A Simple Guide to Fall Sweaters

Cold-weather knits can range from super-casual to ultra-sophisticated.

What are the must-have layers to add to your collection? Think beyond the turtleneck and cardigan, and check out this season’s top 3 sweater trends.

TREND #1. NAVAJO PRINT SWEATER

Laid-back luxe Anyone who can’t get enough of the earthy-cool style evoked by fringe, feathers and denim should look no further than Isabel Marant to inspire their weekend wardrobe. The key piece to land the laid-back look is – of course! – a hip Navajo print sweater. Whether you choose a long cardigan (perfect with leggings or skinny jeans) or a cropped style (layer it over a tank, a tee or even a maxi dress), this cover-up is guaranteed to inject your ensemble with a dash of cool.

Wow at work Runway looks may be fun, but your boss might not agree. To rock the bold statement in a casual office, merge the Native-chic look with a preppy aesthetic: Work your wild sweater with a crisp blouse, flared dark-wash jeans and a ladylike leather satchel. Is your office more conservative? Belt your sweater over an LBD.

TREND #2. SASSY SWEATER DRESS

Laid-back luxe Of all the splurge-worthy garments with endless styling possibilities, the sweater dress comes out on top for fall. For an elegant, slightly ’70s-inspired look, team yours with flat riding boots, a floppy felt chapeau and a patterned silk scarf – leopard and paisley are current fashion-maven obsessions! Craving a slightly more rugged outfit? Try adding a pair of flat booties and a slouchy tuque, as seen on the runway at Tibi.

Wow at work Want to hit snooze one more time but still pull off a polished work ensemble? A sweater dress is a no-brainer: Think of it as a blank canvas to display your very best accessories, like posh pumps, a sleek skinny belt, an elegant timepiece or your most stunning statement necklace. Add a tailored jacket and a refined tote to strut your stuff straight into the boardroom.

TREND #3. COZY KNIT SWEATER

Laid-back luxe It’s out with summer crochet and in with the heavier feel of thick yarns and cable-knit in decadent angora, cashmere or merino wool. Whether you opt for an eye-popping colour (paired with bright jeans for a head-to-toe bright look, à la Mulberry) or a kitschy yet totally on-trend Fair Isle pattern (best paired with jeans and boots), a chunky topper is the perfect piece for transitioning into fall.

Wow at work All things ultra-sophisticated – bow blouses, pumps and pencil skirts – are reigning supreme this season, but that doesn’t mean you have to look like you just stepped off the set of Mad Men and into your 21st-century office. To keep your elegant look from moving into matronly territory, try sporting a textured knit – either a cardigan or a cropped style – over a silky blouse. While we can’t promise the corner office, rocking the season’s fabric-blocking trend will definitely land you on the office best-dressed list. Not a bad way to get noticed!

A Simple Guide to Fall Sweaters

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