The humble sweater is fall’s longest-running MVP. Not only is it the first item we reach for as soon as the temperatures drop, but the best fall sweaters boast endless styling opportunities. Whether you prefer to wrap a chunky cashmere crewneck around your shoulders or gravitate towards body-skimming turtlenecks designed for layering, NYC-based stylist Seppe Tirabassi recommends quality over quantity.
“It’s better to have two or three go-to sweaters in your rotation than ten that won’t even make it to next season,” says Tirabassi. This year, he suggests opting for ribbed cashmere, with an honorable mention going to nautical-inspired stripes. “You can’t go wrong with any of these, especially if they have a relaxed or oversized fit and come from brands like Frame, Khaite, Anine Bing, or Loro Piana,” he says.
But how do you know a sweater’s going to be worth its price tag? “Whenever I go shopping, I always turn the garment inside out and see how the stitches are finished, and how the pockets are attached,” says NYC-based knitwear designer Nia Thomas. She advises checking the care content label to see what fibers the sweater is made of and how to best care for it. For the luxury lover, cashmere never disappoints, but if you want a more everyday material, look at merino wool blends. Thomas also emphasizes the importance of thinking about “how the cut, silhouette, or other design elements will play into your lifestyle,” to ensure you’re not investing in a sweater you’ll never wear.
Still don’t know where to start? With help from Tirabassi and Thomas, we have found the best fall sweaters for every occasion—including days when there’s no occasion at all.
