Summer sweaters are their own thing and we love them

Sweaters for summer? Yup, it's a thing. The summer sweater is an essential staple for multiple reasons. Aside from being ideal for those freak cooler days, they're also great to add on as a final layer for breezy summer nights. (Also, hands up if you work in an office that has the AC set to 3 degrees cooler than it should.) But summer sweaters differ from the winter versions we know and love. They're lighter, loosely-knit and in some cases, open-backed too. The colours come brighter, the sleeves come off-the-shoulder and they can work with everything from tees and dresses to denim and skirts. Are you sold yet? We thought so. Scroll on for the best summer sweaters online right now.

Open back

Let's start with the breeziest style of them all. Open-backed sweaters scream summer. Pick an oversized style with a dramatic tie and pair it with mom jeans for balance. Pointy toe shoes and a matching bag make for a nice finishing touch.

Esteban Cortazar Split-Back Wool And Silk-Blend Sweater, $738, matchesfashion.com

Off-the-shoulder

The off-the-shoulder trend shows no signs of slowing down for good reason: it's flattering on everybody. Tuck it into straight leg denim and finish off with a casual pair of Converse, and you've got a new go-to weekend outfit.

Off-The-Shoulder Sweater, $38, hm.com

OTT

More is more types will want to try exaggerated sleeve sweaters for the season. There's no doubting the cool factor of this one, and you can even take it up a level with wide-leg trousers in the same standout shade.

Mother of Pearl Nash Sweater, $290, shopbop.com

Short sleeves

Hot days, but cool nights this week? A short sleeved sweater is the thing, and in a light colour. Wear it with midi skirt and sneakers for a look that's pretty but modern.

Sunday Best Vivian Sweater, $78, aritzia.com

The blues

Want to make a statement? Try a sweater from Prada's S/S 18 collection, designed in partnership with eight female illustrators. Play up the darker shades in the creepy crawlers with a black denim skirt or shots, and don't forget a great pair of booties.

Prada Cashmere Blend Sweater, $530, net-a-porter.com

Easy breezy

A so-thin-it-was-made-for-summer sweater is essential for a preppy look this season. Look no further than this one, which comes with a flattering v-neck and the perfect tone of white to show off any tan. Grab a pair of khakis and ballet flats to complete the look.

V-Neck Pullover, $24, joefresh.com

Go graphic

Simple and still a bit elevated. Choose a style like this black and white sweater with detailing on the sleeves, hem and neck to take you from a meeting to a work event in the evening. With white denim, gold sandals and turquoise jewellery, you've got the ultimate summer outfit for a more proper occasion.  

Striped Flare Sleeve Sweater, $122, anntaylor.com

Open up

Open knits might just be the coolest way to wear sweaters in summer. Grab one in a light material, and pastel shade like this pale blue, and then pair it creamy khaki style pant or skirt. Brown leather slides will be all you need to pull together the look.

The Reformation Rose Sweater, $168, thereformation.com

Torn apart

Nothing offers great ventilation quite like strategically placed rips. Try the trend in an oversized cut and in a bright colour that's sure to get noticed. Pair it up with baggier white denim or leggings and dad sneakers, and your weekend outfit problems are totally solved.

MSGM Destroyed Sweater, $308, nordstrom.com

Bold and bright

Pink can be ultra-feminine, but Helmut Lang toughens it up in this ultra-lightweight fabric that's perfectly torn around the neck. Think about wearing it for night with leather leggings, and a killer pair black kitten heels.

Helmut Lang Pink Feather Weight Mohair Crewneck Sweater, $455, ssense.com