After a long summer spent in shorts, tee shirts, swimsuits, and cut-offs, the style-conscious among us are no doubt celebrating the fact that fall is finally here. 'Tis the season for stylish leather jackets, ponchos, and the very latest in fashionable fall boots. Best of all, fall marks the triumphant return of "sweater weather."
If you're especially excited about sweaters, it's not hard to understand why. Sweaters can be chic and stylish enough for the office or a night out on the town. However, they're cozy and comfortable enough for spending the day on the couch with a good book and a cup of tea as well. Here's what we're most excited about when it comes to this year's offerings.
Storm Sweaters
When it comes to the weather this time of year, you need to be prepared for just about anything. Autumn showers, fog, and possibly even a little early snow are all definite possibilities - exactly why storm sweaters should be on everyone's radar.
Storm sweaters from manufacturers like UA Storm are designed to repel water while remaining fantastically breathable. They wick sweat away from the body as well, so you won't find yourself feeling overly warm even if the sun decides to come out for a couple of hours while you're out and about.
Check out our Storm Specialist Sweater for men - just right for a number of this year's hottest looks. Our Women's Wintersweet makes a wonderful alternative for women.
Cowl Necks
Cowl neck sweaters are among the most popular sweater styles out there for a number of very good reasons. They're soft, often oversized, and designed with absolute coziness in mind. Plus, cowl necklines are elegant and graceful enough to flatter absolutely anyone, so they're a great choice for fashion conscious people as well.
Try a style like our Dreamers from Debut on for size. It features a flattering drop neck design and attractively ribbed long sleeves. It's also made of a comfortable blend of acrylic and cotton. Wear it on its own with your favorite pair of jeans, or layer it over another top for a little extra warmth.
Colorful Prints and Patterns
With the temperature dropping, and the days getting shorter, it only stands to reason colorful sweaters that invoke cheer while remaining completely in step with the season would be popular. They're the perfect way to stay toasty warm and perfectly stylish while adding a little fun to your cold weather wardrobe this year.
Look for cardigan styles with eye-catching southwestern-inspired patterns and dynamic accents against creamy, neutral backgrounds. Special touches like fur trim and decorative buttons complete a classically beautiful look to perfection. We're positively in love with this blue and red on beige women's print sweater from the geniuses at Flying Tomato. Look for comfy ponchos and wraps that bring a similar type of flair to the table as well.
Open Cardigans
Cardigans have been a sweater weather staple for decades. That's because they're classics that go well with a wide variety of looks. However, it's important to realize that cardigans don't start and stop at the trademark button-down style so many of us already know and love. Some of this season's most exciting looks feature a comfortable and attractive open front design instead.
Open front cardigans (like this Jealous Tomato women's jacquard option) are second to none when it comes to flexibility. During early fall - before the temperature really drops - they make great substitutes for light jackets. At home, or later on in the season, they're great for layering over turtlenecks or lighter shirts for an extra-cozy layer of warmth.
Sweater Shirts
The very beginnings of sweater weather that we see in early fall signal the perfect time to start exploring the wonders of sweater shirts. They're not as thick as more traditional sweaters, but are generally more substantial than your typical shirt.
Look for flowing, asymmetrical shapes and split sides that flatter any body type. Oversized fits allow for maximum comfort, while lighter fabrics allow for sublime breathability no matter what the weather may decide to bring that day. V-necks and Henley-style necklines are popular as well.
Naturally we're all rejoicing now that sweater weather is officially here again. However, the term "sweater" covers a lot more territory than it previously did. The styles touched on here are just a fraction of the options available this season. Embrace the possibilities today!
