How are you enjoying fall so far? If you live in the SF Bay Area (like me), you may be thinking, “Fall? When will fall arrive?” But even though our daytime temperatures may seem spring-like, early mornings and late evenings definitely feel like fall is here. Which poses a sartorial dilemma – what do you wear to keep warm when you don’t necessarily need a coat, but a simple cardigan doesn’t feel like enough?
I’d like to introduce you to the ‘sweater coat’. Some call it a ‘coatigan’, while others call shorter versions a ‘sweater-jacket’. No matter what you call it, it’s a style hybrid – a cross between a long cardigan and a coat, which makes it perfect for in-between weather, or when your needs land somewhere short of full-fledged winter outerwear. Essentially, it’s made out of a heavier sweater fabric, but it’s built like a structured coat. You get the comfort of a cardigan (read stretchiness and ease) with the tailoring details of a coat (read sleek and structured).
And the benefits don’t end there. You can use a sweater coat when you want coverage and warmth, but don’t necessarily want to look like you’re wearing a coat indoors. And it’s just as wearable as a long cardigan – it can be an integral part of your outfit, or an optional outer layer. I’m specifically loving patterned sweater coats this fall as a statement piece over an otherwise simple outfit. They work just as well over a tailored dress, a blouse and pants or jeans and boots. So, check out one sweater coat that I’ve outfitted three ways (depending on what you need) – and scroll down to the end for links to a few of my favorite sweater coats of the season.
WHEN YOU NEED A CARDIGAN
A sweater coat is pretty darn perfect if your office is on the chilly side. Sweater coats are generally a little more polished than your regular long cardigan – so they add a dash of style to a simple blouse and pants combo. Take this black and white windowpane plaid sweater coat – it’s not as relaxed as a lightweight cardigan, but not as stuffy as a blazer – it strikes a great in-between note. Just add a pair of cool checked pants, a pop color blouse and metallic flats (click here to read why I love metallic accessories) for a fall work look that’s easy to wear, but projects an “I can be stylish AND get the job done” vibe.
WHEN YOU NEED A COAT
The great thing about a sweater coat is that it’s not as heavy as a regular wool coat, so it’s easy to layer. On the weekend, throw your sweater coat over a denim jacket as an unexpected fall pairing. And then, when you’re running errands and it gets too warm for the sweater coat, you still have the denim jacket to pull together your look. Add a t-shirt or turtleneck and an attention-getting necklace and you’re good to go! (And if you’re not sure about wearing white jeans in fall, read this for my favorite ways to wear white jeans in cool weather, along with other warm weather styles that can span the seasons.)
WHEN YOU’RE NOT SURE WHAT YOU NEED
When a regular coat feels like too much, but a short cardigan or jacket feels like too little, a sweater coat feels just right. So, on your next date night, toss a sweater coat over a sweater dress (yes, you can wear a sweater over a sweater) for a super cozy, yet chic look that’s something beyond your everyday.
Here are a few of my favorite sweater coats of the season:
This Madewell sweater coat contrasts a traditional plaid pattern with pale neutrals.
This J Crew solid sweater coat is almost season-less, in a weighty cotton blend – and this sweater-blazer is a timeless option, too.
A Vince Camuto lightweight sweater coat hits the right note in a conservative environment.
This hooded plaid sweater coat from Anthropologie just screams fall.
Another sweater coat from Anthropologie is in one of my favorite prints – colorblock!
Are you looking to get more mileage out of your fall and winter wardrobe? Contact me to schedule a free phone call to discuss how we can refine your cold weather style.
All shoes by Sam Edelman. Eyeglasses by Warby Parker. All jewelry by Kendra Scott. All clothing and other accessories by Banana Republic. All sweater coats in cover image from Anthropologie.