FAVORITE BASIC SWEATERS
Jennifer Mejia
On the second floor of our old barn! My son has always wanted to take a photo like this. (Insert heart emoji!)
Jeans, Sneakers, Sunglasses
I aim to please. So when a request came in for me to publish blog posts featuring basic/capsule wardrobe pieces, I was grateful. Since the pandemic, I’ve unfortunately had fewer occasions to dress up. The reality is that I’m at home a lot, teaching two boys, running in the yard or the beach, riding my bike, and taking them to after school and weekend activities. We go out to dinner a lot less, but on occasion, I do find a reason to wear heels. Many used to have the dilemma of “what to wear” on a night out. I rarely had that issue. But with all of this time at home, I began to look in my closet and think, “All of these clothes and shoes and nothing to wear today.” So I decided it was time for me to get back to basics. And I’m trying to buy good basics that will last and stand the test of time. Quality. Not things that will look old and ragged after a few wears and washes.
Since cooler weather is upon us, the first thing on my list is sweaters. I want pieces that look beautiful, are made with quality materials, won’t pill or fall apart, and are versatile enough to be mixed and matched. Cashmere and cashmere blends are a natural choice. Lucky for you, I’ve done a lot of research (translation: too many hours scrolling on Instagram), and I’ve come up with a list of favorite sweaters and/or brands for the season. So here goes…
Let’s start with this beauty I’m wearing. It’s from Jenni Kayne and the color is oatmeal. It’s super soft, and after one wear (one really rough wear of a baseball game and hours of hide-n-seek tag), it had very little, if any, pilling. That’s my true test. It’s a blend of wool, cashmere, and two other yarns. I ordered one, but now I’ll be ordering a few more. The great thing about Jenni Kayne is that there are many styles and yarns from which to choose. If you like this style but want all cashmere, try this one. I purchased XS and still have the slightly slouchy look I was after, so order your normal size. I used code JKFALL20 at checkout for 20% off, so give it a try and see if it’s still active.
Another favorite purchase this season, which I didn’t photograph, is this option from Everlane. It’s affordable with a price tag of $100. I love gray, and I have a cashmere faux wrap/v-neck sweater from Equipment that I’ve worn a million times (and it still looks terrific). But I needed a crewneck. This sweater is made with Mongolian cashmere, which is said to be more durable so will pill less, and it’s supposed to get softer with wear. Everlane offers a discount off your first order, so why not make it this? I sized up to a small and love the fit.
Instagram must have noticed me clicking on a lot of cashmere sweaters, and I received an add from Quince. I’m planning to purchase this basic crewneck made of 100% Grade A Mongolian cashmere. At a price of $50 and free returns for 365 days, how could I not give this company a try? I am also eyeing this v-neck in pink for days I want to feel a little more feminine.
Sometimes you want a lighter sweater because the weather is unpredictable and takes big swings from day to night. So I love the option to layer with this lightweight v-neck from Falconeri. Another reason to love this company, beyond their apparel, is that 91% of their workforce is women!
Last year, I discovered a company called Italic. It’s a pretty cool concept. They offer unbranded, quality pieces that are made at the same factories as top designers. You must pay $100 for a membership to access the items and prices, but it seems one would break even on their first purchase given the prices and quality. This relaxed cashmere turtleneck is made by the same manufacturer who makes Sandro and Maje. Go check out their prices and make the comparison.
Occasionally I want to be a little bit sexy, so this off-the-shoulder cashmere sweater from Filoro is on my list. I’m hoping I could also wear it as a boatneck style during the day.
As you saw from my post last week, Theory is one of my all-time favorite brands for wardrobe staples. I just ordered this turtleneck in two colors. I love that it’s a bit relaxed without being oversized and bulky. Theory’s Friends & Family sale (for 25% off) is still on through October 9, so what are you waiting for?
360 Cashmere has been around for as long as I can remember. They’re also having a Friends & Family sale as we speak. They are a more expensive brand, so 25% off is a beautiful thing. I’m loving this slouchy turtleneck, as well as this sexy sleeveless number for a night out. I’m imagining throwing both over a pair of leather leggings or my favorite black coated jeans.
Sweaters are a staple for any season and can even be worn on cooler summer nights. I like to acquire basics that never go out of style, and for that, I think it’s okay to invest a little more than usual if you’re getting great quality. It’s October, and that means you’ll be needing something a bit warmer for the pumpkin patch!
xo,
Jennifer
SHOP THE POST
