Shorter days, darker evenings, the post-new year blues, and waking up in the morning is becoming increasingly difficult –yep, it sounds like February. I tend to have a love/hate affair with cupid’s month. On one hand: it’s the shortest month of the year and spring is on-deck, which means I can’t help but drool over new spring/summer collections. I can often be found on my couch (wine-in-hand), ramping up my Pinterest with *wishful thinking* warm weather getups. Oh, and if I’m lucky, I’m planning my much needed R&R beach getaway.

On the other hand: I (like any true Northerner) know I can’t long for the spring temperatures quite yet–after all, we know all too well what that little son of a b*tch groundhog has in-store for us. No harm to the little dude…

Come the tail-end of winter, does anyone else find themselves fighting the urge to dress like you’d rather be in bed? Because it’s evidently unacceptable to wear my robe to work (but honestly, who’s to say?), in-turn, all of my non-knit closet items pale-in-comparison to my collection of sweaters. But while a jeans-and-sweater duo will forever be a cold-weather favorite of mine, it can get a bit old, leaving me feeling a bit “meh” about my winter looks.

Chunky, oversized, and (intentionally) sloppy–people often hold the misconception that you can’t look chic in a cozy knit. Whether you opt for a pop of color, a fun texture, or interesting cut, you bet your bottom dollar you can still make a stylish statement with the right sweater.

By now, we’ve all (hopefully) purged our closets (new year new you, hay!) so let’s give ourselves a pat on the back and give our collection of pilling knits the upgrade it deserves. Read on for an edit of my favorite sweater styles worth adding to your winter wardrobe that will ensure you stand out in the cold.

Is there a specific sweater style you are particularly loving this year? Let a sister know by commenting below!

1. Turtleneck & Mockneck

All hail the turtleneck as winter’s MVP. Each year, it seems my collection of this cold-weather staple grows and grows. Serving as both a sweater and a scarf, this is by far my most-worn sweater in my closet. Whether you are hiding from a bad hangover or the wind chill, throwing on a chunky turtleneck is the runner-up to sporting your down comforter.

When it comes to turtlenecks, the phrase “size matters” will always reign supreme. While I’m a definite sucker for a dramatic and oversized, swallowing turtleneck, you can never go wrong with a basic black number–the perfect layering piece for winter. Not trying to go full-on Steve Jobs? There are some great mock-neck options, too!

Oversized Turtleneck Sweater • Genuine People • $110
Topshop Flare Cuff Turtleneck Sweater • Topshop • $80
J. CREW J.Crew Side Slit Supersoft Turtleneck Sweater • J.Crew • $69.50
Topshop Puff Sleeve Ribbed Turtleneck • Topshop • $45

2. Balloon-Sleeve

Like a pair of (much more stylish) MC Hammer parachute pants for your arms, it’s hard to deny the comeback of the balloon-sleeve this season. This year, it’s all about adding some serious arm volume. Whether subtle or statement, a puffed-out sleeve is sure to take any simple outfit to the next level with a play on proportions.

Knitted Balloon Sleeve Sweater • Azalea • $79
Express wrap front balloon sleeve sweater • Express • $30.99
Cropped Mock Neck Sweater • $85
Doen Tree Of Life Sweater • Reformation • $280

3. Cozy Cardigan

Within seconds of entering into my apartment after a long day at work, my jeans are unbuttoned (ok, maybe even while I’m in the elevator – sue me) and I’m making my way to the closet looking for my go-to leggings and giant cardigan combo.

From grandpa-inspired to long and cloak-like, you can never go wrong with a cool cardi. Cardigans have been around since the mid-1800s, and there are so many amazing retro-inspired designs to get your hands on. Check out your favorite neighborhood vintage store (or raid your mom or dad’s closest) for that perfect cozy cabin weekend piece.

One of my favorite styles this year is the teddy bear coat/cardigan. I’m grouping this with cardigans because, let’s face it, if you live somewhere as cold as Minnesota, this doesn’t count as a coat.

The Wool-Cashmere Rib V-Neck Cardigan • Everlane • $125
Fitted cardigan sweater in tiny dots • J.Crew • $89.50
Opening Ceremony Wool Varsity Cardigan • Opening Ceremony • $295
H&M Cable-knit Cardigan • H&M • $39.99–49.99

4. Bright & Bold

After three-to-four months of sub-zero temps, we could all use a little pick-me-up. So why not sub-in a pop of color to help combat the SADs? Reserved for the color curious, bold knits tend to be head turners, so keep it simple on the bottom with a pair of mom jeans or tailored trousers (and steer clear of over-accessorizing). If you’re feeling daring, opt for a highlighter hue or a rainbow bright stripe. A bit color-adverse? Try for a fun pattern in a more muted palette.

Mohair Blend Turtleneck • $95
Marc Jacobs – Intarsia Cashmere Sweater – Brown • Marc Jacobs • $330
Frame Panel Stripe Long Sleeve • Frame • $229
Best Day Ever Sweater by Free People • Free People • $128

5. Detailed Cuffs

From ruffles to buttons to ties, there’s no shortage of detailed-cuffs to shop this year. My personal favorite? Knits with ultra-long arms–an effortless, cozy statement style that won’t leave you sacrificing comfort (forget your gloves? Your hands will thank you).

3.1 Phillip Lim LS Pleated Pullover • 3.1 Phillip Lim • $395
3.1 Phillip Lim Women’s Embellished-Sleeve V-Neck Sweater • 3.1 Phillip Lim • $525
Free People Holala Tie Sleeve Sweater • Free People • $54
Who What Wear Women’s Long Sleeve Tie Sweater – Who What Wear • Who What Wear • $29.99

6. Half Zips

There’s something seriously “dadcore athleisure” (queue the acid wash jeans and white Reeboks) about the return of the half-zip, and I don’t hate it. Think of it as a slight upgrade to the classic bomber jacket. Try throwing one over your go-to white tee, wear alone (it can be office or date-night appropriate, all depending on how far down you zip it), or channel your inner 90s kid and layer a thin, tissue turtleneck underneath.

Sandro Half-Zip Scalloped Top • Sandro • $133.62
Topshop Half zip ribbed funnel neck top • Topshop • $60
Silence + Noise Molly Half-Zip Sweater • Silence & Noise • $59
Wildfox Prima Warm Up Pullover • Wildfox Couture • $154

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