Cardigans, Knit Dresses & 8 Other Fall Essentials We Swear By
Transitioning from summer-to-whatever calls for a reliable selection of pieces otherwise known as your foundational fall wardrobe.
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When the temperature calls for layering, getting dressed can feel quite daunting. There goes the kind of mental gymnastics required to land on the right number and combination of layers. Even if you prefer cooler temperatures, there is simply more effort that goes into cold-weather dressing. As a New Yorker, this is something I know all too well; the period between September and November for example presents quite the style challenge as we consider it fall, but it often feels like winter. It’s not uncommon to wear a cable-knit sweater and wool coat, or a button-down and trench coat in the same week. In short, transitioning from summer-to-whatever calls for a reliable selection of pieces otherwise known as your foundational fall wardrobe.
The good news is, these items can be put to use long after the fall season ends. Take for instance the failsafe cardigan. With its practical design, it can be worn on its own as a transitional top, or layered over a matching tank for a winter look. Because of its versatility, the cardigan has evolved into a mainstay in any cold-weather wardrobe. The spring 2024 runways have even proposed cool new ways to wear it (double-sleeve sweater hack anyone?). Fendi and Proenza Schouler suggest tying yours over a dress or a sweater. Meanwhile, the trench coat is also seeing a resurgence, thanks in no small part to Burberry’s comeback under new creative director Daniel Lee. From printed versions to cape-style silhouettes, the quintessential fall layer has never looked more modern.
Ahead we’ve curated a list of transitional items to guide you through the new season in style.
The Trench Coat
Photo Courtesy of @nycxclothes
Why: This classic layer is considered an investment piece for good reason; it’s timeless, endlessly versatile and imbued with cool-girl status. Originally designed as a utilitarian garment during World War I, the functionality of a trench coat has turned it into a fashionable item. While it was initially made out of waterproof heavy-duty gabardine or cotton, it now comes in a variety of materials and styles. On the high end, there is the iconic Burberry trench coat, but there isn’t a shortage of affordable options on the market.
How to Style: Opt for a smart casual look with a chunky sweater and tailored pants or go the polished route by layering it over a slinky knit dress.
Where to Buy:
From Left to Right: Burberry ($2,590) Simkhai ($845) Tae Park ($890) A.W.A.K.E. MODE ($1,450)
The Cardigan
Photo Courtesy of @thevisuelofgrace
Why: Not quite a shirt but something of a sweater, the cardigan occupies a liminal space that makes it ideal for in-between seasons. As a top, it will pair well with tailored pants or your go-to denim, but should you need to cool off, you can undo a couple buttons or completely open it to reveal a bralette underneath. It’s a good just-in-case item to have on rotation.
How To Style: Keep it cool with sporty denim or leather pants, or take a refined approach by letting it hang loose over tailored pants. When in doubt, go for a cardigan and knit dress set.
Where To Buy:
Left to Right: Everlane ($51), Sleeper ($290), Cult Gaia ($448), Song of Style ($218)
DESIGNER
From Left to Right: Khaite ($1,980), Loulou Studio ($366), Comme des Garçons ($391)
The Knit Dress
Photo Courtesy of @nycxclothes
Why: An autumn-favorite for a reason, a knit dress can both keep you warm and convey elegance as you run errands, work from the office, or go on a date. It’s what you get when you blend effortless comfort with feminine ease.
How To Style: Style it under a trench or wool coat for a perennial fall look, or play with texture by layering it under a chunky sweater.
Where To Buy:
Left to Right: Reformation ($198), Free People ($98), Lovers & Friends ($178), DISSH ($150)
DESIGNER
Photo Courtesy of @nycxclothes
Why: Denim skirts are a no-brainer in the summer, but as designers have shown, they also make stylish contenders for fall—when cut in the right length. Enter the maxi denim skirt revival, an echo of the ‘90s made contemporary.
How to Style: A denim maxi skirt may look intimidating, but it’s actually just as versatile as your favorite pair of jeans. Try styling it with a crisp white button-down shirt with a sweater tied around the neck for a preppy vibe, or go more sophisticated with a silk blouse. For an avant-garde touch, try juxtaposing it with a tough deconstructed blazer or style it the double-sleeve sweater way.
Where To Buy:
Left to Right: Reformation ($218), Agolde ($238), Mango ($70), Lioness ($53)
DESIGNER
Left to Right: Magda Butrym ($640), David Koma ($1,260), Theophilio ($485)
The Blazer
Photo Courtesy of @nycxclothes
Why: As a more structured alternative to a cardigan, blazers convey a smart casual and self-assured attitude. Styled as a top, it makes a convincing power statement—just as much as when it’s thrown over a blouse or sweater. You simply can’t go wrong with this year-round layer.
How To Style: Pair your blazer with cargo jeans for an effortlessly cool silhouette or go for a polished look with an A-lined dress styled under.
Where To Buy:
Left to Right: Sir The Label ($290), Frankie Shop ($380), Dissh ($200)
DESIGNER
From Left to Right: Dion Lee ($620), Givenchy ($2,668), Saint Laurent ($3,290), Del Core ($2,245)
The Loafer
Photo Courtesy of @nycxclothes
Why: If fall was a single shoe, it would most likely be a loafer. Not as exposed as sandals and not fully covered like boots, loafers are the perfect seasonal bridge to winter. The smart casual look is unbeatable for everyday errands.
How To Style: Opt for a classic school-girl look with a tennis skirt and sweater vest or go the timeless route with tailored pants and a chunky knit. Pro-tip: Style your loafers with socks for extra warmth and pizzazz.
Where To Buy:
Left to Right: Mango ($139), Dolce Vita ($120), Ganni ($237), Calvin Klein ($59)
DESIGNER
Left to Right: Gucci ($920), Jimmy Choo ($950), Roger Vivier ($1,245), Proenza Schouler ($895)
The Sweater Vest
Photo Courtesy of @itsdemib
Why: This piece is ideal for transitional weather simply because of its layering possibilities. It can be worn on its own in the early days of fall and seamlessly go over a button-down shirt as it gets colder.
How To Style: A pair of tailored trousers and stiletto heels for a day-to-night affair, or jeans and sneakers for daily errands.
Where To Buy:
Left to Right: Nia Thomas ($350), Rag & Bone ($296), J.Crew ($89)
DESIGNER
Photo Courtesy of @dawn.tan
Why: Leather for fall? Nothing groundbreaking, but the practicality of a leather jacket is undeniable. With its edgy appeal and wearability, this cold-weather staple proves quite suitable for a range of outfit combinations.
How To Style: Serve up more edge with leather pants or a cocktail dress, or channel your inner rock star or school girl with a pleated skirt and loafers.
Where To Buy:
Left to Right: Vince ($1,295), Coach Outlet ($449), Dissh ($399)
DESIGNER
Left to Right: Malene Birger ($1,700), Joseph ($2,145), Courrèges ($1,250)
The Ballet Flat
Photo Courtesy of @ktzahorak
Why: The shoe that may never go out of style. The ballet flat is without a doubt one of the most practical footwear solutions when done right. If you generally favor minimalist dressing, a pair of ballet flats will fit right into your uniform.
How To Style: For a streetwear-inspired moment, pair your flats with baggy denim or cargo pants, or go edgy with a leather jacket and a slip dress.
Where To Buy:
From Left to Right: Mansur Gavriel ($395), Larroude ($315), Reformation ($268)
DESIGNER
From Left to Right: Jimmy Choo ($795), Miu Miu ($950), Maison Margiela ($690), Christopher Esber ($850)
The Tights
Why: When you still want to wear a mini skirt, consider this your stylish excuse.
How To Style: As the street style in Milan and Paris would attest, wearing tights as pants is totally acceptable in fashion circles. Go bold with an oversized jacket, short shorts and heels or stick to the tried-and-trued formula: a chunky knit and pleats skirt.
Where To Buy:
From Left to Right: Wolford ($49), Calzedonia ($20), Commando ($38)
DESIGNER
From Left to Right: Marine Serre ($216), Miu Miu ($320), Gucci ($380)