1990S DONNA KARAN Black Cashmere Blend Oversized Sequined Sweater
By Donna Karan
Located in New York, NY
1990S DONNA KARAN Black Cashmere Blend Oversized Sequined Sweater
1990S DONNA KARAN Black Cashmere Blend Oversized Sequined Sweater
By Donna Karan
Located in New York, NY
1990S DONNA KARAN Black Cashmere Blend Oversized Sequined Sweater
1990s Donna Karan XL Sequined Beaded Rhinestone Vintage Black Cardigan Sweater
By Donna Karan
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 90s DONNA KARAN sequined, beaded and rhinestone long sleeve black cardigan. Soft blend of acrylic, nylon and spandex feels amazing against the skin. POCKET at each side of ...
DONNA KARAN maroon purple cashmere wool silk sweater draped cardigan twin set L
By Donna Karan
Located in Hong Kong, NT
DONNA KARAN maroon purple cashmere wool silk sweater draped cardigan twin set L Reference: JHDN/A00131 Brand: Donna Karan Material: Cashmere, Wool, Blend Color: Purple Pattern: Solid...
Donna Karan Black Scottish Cashmere Deep V Cowl Neck Pullover
By Donna Karan
Located in New York, NY
Donna Karan's wonderfully soft black Scottish cashmere pullover features a deep V front combined with a wonderful cowl neck collar which measures 5" in height to keep the b...
DONNA KARAN Pre-Fall 2015 Black White Checker Knit Open Cardigan Jacket
By Donna Karan
Located in Thiensville, WI
DONNA KARAN Pre-Fall 2015 Black White Checker Knit Open Cardigan Jacket Brand / Manufacturer: Donna Karan Collection: Pre-Fall 2015 Designer: Donna Karan Style: Cardigan Jacket Col...
Donna Karan Brown Wool Over-sized Sweater Sz S
By Donna Karan
Located in New York, NY
Donna Karan Brown Wool Sweater Sz S Made In: China Color: Brown Composition: 70% Wool, 30% Cashmere Lining: None Closure/Opening: Pull-over Overall Condition: Very good pre-o...
Donna Karan Men's Black Wool Ribbed Double-Zippered Front Sweater
By Donna Karan
Located in New York, NY
Donna Karan's men's black wool ribbed double-zippered front sweater has the option of having the top half zippered while allowing the bottom half unzippered if desired.
1990s Donna Karan Black Sequined Oversized Cardigan
By Donna Karan
Located in Gresham, OR
A fabulous Donna Karan knit cardigan: Oversized with Dolman style sleeves and front closure. Entirely covered with black sequins. Open front NO closures. Small front pockets are ...
Donna Karan Black Sequined Cashmere / Silk Drape Cardigan
By Donna Karan
Located in San Francisco, CA
DONNA KARAN Black Label cardigan comes in black sequined cashmere silk blend knit with an open front, extended draped collar, and short back. Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: S ...
Donna Karan 'black label' mocha wool cardigan
By Donna Karan
Located in New York, NY
Donna Karan 'Black Label' mocha colored wool cardigan has six (6) buttons on front with fine woven detailing front and back. There are also two front pockets that lays flat to the b...
DONNA KARAN Size S Black Viscose Elastane Long Sleeve Pullover
By Donna Karan
Located in San Francisco, CA
DONNA KARAN pullover comes in a black viscose and elastane knit material featuring a draped neckline, and long sleeve.Very Good Pre-Owned Condition. Moderate signs of wear. Marked:...
DONNA KARAN Size M/L Black Cashmere Knitted Open Front Cardigan
By Donna Karan
Located in San Francisco, CA
DONNA KARAN cardigan comes in a black knitted cashmere featuring patch pockets and a open front. Good Pre-Owned Condition. Marked: M/L Measurements: Shoulder: 16 in. Bust: 36 in....
NWT 1990s Donna Karan Black Mock Neck Oversized Wool Sweater
By Donna Karan
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This black Donna Karan sweater from the 1990s is new with tags and features an oversized silhouette, a mock neck, and a chunky ribbed knit.
1980S DONNA KARAN Grey Wool Knit Body-Con Sweater Dress
By Donna Karan
Located in New York, NY
1980S DONNA KARAN Grey Wool Knit Body-Con Sweater Dress
DONNA KARAN c. 1990’s Black Sequin Silk Cashmere Cowl Neck Knit Sweater Top
By Donna Karan
Located in Thiensville, WI
DONNA KARAN c. 1990’s Black Sequin Silk Cashmere Cowl Neck Knit Sweater Top Brand / Manufacturer: Donna Karan Circa: 1990’s Designer: Donna Karan Style: Long sleeve top Color(s): Bl...
Donna Karan ' Black Label ' Vintage Long Black Cardigan w/ Dolman Sleeves
By Donna Karan
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic, and timeless vintage DONNA KARAN 'Black Label' open front long cardigan. Jet black color, on soft, thick (but, not too thick) cotton. Dolman sleeves, and POCKETS at both sides ...
Donna Karan Black Stretch Crepe Wool Vintage Wrap Top with Gold Trim NWT Small
By Donna Karan
Located in Portland, OR
This vintage lightweight black stretch wool crepe wrap sweater top from Donna Karan was never worn and still has its original price tag attached.
$1,556Sale Price|20% Off
Size: Medium
Donna Karan Runway Fall 2004 Hot Pink Off Shoulder Vintage Jersey Tulle Dress
By Donna Karan
Located in San Diego, CA
New with tags DONNA KARAN F/W 2004 hot pink of the shoulder dress ! The same dress was shown on the runway in brown and chartreuse. Features a soft rayon (81%) and spandex (19%) blen...
Dsquared2 Spring 2005 Christina Aguilera Runway Leather Vintage Mini Dress
By Dsquared2
Located in San Diego, CA
Christina Aguilera closed the runway show in 2005, strutting down the Dsquared2 Runway in this exact dress! Features brown leather stitches down the front, with contrasting tan leath...
$12,497
Size: FR40 - UK12 - US6/8
John Galliano Pink Bias-Cut Satin Evening Dress with Rhinestone Straps, SS 2002
By John Galliano
Located in London, GB
John Galliano, Spring-Summer 2002. Bias-cut evening dress in rose-toned crepe-back satin. The fitted bodice features a draped cowl neckline, with rhinestone-embellished straps. The g...
S/S 1995 Donna Karan Beige Stretch Bodycon Panel Slip Dress US6, IT4, FR38
By Donna Karan
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This beige slip dress from Donna Karan's Spring/Summer 1995 collection features a stretch bodycon fit with panel detailing at the bust. The dress is complete with thin shoulder strap...
$196Sale Price|25% Off
Jean Paul Gaultier Vintage Wall and Flags Print Pants Trousers
By Jean Paul Gaultier
Located in Nice, FR
JEAN PAUL GAULTIER vintage pants trousers featuring a multi colored wall and flags print. These trousers feature : - Velvety touch material. - Front buttoning. - Front and back pock...
Chanel Vintage Embellished Evening Gown Spring/Summer 1990 Size 38FR
By Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Chanel/Karl Lagerfeld Vintage Archive Embellished Logo Evening Gown Spring/Summer 1990 Size 38FR
2010s Prada Black Bustier Dress with Chiffon Top and Sleeves
By Prada
Located in London, GB
This elegant Prada dress, circa 2015, displays the elevated take on femininity that have become a part of Miuccia Prada’s signature style. Tailored from a black wool crepe with a lov...
Alexander McQueen, Mini Dress with Balloon Sleeves, Fall/Winter 2004
By Alexander McQueen
Located in CAPELLE AAN DEN IJSSEL, ZH
This stunning Alexander McQueen mini dress from the Fall/Winter 2004 collection, "Pantheon Ad Lucem" ("Towards the Light"), is a remarkable example of the designer's vision of trans...
$924Sale Price|30% Off
DONNA KARAN red halter plunge tucked draped evening gown dress L
By Donna Karan
Located in Hong Kong, NT
DONNA KARAN red halter plunge tucked draped evening gown dress L Reference: JHDN/A00050 Brand: Donna Karan Material: Viscose, Blend Color: Red Pattern: Solid Closure: Slip On Lining:...
Roberto Cavalli 2003 Runway Cut-Out Silk Gown Showstopper Dress
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Berlin, BE
Holy Grail Archival Cavalli Gown (The corset shown on some images is not included ) Thie beautiful Roberto Cavalli’s Spring/Summer 2003 gown is an exquisite statement in feminine all...
Azzedine Alaïa Black Viscose Knit Lace Dress with Integrated Bodysuit, SS 1992
By Azzedine Alaïa
Located in London, GB
This black dress from Azzedine Alaïa’s Spring-Summer 1992 collection is constructed from fine-gauge viscose knit. The bodice features a semi-sheer ribbed knit with an integrated body...
Christian Dior by John Galliano Green Knit and Satin Evening Ensemble, SS 1999
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
A two-piece ensemble from Christian Dior by John Galliano, Spring-Summer 1999, consisting of a fitted cable-knit sweater and a coordinating column skirt in a muted seafoam green hue....
MUGLER Crystal Teardrop Corset Top Rhinestone Corsage
By Mugler
Located in Berlin, BE
Spectacular Mugler Teardrop Corset Top. The beautiful piece showcases Thierry Mugler's signature blend of bold structure and feminine elegance. Crafted in a delicate powder blue, the...
S/S 1999 Giorgio Armani Runway Pink Floral Sequin Embroidery Mesh Overlay Gown
By Giorgio Armani
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Giorgio Armani’s Spring/Summer 1999 collection, this ethereal pink gown features a fuchsia silk base overlaid with delicate lavender tulle. Intricate floral embroidery, accented...
S/S 1999 Atelier Versace Documented Runway Black Beaded Gown worn by Carmen Kaas
By Atelier Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
Versace ATELIER Runway Black Beaded Gown S/S 1999 Collection Italian Size 38 - US 4 Actual Runway sample worn by Carmen Kaas Color: Black Retail back in 1999 was $57,600 Meas...
1980’s Christian Dior Haute Couture Skirt Suit with Trim
By Christian Dior Haute Couture
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Christian Dior 1980’s haute couture brown wool herringbone tweed skirt suit with trim. Designed during the tenure of Gianfranco Ferre, this elegant body enhancing suit features a 3/4...
The vintage sweaters in your dresser may have humble origins, but they can’t be beaten for year-round fashion.
In the 15th century, sweaters originated as jersey tunics and other knitted shirts designed to keep sailors and fishermen warm. Later, during the 1880s in America, these knitted or crocheted vests or pullovers — in Britain, “jumpers” — were thought to substantially help athletes shed pounds as needed. Sweaters were an ideal garment for sports and outdoor events in the late 19th century. The knit fabric permitted movement but the material also protected against the cold. It wasn’t until the 1920s, however, that sweaters were introduced to the world of high fashion, thanks to pioneering designers such as Elsa Schiaparelli, Coco Chanel and Jeanne Lanvin.
A versatile garment, sweaters go well with most looks — from a casual gathering over drinks with friends to complementing a professional ensemble for the office to a night out at the theater. Simply pair a timeless cardigan with slacks or a skirt and your nicest dress shoes for any occasion, in any season, to tie an outfit together.
Once they were considered en vogue, sweaters were no longer strictly made with natural fibers like wool. Over time, fashion designers introduced the use of softer, synthetic materials. Today, traditional sweaters, such as those made with merino wool, are just as popular as more modern creations, such as the sweater dress. Similar to sweatshirts, sweaters come in all kinds of materials, from light synthetic blends perfect for spring to heavier fabrics, like cable-knit wool, to stay cozy and warm in winter and embrace the Danish concept of hygge.
A crucial factor that goes into selecting the perfect sweater is the material. High-quality wool, such as merino wool, which is soft and breathable, will feel luxurious and keep you warm on even the chilliest of evenings. Alpaca fleece, the fibers of which are native to Peru, offers the same warmth as wool, but an alpaca sweater is going to feel even softer than a merino wool sweater, similar to cashmere. Who doesn’t want a slouchy, oversize sweater made of a mix of mohair, nylon and wool on those subzero East Coast nights?
It’s important to note that wool can be a finicky material, easy to stain or distort and stretch. Synthetic materials are not only lightweight, but a nylon or polyester sweater will also be easier to wash and care for. If you opt for wool, take care of your sweater — fabric shavers, fabric combs and the local dry cleaner are your friends.
Sweaters come in various styles like V-neck, turtleneck and crewneck, which is the most popular style. For those extra cold days, a turtleneck offers added warmth without sacrificing style. Those looking for a casual touch that still emphasizes elegance can opt for a long tunic or scoop-neck pullover.
Maybe Versace or Gucci sweaters catch your eye, or ’90s fashion is your thing and a color-blocked sweater dress or John Galliano cardigan of the era is already a closet staple for you. Perhaps you’d rather opt for a 1970s long-sleeve knit top from Yves Saint Laurent. Either way, you’ll find exactly the black, beige or red vintage sweater you’re looking for in men, women or unisex styles today on 1stDibs.