Warm up to perfect new fall sweaters
What are three fantastic things you associate with fall? Beautiful foliage? Check. Pumpkin spice everything? Of course. And no doubt, sweaters. Their coziness on a nippy morning or windswept evening make the season one I always look forward to — especially after a long, muggy summer.
And this autumn is no different. The end of summer always has its ups and downs in the temperature department — one day’s hot as can be, the next there’s frost on the lawn — but tossing on (or pulling off ) a sweater is always the easiest answer to both. They’re the best way to layer up, and to cozy up.
Here are a few of my favorite options out there at the moment:
Let’s start with a basic. We all need them throughout fall, and this one you’ll wear far into winter, and it’s well-made enough to last years. L.L. Bean’s Women’s Signature Cotton/Linen Ragg Sweater ($49.99 on llbean.com) is a tad funky and a tad proper. The darker-colored shirttail hem and wide cuffs give a little extra definition to the rest of the piece, which is otherwise a classic marled sweater in beautiful soft cotton with linen. Wear it in a bigger size and over leggings for a easygoing silhouette, or buy one fitted to your frame and pair it with a low-slung pant for a tailored effect.
Or how about the Asvivid Women’s Chunky Button Turtle Cowl Neck Asymmetric Hem Wrap Pullover Sweater ($19.99-$35.00 on amazon.com) — a soft and affordable turtle/cowlneck sweater that keeps every outfit buttoned up and in solid shape? With its chunky knit and button details across the front, it’s both quasi-poncho (though make no mistake, it is a pullover) and suggestive of a jacket.
With its loose yet shapeconscious fit, the Recycled-Cashmere Retro Sweater ($229 on garnethill.com) is a slam dunk in any fall look, from denim or an embroidered miniskirt to ultradressy satin tuxedo pants. That’s because its play on varsity chic — via the black stripe against a soft Oyster Heather hue — winks at sophisticated fun. The 100% recycled cashmere is soft as can be.
For fans of not-quite-aturtleneck, there’s Barbour’s Roll Collar Sweater ($150 on bloomingdales.com). Beautifully neutral in a color-blocked mix of caramel and cream, the ribbed pullover is fantastic with virtually any black or brown skirt or pant, and is a bold, gorgeous foil to any piece in red. The best part: While it’s statement-making enough in on its own, it still leaves plenty of color and space to include any of fall’s magnificently printed scarves.
Meanwhile, boyfriend cardis are going strong for yet another fall, and are earning their stripes as a beloved weekend staple — and they even do the job well for workday looks, paired with slim midcalf skirts or khakis. And they’re literally earning their stripes when you go for one with stripes, like the Central Park West Denim-Trim Boyfriend Cardigan (on sale for $39.99 on saksoff5th.com), with its red and navy on cream palette, and touches of denim that give any corresponding pieces both stylish detailing and an overall relaxed attitude.