Sweater Weather: Top 5

Oct 10

By: Maria Bermudez Pizano

When the crisp leaves of fall start to change colors and chilly mornings become a regular theme, I’m more than pleased to dig my sweaters out of hibernation. Sweaters are probably my favorite wardrobe piece, and if you, like me, are a sweater-aficionado, I hope you’ll find this article informative as to why they can be such a central piece of your wardrobe. And if you’re planning to invest in a beautiful knit to go with your PSL, I hope this small guide will be a good starting-point for finding the best piece for sweater weather.

First, let’s talk materials. A warm, cozy sweater is a good investment that could keep you warm from fall to winter, so when purchasing one, look for durable pieces that won’t have you shivering or scratching your upper-body constantly. In other words, choose durable fabrics that let your body breathe but that will keep you warm at all times. The Primer recommends natural fibers because of their overall higher quality and comfort, resulting in a more polished, long-lasting look.

If you’re willing to invest heavily in a sweater that gives you a clean, formal look, Merino wool and cashmere (or even a blend of cashmere and wool) are the best alternatives because of their soft, delicate feel on your skin. I recommend the Extra Fine Merino and Cashmere sweaters from UNIQLO for a professional and durable item that can also be used for a casual event (they also constantly have sales, and if you sign up for their newsletter they will keep you updated with their current promotions). If you’re looking for a more affordable piece with similar attributes, look for wool and linen, which will keep you warm but won’t make you feel like you’re suffocating. For more environmentally conscious pieces, try looking at H&M’s Conscious line.

Now, let’s talk style. Sweaters are a huge category that can encompass so many different styles, so choosing one will depend on the kind of occasion you’re wearing it to, how you’re going to style it, what you’re wearing it with, etc. To list a few, you can choose from V-necks, shawl collar, turtleneck, cardigans, pullovers and off the shoulder. However, some of these are more essential for fall than others. Fisherman or cable-knit sweater are styles you will see over and over again, and they’re easy to pair with boots and jeans (bonus points if it has a turtleneck to eliminate the need for a scarf). You can find them at J. Crew and L.L. Bean.

Duluth Trading Turtleneck Fisherman Sweater

J Crew Cable Knit Sweater with Turtleneck

V-necks will make you look gracious and elegant, and they can be worn with a dress shirt underneath or by themselves. Cardigans, on the other hand, will come handy for lazy Sunday afternoons with a slight breeze . Don’t be scared to play with prints or length, and go for a trendy look, such as a long cardigan that comes all the way to your ankles, paired with ankle boots and a floppy hat or some shades. Finally, if you’re looking for a flirty look, try ponchos or sweater dresses to go with thigh-high boots and a skirt. LOFT and Zara have great options.