The Sweaters You Should Be Wearing This Fall

There’s a good reason we don’t refer to the crisp days of autumn as long-sleeved tee weather, sweatshirt weather, or shirt-jacket weather. It’s called Sweater Weather because there’s nothing that hits quite as satisfyingly this time of year as a layer of knit merino, cashmere, or cotton, especially when paired with the season’s most stylish pants and unbeatable outerwear.The season’s best knitwear takes its cues from just about every corner of menswear, from that chunky fisherman sweater in When Harry Met Sally (and recently seen on Malik Elassal in Adults) to the triumphant return of the once-ubiquitous V-neck. The resurgence of American prep (shaggy dog, anyone?) has likewise ushered in a new wave of sporty, collegiate-inspired knits that look like they belong on the sidelines of a football game circa 1963. Meanwhile, the broader move towards sharper dressing has made collared sweaters an appealing alternative to your standard crewneck, and after years of “quiet luxury” neutrals, designers are making a compelling case for sweaters in shades that are harder to ignore. And yes, there are fleeces, too.Fortunately, you don’t need to overhaul your wardrobe to get in on the action. A well-chosen sweater can make your favorite jeans feel more considered or bring a swerve-y jolt of color to an otherwise straightforward fall fit. Whether you’re looking to embrace your inner ’90s heartthrob or simply want something stylishly cozy as the temperatures dip, here are the sweaters worth knowing about this fall.A Little More Buttoned-UpFrom soft knit polos to collared cardigans, the coziest sweaters are getting a slightly dressier treatment this season. Swing for the fences with a bold chevron pattern from Chitose Abe’s Sacai, or keep things classic with a relaxed-fit polo sweater from Gap in staple shades like navy or brown. Either way, consider it an easy way to look more put-together without sacrificing an ounce of comfort.SacaiStriped Crocheted Zip-Up CardiganStussyPique Knit Stripe RugbyThe ’90s Heartthrob V-NeckFrom the jeans to the facial hair, 1990s styling is back in full force, and the V-neck sweater is riding that wave. For starters, it looks killer over a simple crewneck tee, instantly making even the most straightforward outfit feel a little more considered. (When in doubt, just channel your inner Hugh Grant.) You can go a little more prep with a crisp button-up underneath, or layer it with a flannel and pair it with those revamped Jack Purcells. Keep things lightweight and simple with styles from J.Crew and Todd Snyder, or go for a little more heft, like the Irish lambswool knits from &Daughter or The Row’s thick, wide-rib cashmere.Knits in Living ColorMaybe the fuzzed-out cardigans with lava-lamp patterns were a gateway drug to all the head-turning knitwear we’re seeing, but whatever the reason, we’re gravitating toward bold, single-color sweaters in just about every shade imaginable. Wear a punchy knit with your favorite blue jeans and black leather shoes, or play with the season’s autumnal palette. (Many shades of yellow and purple both look pretty damn good with a rich brown.) After years of quiet neutrals, consider it an invitation to turn the color dial all the way up.Every Other ThursdayCashmere Knit CrewneckThe Elder StatesmanStatesman CrewAmi ParisRed Cable Wool CardiganZaraAaron Levine x Zara Textured Cable SweaterGet SportyBeyond rugby shirts and loafers, the resurgence of prep means plenty of Ivy-approved sweaters and sweatshirts to wear with ‘em. There’s a colorful cardigan with a chenille patch from Los Angeles label ERL, plus offerings from Ralph Lauren and Union that draw on vintage collegiate lettering, plus subtler options like simple athletic stripes from Abercrombie & Fitch. Any of these will inject a little sporty Ivy League energy into your fall wardrobe without going full letterman jacket.Polo Ralph LaurenRelaxed Fit Wool Letter SweaterAbercrombie & Fitch100% Cotton Rib V-Neck SweaterThe Great Fleece UpgradeThe fuzzy fleece jacket may not technically be a sweater, but is a fall staple beloved by everyone from hardcore hikers to tech bros, and for good reason. While you can never go wrong with the usual suspects from Patagonia, Arc’teryx, et al., this season’s best fleeces have more pizzazz than these gorpcore standbys. The tailoring experts at Drake’s offer a nubby number with contrasting piping and a full-zip front, while The North Face and Ralph Lauren embrace bold patterns, offering coziness and personality.Polo Ralph LaurenRelaxed Fit Pile Fleece PulloverDrake'sBlue Boucle Wool Zip Fleece JacketThe North FaceUnisex TNF™ Red Box Printed ½-Zip FleeceLand's EndMen's Print Half Zip Sherpa Fleece Pullover