s warmth protects exposed skin from the elements while allowing the sophistication of the skirt to shine. Pair this look with gold statement rings and kitten heels. 

DRESSING UP THE LOWER HALF 

From pants to skirts and sneakers to heels, there are numerous ways to dress up a crew-neck sweatshirt. Try these four bottom and shoe combinations for an imaginative crew-neck outfit. 

Wide-legged jeans and sneakers

Perhaps the most common crew-neck sweatshirt outfit consists of wide-leg jeans and sneakers. This combination is anything but mundane and caters to a wide range of personal styles. Create an entirely black outfit from head to toe, or play with vibrantly colored textured crew-necks or handbags for a more imaginative look. 

Pair a knit dip-dyed crew-neck with high-rise wide-leg jeans for a playful, casual outfit that embraces color and texture. Tame the front of the crew-neck with a French tuck, throwing on a pair of classic white sneakers to round out the look. 

Pleated skirt and loafers

Swap a traditional plaid pleated skirt for one with an iconic pattern to transform this classic, youthful look into a bold fashion statement. Whether the pattern is floral or animal print, a black fitted crew-neck and black loafers will give the outfit a polished finish. 

For an ultra-feminine pairing à la Cher in Clueless, pair a tweed checkered skirt with a slim-fitting pink crew-neck and white loafers. 

Biker shorts and white sneakers

The right handbag and sunglasses do the heavy lifting to elevate athleisure clothing. For a chic sporty vibe, pair a crew-neck coupled with biker shorts, white sneakers, white logo socks, a belt bag, and Bottega Veneta sunglasses. 

Skirt and heels

Wearing a crew-neck with a skirt can be feminine and relaxed or sleek and edgy, depending on your chosen styles and colors. The texture of the skirt determines whether it’s a sophisticated or casual look. 

For a stylish and thoughtful outfit, pair a light-colored brushed-alpaca crew-neck with a white linen skirt and white mule sandals. These natural fabrics in calming hues create a dreamy combination.

AN ODE TO THE CREW-NECK

Crew-necks are one of the most versatile, trendy, and comfortable items around. Possessing both style and comfort, they’re a wardrobe staple for good reason.

Freshen up your existing crew-necks with new accessories, or stock up on additional styles and colors. We can help—book a one-on-one in-store or virtual appointment with a Neiman Marcus style advisor to learn what to wear with crew-neck sweaters.