A truly exceptional sweater possesses the rare ability to immortalize one's style in the annals of menswear. Take, for instance, the enduring appeal of Billy Crystal's iconic cream cable knit from \"When Harry Met Sally,\" which remains a topic of conversation over three decades later. This autumn presents an abundance of exquisite knitwear options, ranging from robust rollnecks to lavish cashmere cardigans, increasing the likelihood of discovering your perfect sweater. To help navigate this extensive selection, we've consulted five leading menswear authorities to unveil the styles poised to dominate the upcoming season.
Renowned menswear expert Jian DeLeon is particularly enthusiastic about two styles for the fall season. First, a chunky zip cardigan from Our Legacy, distinguished by its boxy, cropped silhouette, perfectly aligning with contemporary fashion sensibilities. Second, a Maison Margiela crewneck featuring distinctive leather elbow patches, which DeLeon praises as a nostalgic revival of classic Margiela men’s sweaters from the mid-2000s. For those seeking affordable yet impactful statement pieces, DeLeon highly recommends knitwear from both NN07 and Nordstrom’s in-house brand, Open Edit. He also foresees a significant surge in popularity for rugby shirts and full-zip sweaters, noting that rugby sweaters effectively blend the preppy aesthetic with a substantial texture, ideal for cooler weather.
Content creator and creative consultant Nolan Daniel White champions Howlin’s vibrant, fuzzy Scottish wool sweaters, though he personally opts for softer materials due to textile sensitivities. His current preferences include vintage cotton Lands’ End sweaters and a luxurious Studio Nicholson pullover crafted from alpaca and merino wool. White, a devoted vintage enthusiast, advises exploring online marketplaces like eBay for competitively priced cashmere, specifically recommending older items from upscale department stores such as Nordstrom, Saks, or Bergdorf Goodman, alongside heritage brands like Pringle of Scotland. Looking ahead, White anticipates a strong resurgence of V-neck sweaters, in both thick and thin variations, as well as Shetlands. Monica Palucci, a designer at Noah, emphasizes the enduring value of investing in meticulously crafted knitwear. Her top selections from Noah’s latest collection include a classic dark green Shetland, a traditional crewneck fisherman cardigan, and a textured striped Donegal sweater—a perfect fusion of Irish heritage and New England prep. Beyond Noah, Palucci admires the Spanish brand Babaà for its robust rollnecks and dropped-shoulder crewnecks, and London’s &Daughter for its vividly colored knits in shades like bubblegum pink and pickle green. She also stresses the timeless appeal of vintage sweaters from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, which she believes are ripe for rediscovery. Michael Darlington, a stylist to celebrities like Jeremy Allen White and Michael Keaton, appreciates knitwear across the entire style spectrum. For a minimalist aesthetic, he recommends chunky sweaters from Margaret Howell, while for a bolder look, he favors quirky vintage Missoni pieces, easily found on resale platforms, which inject vibrancy and character into any ensemble. Darlington further suggests hunting for vintage Pringle of Scotland cashmere in various styles, from V-necks to rollnecks, the latter of which he predicts will be the defining style of the season, recommending they be worn partially tucked into wide-leg trousers, channeling an oversized, 80s Armani-inspired silhouette.
Ultimately, the collective wisdom of these fashion experts underscores that the perfect sweater is more than just a garment; it is a declaration of personal style, a commitment to quality, and an investment in pieces that transcend fleeting trends. These insights inspire us to embrace classic designs while thoughtfully incorporating modern elements, ensuring that our wardrobes are both stylish and sustainable for years to come.