By Gretta Monahan
This week I saw the first official signs of real, true fall: a bunch of beautiful trees, turning bright red and gold, and a nip in the air. My first thought was a happy one: Sweater season is finally back! I’m such an enormous fan of cozy, soft tunics, V-necks, and turtlenecks—in everything from cashmere and nubby wools—and in colors from bright solids to deep hues, patterns in argyle to stripes.
And oh my goodness, are the options ever fantastic this year. Here are some of my current favorites styles:
Turtlenecks: Possibly the ultimate cold weather piece, they cover every inch of your upper body and practically guarantee warmth. Wearing a tight turtleneck will bring attention to your face, while a loose fitting one will accentuate your neck—so take your pick. The Cambridge Cable Chunky Turtleneck ($98 at jcrew.com) comes in a range of beautiful muted tones and has a snug yet comfortable fit. It’s made of a wool blend to keep you warm on windy fall mornings.
Cut-outs: These designs offer the best of both worlds—you have the warmth of a sweater, but you can still show off some skin. Shoulder and sleeve cutouts are great because you’ll be warm with a jacket on top but when you get to your indoor destination, toss it off to show off your trendy sweater. The Jameson Open-Shoulder Sweater ($138 at anthropologie.com) is one such gem.
Sweater dresses: Fall was made for cute sweater dresses and knee-high or thigh-high boots. They keep you warm wherever your date takes you, and you’ll still feel girly and sexy instead of figureless under a large jacket. The Cold Shoulder Rib Knit Dress ($48 at Nordstrom.com) comes in a beautiful rust color that screams autumn, and has both a turtleneck and shoulder cutouts—the trifecta of sweaters! Dress it up with some high heel booties or dress it down with a casual jacket and ankle boots.
Oversized fits: They’re fantastic on days when you just want to be cozy throughout the day, no matter what. A slouchy fit may not accentuate curves and body shape, but they lend a pretty adorable “I just got out of bed but look fabulous” look. In Her Element Tunic ($128 at freepeople.com) is oversized and beautiful. Pair it with skinny jeans for a more put-together look or throw on some comfy leggings and fully own the effortless, relaxed vibes you’ll be sending.
