"To no one’s surprise, fall is my favorite season. Not only because it signals a chill in the air and a PSL in hand, but also because it means that I get to spend the next few months dipping into my carefully assembled assortment of knits—and I think that we can all agree that without them, the universally beloved season would lack a bit of luster.
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Over the years, I’ve amassed quite the collection of sweaters—everything from brushed cashmere crewnecks to chunky marled cardigans. Getting to this stage, however, didn’t just happen overnight. It took some serious commitment to the craft, and the willingness to wade through some significant trial and error. Though it’s unanimous that knits reign supreme this time of year, the excitement to revisit the fall essential can often become muddled by a wave of fluctuating trends and new arrivals. To cut through the noise, if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years-long quest to secure the best sweater collection, it’s that no matter your personal style or current trends, there are a handful of sweaters essential to any fall wardrobe.
Whether you’re looking to add a sweater your pre-existing lineup or are hoping to start a timeless knit collection of your own, these are the five sweaters that every closet needs, regardless of trends.
1. A V-Neck
However trivial it may be, choosing between a V-neck and a crewneck sweater is a decision that comes with a lot of personal preference attached. But no matter which neckline you’ve found yourself tethered to, it’s important to keep a handful of each in rotation. Speaking as a crewneck kind of gal, I find myself layering my V-necks over a crewneck tee, allowing the tee to peek out just a bit while simultaneously creating more visual interest. Generally speaking, though, a V-neck sweater is versatile and timeless.
2. A Crewneck
My kryptonite, my crutch, my Achilles’ heel—come fall, I’m seldom caught wearing something other than a crewneck. I genuinely look forward to getting out of bed in the morning, shuffling my way over to my carefully curated stack of crewneck sweaters, and thinking to myself “which color will it be today?” However, that’s not to say that all crewnecks are made equal. My go-to of late? Brushed cashmere. Its textured properties up the intrigue while still remaining incredibly versatile. Oh, and they feel like butter against the skin. (You can thank me later.)
3. A Cardigan
At this point, I’m embarrassed by how many times I’ve already worn my favorite cardigan this season. When the weather is that perfect degree of “no coat needed,” I can’t be trusted not to throw my cardigan on in place of a jacket. For me, a buttoned knit is one of the most versatile sweaters you can own. They can be worn as a top, like you would a V-neck or crewneck, or open over a light layer, like you would a blazer or jacket. Perhaps my favorite way to sport a cardigan is worn draped over my shoulders as a finishing touch.
4. A Turtleneck
Not to get all Diane Keaton on you, but it doesn’t get much better than a turtleneck. Although I think that no fall wardrobe is complete without a classic black turtleneck, there are a host of more statement-making options to add to your wardrobe, from oversized cuts to Breton-style stripes. The thinner the sweater, the better the case for tucking into jeans or trousers. However, if your turtleneck is chunkier or longer than average, leave it untucked and pair with a more streamlined shoe or bottom, like straight-leg jeans or knee-high boots.
5. A Cable Knit
While they definitely have years of buzziness, cable-knit sweaters never really go out of style. They’re a fall hero piece; the cozy knit you reach for when you’ve had a long day, ready to curl up with a glass of red wine, cosplay as Cameron Diaz in The Holiday or Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally. Their timeless design and inherently cozy effect make for a sweater to reach for year after year.
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.