fall sweater
G. Label

A Sweater for Every Autumn Mood

It's the first day of fall. Time to consider your knitwear options

I hated sweaters as a child. They were almost oppressively itchy and represented the monotony of cold winter days and the inevitability of having to grow up. Don’t get me started on the worst sweater offenders—turtlenecks. Now, I love them. It helps that I’ve discovered the downy wonders of cashmere and merino, and that a good sweater is exactly the kind of novelty I crave after months of cotton prairie dresses. This season, we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to fall knitwear. From vintage, cottage-core-style cardigans to sleek, menswear-inspired vests, there’s a fall sweater out there for everyone. 

If You’re Carrying Summer Energy into Fall 

We can confidently pin the rise of this trend to one direct source: Katie Holmes hailing a cab in a matching cashmere-and-bra set from Khaite, last summer. From there, dozens of imitations and interpretations have followed. Matching sets are inherently versatile: Wear the lighter layer on its own on at home and then layer up when you’re headed out. Plus, the tanks and crop tops are a great way to fool yourself that summer isn’t over quite yet. 

fall sweater
MangoMango cardigan, $70, mango.com and tank top, $50, mango.com
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fall sweater
ReformationReformation set, $318, thereformation.com
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fall sweater
Urban OutfittersUO cardigan, $89, urbanoutfitters.com, crop top, $54, urbanoutfitters.com
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If You’re Ready to Move to the Country

Call it Cottagecore or Prairiecore–this trend is steeped in rural idyll and the fantasy of Laura Ingalls Wilder. When it comes to knitwear, look for delicate floral embroidery, lacy collars and a handmade, homespun feel. For the real deal, turn to Etsy or your local vintage stores.

fall sweater
EtsyVintage sweater, $45, etsy.com
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fall sweater
MatchesFashionIsabel Marant Etoile sweater, $790, matchesfashion.com
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fall sweater
Good Night, DayGood Night, Day cardigan, $360, goodnightday.com
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If the mere thought of sweaters makes you, well, sweat

These lightweight, menswear-inspired vests are the minimalist counterpoint to heavy embellishments and hyper-feminine details that are so prevalent in fall knitwear. Layer them on top of an oversized boyfriend button-up to double up on the androgynous vibe or rock them with bare arms as long as the weather permits. 

fall sweater
GoopG. Label vest, $390, shop.goop.com
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fall sweater
CosCos vest, $118, cosstores.com
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fall sweater
H&MH&M vest, $35, hm.com
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If You’re Going to Spend a Lot of Time Outdoors 

Evoking the ’80s, these sweaters are beloved by designers from Isabel Marant to Simon Porte Jacquemus—both included them in their fall collections. Super practical, these cardigans and pullovers are meant to be layered and lend a sporty edge to any outfit. I’m a fan of wearing them under a mannish peacoat.

fall sweater
MangoMango sweater, $100, mango.com
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fall sweater
Bare KnitwearBare Knitwear sweater, $428, bareknitwear.ca
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fall sweater
MatchesFashionJacquemus sweater, $930, matchesfashion.com
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If You’re Not Leaving the House Until Spring

After a brief hiatus, longline cardigans are back. These robe-like sweaters are the ideal layer for early fall. Just imagine them worn over a silky slip dress (or even pyjamas). 

fall sweater
Oak and FortOak and Fort cardigan, $108, oakandfort.com
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fall sweater
Canada GooseCanada Goose cardigan, $550, canadagoose.com
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fall sweater
UniqloUniqlo cardigan, $50, uniqlo.com
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