Is it more than just the crisp turn of weather that brings us inward, bundling, snuggling, replenishing? It’s as if the act of being out all summer, shedding and free, needs its counterpart. Talk about balance! The earth gives us the tools that we need. Longer nights to bring us home. Pot roast to lull. Sweaters for toasty.
My fashion changed when I started spending more time in New York a couple years ago. Not just because it’s New York, but out of function and necessity too. Here you see neighbors, you walk, you are in the elements. I started paying more attention to athleisure, to replace bedraggled. My collection of cross body bags multiplied. Outfits were built around shoes. And in a yearly rodding up to seek more warmth, I went through three iterations of Canada-cold parkas before I realized all the components it took.
It wasn’t until several purchases that I recognized my gravitational pull to serious sweaters. I’m talking about the sweaters that are the heralding of coats, the post season of cardigans. Like fall’s rotation of life, these are the changeovers to winter. I think it started for me with an unconscious attachment to lofty yarns, popcorn knitting, handmade yesterday, fine-gauge weight. Awareness in the purchases had been kindled by wanting to look presentable in leggings and a T. There’s something extraordinary and decadent about the humble sweater when it’s heightened to an outer piece. Kind of amazing the impression that comes when combined with volume, proportion and elongation.
One of my favorite resources for great sweaters is Marla Wynne. She puts slits on the sides that do amazing things for your shape. Her textiles are high-end and reminiscent of St. John. Marla Wynne’s looks are different, elevated. Her line is on HSN, so you get to know the backstory. She is a champion of women, and became an entrepreneur after 50. Following years in Paris where she was an executive in the film industry, she returned to L.A. in 2003. The writers’ strike in 2007, compounded with the economic depression of 2008 wiped out her savings and her livelihood. Marla’s recovery was literally to go out and buy a sewing machine; then teach herself how to design clothing that worked for women like her–plum age, body-changing, je ne sais quoi-women. According to inc.com her company now has more than $10 million in revenue.
Marla Wynne Sweater Kimono . Marla Wynne Colorblock Cardigan
More great sweaters out there with shapes and yarns that are just right, and say something:
Full Disclosure–this Mohair-Blend Cardigan is itchy, so wear something underneath that provides coverage–it’s totally worth it. I bought mine a couple years ago, in olive, and it makes anything I put it with more hip.
H&M Mohair-Blend Cardigan . H&M Wool-Blend Cardigan
Anthropologie Textured Cardigan . Anthropologie Meredith Cardigan
Anthropologie Hooded Pullover . Anthropologie Chloe Cardigan
Aritzia Lenox Sweater . Aritzia Vetus Sweater