Despite September‘s arrival, the in-between time is upon us. Days spent sweating in lady-blazers eventually give way to nights requiring scarves, and while we pine for tights, boots and new leather coats, late summer weather still requires the uniform of the past three months. That’s why summer sweaters are more useful now than ever: while you secretly want to wear the new pieces you purchased last week, these seasonal gems will provide the perfect go-to for days too warm for jackets, and nights too cold for tees. Here’s how to wear them.
Pullover
Thanks to fashion’s affinity for the mid-1990s, cropped pullovers (found at stores like Urban Outfitters and American Apparel) are an essential part of the summer-to-fall wardrobe, since the combination of their light fabric and everyday practicality allows for a serious lack of sweatiness on those warm September afternoons. Worn with either high-waisted skinny jeans or a short A-line skirt, you can easily dress up a bell-sleeve pullover, accessorizing with necklaces and wedge lace-ups.
Check out American Apparel’s Lightweight Sheer Rib Raglan Pullover in Dark Violet, $38. Available at American Apparel.
Cardigan
A staple of all seasons, summer cardigans provide the warmth without the bulk, and offer an alternative to the wool-knit styles we embrace come late autumn. Now, with summer sweaters being sold at discounted costs, you can pick up a light cotton three quarter length you can wear with a short sleeve button up (at stores like Aerie, GAP and American Eagle) or simple V-neck. Just don’t shy away from length: long cardigans can be paired with short floral dresses or even pencil skirts for a late summer alternative to blazers and jackets.
Check out Aerie’s Perfect Crew Cardigan in Heathered Granite, $38.75. Available at Aerie.
Sweatshirts
We can hear you gasping in shock, but hear us out: thanks to chains like Aritzia and J. Crew, it’s possible to incorporate a light fleece sweater into your summer-turned-autumn wardrobe “ provided you dress it up with a skirt, trousers and nothing of the jogging pant variety. While hoodies have been sanctioned as casual or cottage wear, pullover sweatshirts maintain both summer and fall’s retro vibe, since the style popularized in the mid-1990s works perfectly alongside calf-length skirts or high-waisted cigarette pants. Just remember to avoid flip-flops or running shoes if you’re not gunning for the beach bum or athletic look.
Check out Aritzia’s TNA Rydell Raglan Sweater in Lust, $55. Available at Aritzia.
