One of the most fun yet challenging conundrums of dressing for fall can be actively seeking outerwear solutions that fit what the weather may bring. Wearing a heavy piece of outwear during an in-between season can be hit or miss; you could easily put yourself in a situation where you feel like a rump roast in a slow cooker. However, if you do the opposite and opt to wear no form of outwear, you can risk freezing your ass off.
I talk about layering for the weather frequently because it’s truly is the best way to play around with your style and create a dynamic look. When you’re searching for something that’s perfect during a transitional season and want to try something other than your jacket, blazer, or coat, I suggest giving a chunky shawl-collar cardigan a shot. It’s going to give you a unique blend of dashing style, all while being extremely comfortable.
When I think of a manly shawl-collar cardigan, one person who pops in my head is Daniel Craig and I love the way he makes it look so effortlessly cool. All in all, it’s the perfect piece to introduce to your fall lineup that says, “I’m cognizant of the things that I put on my body, but I’m not a slave to fashion’s trends.” Below you’ll find a few tips for selecting the perfect sweater along with how I’ve styled one of my own. You’re going to rock it this fall.
How to select the perfect shawl-collar cardigan
First, it’s a sweater and should fit like one. Make sure it’s slightly fitted throughout your torso so it can be worn with a coat or layered under a blazer or jacket. This will give you the versatility of wearing it on its own or along with other pieces when temps drop.
Second, pick your fabric wisely. The sweater I wore in this post is made of cotton for warmer temps, but these chunky shawl-collar sweaters often come in thick wool or cashmere. (Note: When I say thick, I mean it: this style can be an inch thick or more and weigh a few pounds.) Now obviously the thicker and heavier you go, the closer you get to calling it a coat.
Last, give the sweater a feel before you buy it. Is it something that you’re going to want rubbing against your skin for hours at a time? If it’s not comfortable to the touch, that doesn’t mean you have to rule it out! Just be aware that you may be limited to wearing it with a long-sleeve collared shirt. Also, look at the how the fabric holds up to piling. This can be difficult when you’re deciding at the store, but use your best judgment by feeling the yarn and checking the seams for quality construction.
Sweater: Old Navy | Shirt: A.P.C. | Denim: J.Crew | Shoes: Lanvin | Leather Bracelet: Miansai | Sunglasses: Ray Ban
Photography: Marc Parroquin
