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I’ve Already Bought This Preppy Essential In Five Different Colors This Winter

How can you not live in them?

November 25, 2023

David Dee Delgado/Getty Images

Quarter zip sweater on Carolina Herrera fw2019 gues

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You know that meme that resurfaces every late August like clockwork? “Can’t wait ‘til it gets colder so I can really start dressing,” it usually says in some form, with the ultimate punchline hinging on the likelihood of failing to do just that. It’s a relatable idea for me — my Pinterest boards are teeming with fall and winter outfit ideas that involve all sorts of brilliant layering tips, but they’re tricky to translate to my real-life outfits. Then, I stumbled upon the humble quarter-zip sweater. Maybe I thought they were largely just for the Tom Wambsgans-es of the world, but they never quite appealed to me until I tried the style out firsthand not too long ago. Since, if we’re being honest, I’ve picked up five different versions this season alone. I rotate them in and out of my all my looks, combining them with different bottoms, trending shoes, and accessories with merciful ease.

While quarter-zip sweaters come in all sorts of different fabrics, they’re lightweight by nature. The zipper that runs a fourth of the way down the wearer’s chest is usually at least partially open, allowing for a larger peek at whatever shirts or assorted tops is worn beneath — it’s helpful all season, but especially if you live in an area with fickle temperatures. The look’s already been endorsed by preppy-loving stars like Kendall Jenner, Sophie Turner, and Jennifer Garner, with more sure to follow suit as the trend continues to pick up steam.

Ahead, get cozy with the quarter-zips that have me hooked this winter. Frankly, I’ll be living in them straight into 2024.

SKIMS

Cotton Fleece Classic Quarter Zip Pullover

$72

Fortunately, the utilitarian look still seems to be in. This no-frills SKIMS sweater is kitten-soft and so warm; insulated enough for outdoor activities, but still fitted through the body to show off shape.

L.L.Bean

Signature Cotton Fisherman Sweater Quarter-Zip

$139

I wish everything in my house and closet was in this classic cable knit material — it just screams comfort. L.L.Bean’s ultra-classic QZ uses homespun touches like its cheerful weave, as well as a leather-tabbed zipper pull, to make it feel like grandma made the piece just for you.

Hugo Boss

Zip Neck Sweater With Logo Tag

$278

This Hugo Boss sweater feels like the 2023 version of a traditional quarter-zip. The waist starts higher up to simulate a cropped effect, while the oversized label and long lapels feel equally modern.

Kule

The Terry Beck Quarter Zip

$165

Get in on the ‘80s health club craze with a delightfully bold clash of neon color and geometric shapes. Even the lacquered zipper adds to the sweater’s retro appeal.

Arct'eryx

Lera Zip Neck Sweatshirt

$200

What if someone from The Sopranos gang founded a Silicon Valley startup? That’s more or less what I picture when this Arct'eryx QZ is paired with its matching set of bottoms — in the best way, of course. Somehow, the brand makes an age-old garment style seems so futuristic.

GAP

Vintage Soft Quarter-Zip Pullover

$60

Behold: the perfect oversized fit. For everyone still channeling Princess Diana on their daily walks (me, hi), this long, floppy sweater goes just as well with bike shorts in the spring and fall as it does with pants in the winter.

Daily Practice by Anthropologie

Sporty Colorblock Pullover Quarter Zip Dress

$128

For next-level fans, there’s the quarter-zip sweater dress. Ostensibly, this was created for participating in athletics — pickleball, perhaps? — but the pretty green color combination seems just as suited for day-to-day outings.

Malbon

Malbon x F1 Podium Quarter Zip

$150

With starts like Rosalía, Dua Lipa, and Emily Ratajkowski all leaning into the moto-styles of Formula 1, the trend shows no signs of slowing down. Malbon’s collaboration with the racing league is a shortcut to nailing the vibe, especially with its high neckline and front pockets.

Open Edit

Rib Zip Sweater

$69

It’s hard to say what’s cooler here, the funky avocado color of this sweater or the lapels that spill all the way over the shoulders. The zipper technically extends a little lower than the traditional quarter-zip, but the extra exposure is a great reason to layer something extra-fun beneath.

Rails

Tessa Striped Sweater

$248

It’s the little things that make this sandy sweater so lush — there’s the lighter-colored cuffs, the billowing fit, the fact that it’s 100 percent something a Nancy Meyers movie protagonist would wear. Once you put this cozy number on, you’ll never want it to come off.