When it comes to living in New York City, the story goes that every apartment comes with a sacrifice. Do you want an in-apartment washer and dryer, or do you want wooden floors, high ceilings, and big windows south of 14th Street? Do you want an elevator building that allows pets near the river and the good coffee, or do you want a closet that comfortably fits your winter wardrobe? I was lucky enough to get almost all of the above—what I didn’t get, sadly, was a closet designed for two people.
If you’ve been following along this season, you’ll know that I’ve been in the market for great new knitwear. It started with chatting to my friends about where they buy their chic little knits, which led to me feeling compelled to interrupt a stranger to find out where she got her perfect sweater. Now, I’ve landed on sharing some of the very best sweaters (plus coats and boots) to shop this season. As the rule goes in our NYC household, the purchase of new things must come with the purging of other things. Some will be donated, others vacuum-bagged and stored away for another winter to come. Here are the sweater styles I’m saying goodbye to for now in order to make room for these new cozy friends.
Retiring: Bright-Red Turtlenecks
I still love me some pops of red in my wardrobe, but the moment of layering a red turtleneck under all my fall and winter looks is behind me. The trendier look I’m leaning into is the polo sweater. From Khaite to Reformation to Zara, there are plenty of options to shop at any price point.
Gap
Cashsoft Relaxed Polo Sweater
Reformation
Brooklyn Cashmere Polo Sweater
Dôen
Nuage Cable-Knit Alpaca and Merino Wool-Blend Sweater
Tuckernuck
Black Carlisle Cashmere Banded Polo Sweater
Zara
100% Wool Plain Jersey Polo Shirt
Khaite
Rene Polo Cashmere Sweater
Polo Ralph Lauren
Long Sleeve Polo Shirt
Retiring: Funky Fair Isle Sweaters
I’m finally accepting that the après-ski vibe isn’t quite my thing, and I’m relieved I didn’t splurge the last few winters. (I was tempted because I love the look on other people.) Instead, I’m all about knitwear in colors that feel expensive—burgundy, gray, olive green, and shades of brown, from chocolate to camel.
Asos Edition
Knitted Oversized High Neck Sweater
Vince
Collared Double Layer Pullover
Gap
Cashsoft V-Neck Sweater
Frame
Oversized Cashmere Crew Pullover
Massimo Dutti
The Cloud Oversized Turtleneck
Zara
Basic Knit Soft Sweater
Retiring: Cropped Styles
For a moment, it seemed like I really needed more knits that just grazed the belt of my high-waisted trousers and jeans instead of being tucked. Now, I’m all about a longer silhouette—like the COS style I immediately bought after seeing it on a chic eventgoer the other week. (It’s shopped out below.) It’s perfect to complete the trending silky-pant winter look everyone’s so hot on.
Free People
Sunbeam Sweater
&Daughter
Fintra Wool Turtleneck Sweater
Gap
Cashsoft Mockneck Sweater
Cos
Chunky Pure Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater
H&M
Oversized Turtleneck Sweater
Mango
Oversized V-Neck Sweater
Reformation
Jadey Cashmere Oversized V-Neck Sweater
Retiring: Big, Slouchy Cardigans
My slouchier cardigans are being relegated to the second division, which means I’m mainly inclined to wear them when I’m working from home or the café downstairs. They’re super comfy but still Zoom-friendly. A cardigan is a step above a sweatshirt, so I feel like I’m dressed. When it comes to going out for a drink, a meeting, or whatever else it might be, I’m about a crewneck cardigan that’s a little more polished. I’ve been wearing mine over a thin white long-sleeve tee that just pops out a little at the neck and cuffs with buttons done all the way up to the top to read more like a sweater.
Mango
Knitted Cardigan With Jewel Button
Zara
Basic 100% Wool Cardigan
Reformation
Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan
Guest In Residence
Cardigan Jane Pointelle
Asos Design
Crew Neck Compact Cardigan