Luxe for Less

How to weather fall? In trendy boat loafers, supple leather pants and cushy cashmere.

By Janet Kelly

NOT TO belabor a point I’ve made before about the high cost of clothing, but did you happen to see Bergdorf Goodman’s catalogue for fall? The price of any fancy brand name is way high. A chunky Marc Jacobs wool sweater is $2,000; the Stella McCartney cashmere turtleneck (with unbelievably exaggerated shoulders) is $1,490. Ralph Lauren’s cashmere dress is a relative bargain at $2,690. A Brunello Cuccinelli (always overpriced, or at least really expensive) cashmere sweater is $2,900. And his pants!!! Black wool with feather and paillette “detailing,” $9,595.

Speaking of cashmere sweaters and pants (in leather, not feathers), in the past two weeks, I’ve been looking over the contents of my closet and thinking about what key pieces I’d want for updates—for going out to dinner, a casual party or a weekend in NYC. Phoebe Philo’s latest send included a gorgeous cashmere crewneck–for $2,400. Could I score a similar look for less? Leather pants don’t seem as popular as they were last year. Would the prices be lower? Not the buttery soft ones from Lafayette 148 New York; they’re an investment at $2,500. Should I go faux again?

Finally, just for fun, I also compared a few pairs of the season’s shoe obsession: boat loafers.

Below, the cashmere sweaters, leather pants and shoes that caught my attention:

Clockwise, from left to right:

Johnstons of Elgin Ribbed Cashmere Jumper

“Scotland and Italy have been producing the highest quality cashmere garments for a long time and as a result of their experience and know-how, the quality of garments produced in [these countries] can typically be relied upon,” said Jim Coleman of the Cashmere and Camel Hair Manufacturers Institute (CCMI) in an e-mail. This 100% cashmere, 8-ply pullover is also dyed, woven and finished in the mills of Scotland’s Johnstons of Elgin, a 226-year-old family biz. A word about ply: Weight is important in the cost of a cashmere sweater. The heavier the sweater, the more expensive it is. Says Coleman, “An 8-ply garment might be ‘stronger’ than a 2-ply one because there are 8 strands of yarn contributing to the overall strength but what affects the cost is its weight. ” Also available in a russet brown, this ribbed sweater sells for $1,300.

Another Tomorrow Recycled Cashmere Rib Sweater 

Made in Italy from 95% recycled cashmere and 5% recycled wool, this ribbed sweater from Another Tomorrow has a similar but not as sumptuous look as Phoebe Philo’s. Also available in orchid pink, it sells for $650 at Neiman Marcus.

Phoebe Philo Crew Neck Jumper 

Designed by the high priestess of fashion for women with great taste and even bigger pocketbooks, this lush-looking cashmere pullover with generous raglan sleeves (good for layering underneath) is also long enough to cover the tush. Made in Italy, known for high-quality cashmere, it’s a tightly woven knit. According to CCMI, “loosely knit, limp fabric is the hallmark of a cheaply made sweater.” The pullover, which is also available in black, sells for a wallet-crushing $2,400. NB: the model is wearing a size large.

TWP Blonde Ribbed Boy Crew in Cashmere

This boxy-fit, 5-ply pullover from TWP (named after its founder, Trish Wescott Pound) is produced and manufactured in China, which isn’t necessarily a bad sign. According to Coleman, China now produces over 80% of all the cashmere imported into the U.S., and many of the Chinese knitting factories can produce high-quality garments like Italy and Scotland. The boy crew sells for $795.