Sweater Weather

Throwing on a sweater usually makes dressing in the winter a snap.  Think about it: an oxford shirt, a pair of jeans, and a good pair of shoes…throw a sweater on top and grab your waxed coat and you are ready to face the elements.  I love sweater weather.  It’s a chance to add some pop to an outfit without thinking too hard.

With sweaters, as with every other article of clothing, fit is the most important.  Be conscious of fit around your body, higher armholes, and sleeve length.  An ill-fitting sweater looks a lot like wearing an afghan.  Once you have the fit nailed, the rest is icing on the cake.  This year, I’m into a bit of a military/shooting look.  Here are the sweaters that do it right:

From top left:

1. Dubarry Mulligan Sweater:  I really like the deep rust color (Dubarry called it Russet), and I like those leather shoulders.  Pair this with just about anything and jeans/5-pockets and you are in business.  Good price point as well.
2. Onward Reserve Banks Donegal Sweater: Donegal is a really cool alternative to the normal lambswool.  Thick and warm, and a great texture that adds a little umph to a winter outfit.  Looks great under a waxed coat.
3. Ball and Buck Commando Sweater:  Ball and Buck have an obsessive attention to detail, and it shows.  Their commando sweaters are as cool as it gets, both as a layering piece, and for use in the field.
4. Drake’s Brushed Shetland Lambswool Jumper:  While lambswool seems to be the trad suit of armor, it’s fully appropriate to wear in a more European-inspired ensemble.  The brushed cable knit gives the texture some appeal, without being too fussy.  This is a Friday night sweater.
5. Orvis X Barbour Rossit Half Button Sweater:  While this may lean a little more technical, it’s a great sweater to use as an outer layer.  Think of it as an adult version of a Snap-T.
6. Sid Mashburn Long Sleeved Polo Sweater:  A look that doesn’t seem to get too much play, but pair a polo sweater over a solid oxford for a smart look.  Just don’t pop either collar.
7. Alan Paine V-Neck Cashmere Sweater:  Cashmere is a gift, folks.  Not only is it luxurious and soft, it’s a tough fabric that lasts forever (if you take care of it).  I’m really digging the deep royal blues, deep purples, and dark oranges this year, and Alan Paine does it right.
8. J. Crew (Factory!) Shoulder Patch Cotton Crewneck Sweater:  The leather shoulder patches toughen this sweater up, and the price point is really hard to ignore.  This is your tacos/beer then to Terminal West for a concert sweater.
9. Club Monaco Textured Wool Sweater:  More of a sweatshirt look, this is a sweater that will actually dress down an outfit.  To be worn with New Balances or Clark’s.
10. Peter Millar Sierra Tweed Button Mock Sweater:  Tweed isn’t only for jackets, guys.
11. Billy Reid Diamond Quilt Shawl Pullover:  Billy Reid’s sweater game is top notch.  He rarely misses, and has milked this shawl design for the past few years – and for good reason.  The collar isn’t big and bulky, and the fit is just right.  I’ve had one since ’13 and continue to wear it frequently.
12. A.P.C. Berger Pullover:  A military themed sweater without all the details.  Simple and understated, the green is a great look with a blue oxford.  Pair with charcoal trousers and suede boots.  BOOM.

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