Shitters. I’ve been reaching for knits the past few mornings, which would logically imply that temps are starting to trend down, but NYC weather regularly defies logic, so don’t quote me on that quite yet!
As a sweater-lover, I’m VERY excited about today’s letter. My closet skews towards the colder months as is, meaning that I really don’t need a million and one new pieces to feel equipped to dress myself for fall/winter—you probably don’t either. But a couple new things you’re excited about?! That never hurt anybody! What follows are a few pieces from my own closet and at the top of my wishlist that I think are worth your consideration this fall:
The Blueprint / The Dupe-print: The Row Ophelia / CO Boyfriend Crew
You can’t talk about sweaters in 2025 without talking about The Row’s Ophelia chunky oversized crew. The Khaite Scarlet cardigan passed its status sweater torch to her sometime over the past two years, which means we’re almost overdue for a new contender, but for now, Ophelia still reigns supreme. It’s a beautiful sweater, and I’d be thrilled if one magically appeared on my doorstep, but to be honest, it’s not so high on my personal wishlist. For the price tag, there are just other things that I’d rather own. But if it speaks to you, there are several pros—it’s definitively timeless, and people rave about the quality and the fit.
There have been a million and one dupe attempts—I actually bought last year’s version by COS (great sweater, though not a perfect dupe)—but IMO, newer contenders will get you closer to the look/feel. Warning, they’re still expensive—to get within spitting distance of this, it is gonna cost you! But this one by CO is what I would try personally. It has a similar fit and heft (two key qualities that set the Ophelia apart in the first place), and CO’s quality is really top notch.
My Personal MVP: COS Turtleneck
COS has been at the top of my list for luxe-looking/feeling knits for years, but it looks like they want a raise for carrying the team on their back... Their prices did go up this year, but quality-wise, they’re still among the best you can find in this range. I bought the grey version of this turtleneck a few years ago, and to this day it’s the single most worn sweater in my closet. I compared mine to this year’s version to see if quality was on the decline—not in the slightest! They have the same dark grey again, as well as a new burgundy version, and black if you love that Elizabeth Holmes drip. BIG points for the turtleneck—to me there is nothing better than a high neck/low bun (or hair tuck) combo. I wear the XS.
The Most Budget-Friendly: J.Crew Rollneck
A vintage-inspired staple for under $100?!?! In this economy?!?! This is cotton, hence the price point, but it feels weighty and substantial IRL. I personally love the rollneck style—the white seems right out of a Nancy Meyers movie (and lends itself to that low bun/high neck look). You can stick with the classics, or pair this with some giant, Morgan Stewart-esque sunglasses… instant most-intimidatingly-cool-woman-at-pilates vibes. If you’re into a matching moment, they make the 1988 OG for the boys. You can play with sizing depending on your fit preference, but I ordered an XS.
Another affordable favorite: I LOVE a charcoal knit, and this oversized cashmere crew by Quince is one I always come back to, whether it’s on a night in on the couch, or tucked into trousers.
Next On My List: Suzie Kondi Oversized Cashmere Crew
Suzie is forever my style inspiration—she’s the coolest (and kindest!)—and what could be a better way to channel her laidback vibe than with a simple, sumptuous sweater. I repeat, this is SIMPLE, but simple is good! Simple is the stuff you reach for over and over again—that you buy once and hang on to for years to come. It’s perfect weight— not chunky but not thin—and has that perfect drape, which is hard to replicate with the cheap stuff. Wear it over wide leg pants, leggings or jeans, or with Suzie’s chic sweats!
Similar options at better prices: Reformation’s Oversized Crew is a good alternative (I like all of their colors, but a staple brown sweater is particularly high on my list!). And if you’re more color-curious, I’m REALLY into this purple by Alex Mill. Color can be very hard to get right, but this one’s a little something different while still looking luxe. It’s unisex, which means you’ll get a little extra length than with women’s sizing, and if you can finagle joint custody with a partner (the dream), it’s basically 2 for 1!
The Sweater Coat: Lauren Manoogian Cardigan
I don’t usually do the whole “if you like it, buy it another color” thing. I mean, maybe for underthings, but otherwise, I like to leave room for something else to excite me down the line (speaking of underthings: I feel like I’m channeling Tate McRae when I wear this, which has no business being as comfortable as it is—PRIYANKA10 for a discount). But back to the point—this cardigan is a rare exception where I’m back for round two.
With its thicker fabric, longer length, roomy fit, and waist tie, this toes the line between knitwear and outerwear, giving you some bang for the price tag. I’ve gotten so much use out of my brown version (the one above is almost an exact color match), that I’ve decided it’s time to go back for black. I tried to scratch the itch with another black belted cardigan, but it lacks the chunk factor that makes this something I crave from October-April. I wear size 1.
Speaking of cardigans: If you like to pair a shrunken little something with high-waisted dark denim, this cardigan is divine! IMO it runs small—I wear the small.
My White Whale: The Perfect Thick V-Neck
No link because I have yet to find The One, but I know it’s out there somewhere!!! This gorgeous option by Khaite is the closest I’ve found, but wish it had some of the extra length of this boyfriend fit by Jenni Kayne. If you have/love/find one that’s along these lines, you know where to find me!
Something Different: White & Warren Cashmere Button Down
If you’ve already amassed a big sweater collection, I’d look for non-sweater pieces in sweater materials (think cashmere tees, pants, jackets, etc.). You’ll get some more variety without having to sacrifice the cozy factor, plus they’re just fun. This one feels wearable into a workplace, but still relaxed enough to grab on a Saturday.
Other Cashmere I’m Eyeing/Buying:
This featherweight shrunken tee. Holy shit. Feels like a dream and looks a million times more expensive than it is. Final sale can be scary—I took a gamble on my true size after trying one up in-person because I wanted it a smidge more fitted in the body—but if you’re on the fence, almost every review says to take the larger of the two you go between.
Earlier this week I was chatting with the insanely chic Elizabeth Hand about this baby blue cashmere scarf, which instantly reminded me of her facial studio, Stalle (NYC cool girl Mecca). As a pop of color on your black wool coat?? So good!!! (Sidenote: She was wearing this bag, which I now need with every fiber of my being—I found it here at a significant discount).
This reversible cashmere tank. Do you know how hard it is to find a good high-neck cashmere tank?? One that isn’t insanely itchy, or way too long, or completely skintight, but also not baggy and shapeless?! I do!! That’s why I immediately placed an order when I saw this. It made me think of
’s perfect vintage Prada tanks (she has the collection of dreams!). I know I said I wasn’t a “buy it in every color” person, but this could be another exception.I bought this cashmere puffer jacket at the peak of summer because I knew I couldn’t possibly love anything more. It’s heavenly soft (and lined with silk—insane!!), the perfect charcoal grey (a welcome departure from the million and one black puffers out there), and already one of the best things I own. I’m in the small.
Related Reading:
In need of a standard cashmere crewneck that won’t break the bank? 2023-me did the legwork for you! Also in the archives: A tool for preserving your sweaters, and some good pants to pair with them. Enjoy!
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this was such a great and thorough read—thank you! the ophelia sweater is haunting me, but unfortunately not in my budget at the moment. now i have my eye on one from cos and another from reformation to hold me over!
I have the J Crew featherweight shrunken tee and wear it all the time!! Love it. Reformation boyfriend sweater is an everyday also! I tried the cashmere puffer jacket but it looked too puffy on me unfortunately - too much bonhomme Michelin style ahaha