Written by Amanda Vlavianos
As the dog days of summer drift away and we pack up our crop tops and cut-off shorts, in comes the need for autumn essentials: sweaters, light coats and my personal fall favourite, paper bag pants.
Here in NYC, I started throwing on pullovers and drinking my signature PSL as soon as the weather dropped below 70 degrees. Basic, I know, but can you blame me? Longing to feel comfortable and cozy during the season change, we at The Strategy have selected our personal favourites for this fall szn – whether you’re at the grocery store, outdoor dining with friends, WFH, or on a socially distanced visit to the pumpkin patch.
To start with my FAV new sweater, please direct your attention to the Ansley Cropped Pullover from Alice and Olivia. In soft-AF cashmere with long blouson sleeves, this relaxed fit is perfect whether you’re snuggled up on the couch or on an outdoor brunch. Personally, I love a soft neutral for fall – I ordered the sweater in Oatmeal, but Rose Tan and Heather Grey are strong contenders to wind up in my cart as well.
Another must-need pullover is the Coach’s Horse And Carriage Tie Neck Sweater. We love detail, and this soft wool blend with adorable necktie makes the look super special. Retailing at $250, there are plenty of places this sweater will fit right in, particularly those waist-up Zoom meetings; it’s professional, but comfortable, and perfect to pair with joggers and slippers.
Not exactly a sweater, but perfect to throw-on-for-everything-this-fall, Naomi Nomi’s New Oxford brags 100% merino wool with corozo buttons. What’s merino wool, you ask? Naomi Nomi is kind enough to explain: “Our merino wool comes from sheep living in New Zealand and Australia. It’s then spun into yarn and woven in the oldest operating textile mill in Germany.” Strong, soft and naturally wrinkle-resistant, I can personally attest that you will want to wear this button-down everywhere.
Every top needs a bottom, so when you opt to wear something that’s not leggings (leggings are pants, right?) we love paper bag pants. Cute and non-restrictive, Madewell’s Drapey Paperbag Pants are a reasonable $85 and another staple item that transcends the seasons. We like them in True Black, but they’re also available in Deep Navy and Maple Syrup.
And what fall look is complete without a coat? Not to be distracted by traditional trench coats, Nicole Miller’s Labyrinth Printed Reversible Coat will be an eye-catcher anywhere you go. Did we mention it’s reversible?! On one side, a toned but colourful ‘labyrinth’ print, and on the other, a cream coloured faux shearling. If you want to get really fancy, grab their matching labyrinth-print face mask to make it effortlessly chic. This coat is our seasonal splurge – so worth it for a fun and unique street style.
Sweater weather never looked so good.
