Window Shopping For: Knits

Layer up and hunker down.

Oh, what a time. It’s taken me a few days to process the state of the world and figure out when the right moment would be to slip back into some semblance of a "normal" routine. While writing about spending money on closet staples initially felt a bit trivial, I now feel more confident knowing I’ve started to have those big, important conversations about last week’s headlines and next year’s plans with people who are, like me, actively supporting their communities in ways that matter. And I intend to keep doing that, too.

With that out in the world, I shift gears to this week’s Window Shopping. You might have noticed a slight delay in this post—turns out, I was in the middle of a creative drought that sapped my will to spend or even bookmark things I wanted to chat about. But fear not, we’re back! We’re window shopping! We’re gearing up for the colder months ahead! And most importantly, we’re spending wisely on pieces that will carry us from season to season!

Let’s talk about layers. More specifically, sweaters. I’ll admit, I’ve always had a hard time justifying splurging on them. Over time, prices have skyrocketed, and suddenly knitwear feels like a luxury I’m not sure I need—but we all know how that story ends. For that reason, I’ve become very deliberate about what I budget for fall and winter staples that are both practical and, let’s face it, a little indulgent. Last season, I went all in and bought three (gulp!) new sweaters to add to my rotation—and I’ve been absolutely itching to wear them at the first sign of chill. As a shock to no one, all three are black, and two of them are cardigans. Classic, right? But now, I feel like I’ve checked off those foundation pieces. And let’s just say... I’m ready to step into the world of technicolor knits.

& Other Stories Relaxed Fit

Layering a relaxed, slightly oversized sweater over a classic white tee? It's a fashion tale as old as time. There’s just something about the combo that says, “Yes, I’m intentionally rocking this cozy, slightly unflattering sweater—definitely not one of grandma’s hand-me-downs.” This year, I’m trying to be more mindful about my spending at larger retailers, but let’s just say I’ve had this sweater sitting open in my tabs for weeks. It’s one of those pieces that turns into a “when,” not an “if”—and for good reason. The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, which is practically unheard of for a sweater under $100. I’m feeling exceptionally drawn to the red, but I’ve already set a reminder for when the cobalt blue is back in stock.

J.Crew Brushed Cashmere

As someone who’s always lived in neutrals, I’m honestly shocked by how many red sweaters are catching my eye this season. Red—who am I? This brushed cashmere number popped up on my browser after a tireless hunt for a more affordable version of the NoName Cashmere sweater tee. Meanwhile, Charleston is still stubbornly hanging onto 80-degree days at their peak, which doesn’t exactly scream “winter shopping season.” For those of us living in warmer climates, cashmere tees are the perfect solution, giving us the best of both worlds—until, of course, we’re sprinting home on lunch breaks to swap into something a little more climate-friendly (read: bleak and humid for November). I’m already picturing this sweater paired with oversized gray trousers (can we get a shout-out for tiny top, big pants?), color-blocked trouser socks, and a casual sneaker (these Puma speedcats are everywhere, all thanks to Miss Gracie Abrams).

Sézane Cable Knit Hem

This sweater was, without a doubt, one of my most impulsive purchases of 2024. While I could easily write it off as a birthday gift (thanks, Dad!), I’ll admit that buying knitwear from Sézane has been on my to-do list for quite some time. A few weeks ago, I scrolled past what I thought was an ad from a super trustworthy source—and lo and behold, it turned out to be good ol' fashioned organic content by a real person who actually bought the sweater with their own money. No gifting involved here, which is a rarity these days. My reputable source, Reese Blutstein, paired the sweater with a white tee and the most darling pair of Andersson Bell shorts (presumably past season, but a similar look can be achieved with these baby bloomers). While I (im)patiently wait for Sézane to open up more shops here in the US, I will say this: they’ve absolutely nailed the art of marketing themselves as a brand that consistently delivers season after season.

Banana Republic Linen-Blend

For the sole purpose of having an excuse to rave about this polo, let’s just call it a “sweater.” Those of us living below the Mason-Dixon line could easily get away with wearing this knit for most of the winter months, but I imagine folks in the Northeast (and beyond) would consider it a little too airy for the frigid temps heading their way. I’ve had my eye on this linen-blend polo for months, and, unsurprisingly, it’s been sold out in my size ever since it made its way onto my bookmarks tab. I mean, that has to be a sign it’s worth the purchase, right? While I’m not one to embrace the full corporate workwear aesthetic, I do love that this polo strikes the perfect balance of elegance and simplicity. It’s easy to dress up with your favorite high-waisted trousers or keep it casual with a great pair of jeans—ideally with a wide leg. Now, if only they’d restock my size in the near future…

Pure Cashmere NYC Ribbed Boat Neck

When influencer collaborations are done right, they’re hard to ignore. The aforementioned Reese Blutstein, better known by her instagram handle @double3xposure, is one of the influencers who has delivered time and time again. Her collaboration with Target’s Future Collective was nothing short of genius—intentional, thoughtfully curated, and perfectly aligned with her personal style. I picked up a light blue tote from the collection, and I’m still using it every single day a year later—talk about lasting quality. Fast forward to just a few weeks ago when Reese shared her latest collaboration with Pure Cashmere NYC, and I was instantly obsessed with the silhouette and the exquisite details of this boat neck sweater. Now, butter yellow isn’t exactly a color I typically gravitate toward, but there’s something about it that just feels right for the season. The contrasting hem, ribbed texture, and slit sleeves all come together to create a piece that’s delicate yet bold, with a perfect nod to Reese’s signature vintage vibe. Bravo, team—consider me hooked (and bookmarked).

Happy window shopping! What are you on the hunt for right now? Comment below—your latest bookmarks may just inspire my next post!