Last week was still pretty hot, but the daily highs are starting to lower, and the evenings are turning chilly. So, I think it’s safe to say that sweater weather is right around the corner! Ideal sweater weather is temps between 55-65 depending on how hot you personally run. But sweater weather isn’t just about temperature; it also means crisp autumn breezes, vibrant foliage, changing light, and a woodsy smell in the air.
If you can’t tell, I’m a HUGE fan of sweaters, which may sound silly, but I love the comfy/cozy feeling of a soft and warm knit, especially after a sweltering summer. Here are a few of my top sweater picks for the season.
First, collared sweaters. Whether in cardigan or pullover form, a collared sweater, especially if it mimics a rugby-style shirt feels appropriately collegiate for this time of year. You can lean into the sporty feeling of collared knitwear with Target’s Men’s Regular Fit Collared Cardigan from Goodfellow & Co. With thick stripes and a button-front, it looks good on men and women. Or, go for a vintage vibe with a Peter Pan collared cardigan like Modcloth’s Collectif base cardigan.
Another retro-sweater style that’s on-trend this fall are sweater vests. Target’s V-Neck Printed Sweater Vest from Wild Fable comes in several prints. Classics like houndstooth and argyle, as well as a novel lavender floral pattern. Wear formally over a collared shirt, or wear as a shell under a blazer. This is another great style for men as well. Macy’s Men’s Cable-Knit sweater vests come in a variety of colors and will add a bit of texture to your standard button-down and chinos. Or, layer for extra warmth with a flannel shirt and jeans.
Sweaters and jeans are a fairly go-to look for most of us in the fall. One way to stand out and add some polish to your outfit combo is with a statement-sleeved sweater. Nordstrom’s Halogen Puff Sleeve Sweater features super-long cuffs to create a contemporary take on a puffed sleeve. Or go the Victorian route with J.Crew’s puff-sleeve ribbed silk-blend sweater, which comes in an oh-so-perfect autumnal shade of orange.
Color is definitely key when picking out sweaters for fall; however, I’ve gotten to the point where I have enough standard navy V-necks, red pullovers, and olive-green cardigans. In addition to keeping my eye out for striking shades, I’m also looking for unexpected texture in my sweaters. Garnet Hill’s Pointelle-Sleeve boatneck sweater is a great example; with its crochet-like geometric pointelle details on the sleeves and sides, it adds a subtle sense of visual interest to your look. Or Zara’s Knit Pompom Sweater with round neck, long sleeves, and openwork knit with pom pom detail in Kelly Green is the perfect statement knit for the season, worn with a corduroy skirt.
If you’re still wearing sweats more so than not, consider upgrading your sweatshirt to a hooded sweater. Walmart’s Scoop Sweater Hoodie comes in a pink or blue and has the feel of a slouchy hoodie, but the knit and drape of a sweater with functional drawstring at the hood and voluminous bracelet-length sleeves. I love the idea of throwing a hooded sweater over your tank and cutoffs once the sun goes down as we transition from summer to fall. Aerie also features a hooded sweater in cozy ribbed knit and a cropped silhouette that again can function as a transitional piece over a maxi-sundress.
Speaking of transitional pieces, fair isle sweaters are one of my favorite ways of dressing as fall turns to winter. It may not seem like it now, but it’ll be winter before you know it, and nothing says cozy like a high-necked pullover in a classic fair isle design, and nothing says classic like L.L. Bean. Their Cotton Ragg Funnelneck Pullover comes in timeless colors like deep port, indigo, and oatmeal. You can also find a men’s version in a crewneck. Chadwick’s Fair Isle pullover comes with raglan sleeves and longer banded trim, perfect with fleece-lined leggings and boots.
Autumn is such a brief season, one that so many treasures for various reasons. And if you’re also a lover of all things fall, then consider falling into one or two of sweaters above for another snuggly season of sweater weather!
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