Feeling lazy but need to dress up? The beauty of cooler weather! Look to outerwear that does all the work. We constantly have the statement shoe, dress, and jewel on the mind, but let’s not discount the importance – and usefulness – of the statement sweater. A bold, wild yet refined cardigan has the potential to cover all your bases, making you look like you put a whole lot of effort into pulling yourself together, when all you really did was get even cozier.
Peter Pilotto‘s printed wool cardigan ($1,295) functions like several key outfit elements in one. This isn’t your ordinary autumn sweater! The shape is long and fitted for a formal effect; the deep-V only adds to the fact that just because you’re wearing something comfortable, you’re not neglecting your silhouette. Broken down into three opposing “prints” (that all work together seamlessly), this is like wearing separates – it even has a belt detail to flatter your figure. The key to outerwear that saves you is by not choosing nubby neutral; Pilotto’s mixed pattern is oh-so-current and still makes you look appropriately effortless.
The rest just falls into place. Slim-fitting black jeans or pants are necessary (old blue jeans and you might look like you shouldn’t have left the house). Rag & Bone‘s ($298) feel as comfortable as can be, but leather riding panels smarten them up. If you want to amp up the look – and why not? – go with a shirt of an opposing print. See by Chloé‘s cats-and-trees pattern
($395) is capricious yet mellow; plus, silk always raises the bar. You’ve made it this far: stay comfortable and get some high-heel posture with a pair of 4″ wedge ankle boots. A hybrid of leather and suede, Surface to Air‘s
($435) are equal parts casual and polished.
Next time you don’t feel like dressing to the nines but you’re still going to be seen, go easy on yourself and put your cardigan to work.
