Refreshing Cardigans for Fall

THE BATTLE of the sexes recently played out over thermostats. Last week New York gubernatorial candidate Cynthia Nixon asked that the debate hall where she would face off with Gov. Andrew Cuomo be set at 76 degrees.

Good for her! We can relate, having spent many summers in offices where frigid conditions kept us wrapped in sweaters, scarves and in the company of space heaters.

This week, as the Fahrenheit soars, the thermostat wars continue. In the meantime, a new season of cardigans has arrived. You can start wearing them now in whatever too-cold venue you find yourself in. The good news is that real sweater weather is just around the corner.

—Janet Kelly

Above, left: Nic & Zoe’s swingy, open, cotton and rayon Engraving Cardigan is textured with channel stitching and is just the kind of thing you’ll find yourself wearing on repeat. $178, Nordstrom. Above, right: This Stretch Cotton Cable Zip Cardigan from Gant in preppy kelly green is perfect for making the transition from summer to fall. Slip a turtleneck underneath when the weather cools. $185, Shop Spring.

Above, left: I’m a fan of stripes, but they can wear out their welcome. But not when they’re combined with a baby-blue-colored V-neck and soft mohair-blend panels on the bodice, like in No. 21’s Striped Wool Cardigan. Mixing patterns is new again; wear this cardigan with a pair of gray checked trousers. $615,  Matches Fashion.

Above, center: Sonia Rykiel’s quintessentially French sweaters were her trademark and led to her nickname, “Queen of Knits,” in 1972. The label continues the late designer’s reputation for sportiness and a sense of humor, as in this wool-blend Kiss v-neck cardigan. $543, Farfetch.

Above, right: Freshen up your favorite pair of jeans with this yellow and pink and green Bernard Check Wool Cardigan with crystal buttons. It’s $405 from Matches Fashion.

Above, left: From Proenza Schouler’s PSWL diffusion line, which includes more-pared back items than the main collection, this camouflage-effect, wool-blend jacquard cardigan is loosely cut for layering purposes. $695, Net A Porter.

Above, right: Military-inspired looks never go out of style. The quilting on the front, back and sleeves makes Barbour’s Women’s Zip Knit Sweater look fresh for fall. $199, Orvis .

Above, left: Diane von Furstenberg’s Adelyn Metallic Sweater gets a leg up from run-of-the-mill, with a boost from gold, shiny threads. $328, DVF.

Above, right: Too much leopard is beginning to be, well, too much leopard. Which is why I find Toga’s Animal Print Cardigan, mixed with colors, so appealing.  $480, Matches Fashion .

Above, left: Black grosgrain trim and imitation pearl buttons make this Barneys New York Embellished Knit Cashmere Cardigan much more than a basic. Which is maybe why it only has limited availability. $595, Shop Spring.

Above, center: Swipes of fringe on the sleeves and throughout the bodice give Ulla Johnson’s Arossa Fringed Cable-Knit Cardigan a luxurious but fun look. Made of alpaca hair, it’s also bound to keep you cozy whether you take it to your cold office, a freezing movie theater or restaurant or wear it outside when the temps cool for real. $795, Moda Operandi .

Above, right: Mango’s Lapel long cardigan is your college boyfriend’s lumber jacket reimagined but just as warm and cozy. $119, Shop Spring.

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