Three Sweaters That Can Cope with Fall Temperature Swings
Depending on where you live, you may already be hearing the rustle of dry leaves kicked up as you walk down the road or smelling the sweet air of browning fields in harvest time. Yes, fall is upon us already. And so, it should come as no surprise (though it always, always does) that the mornings are starting to cause shivers and cold feet, sending us back into our closets for another layer.
On these trips back to the wardrobe, there’s often a choice to be made: either pile on the thin, summer layers, or dig into those long-forgotten winter boxes of sweaters, shells and—dare I say it—heavy coats.
Personally, I’d rather be cold than prematurely crack the winter boxes. But I’d also rather not be cold. So what to wear?
The ideal, it seems, would be clothing that is comfortable operating at the wide range of temperatures that autumn in temperate climates is known to inflict. Today, thankfully, there exists an equally wide range of well-designed performance wear that helps your body regulate changing temperatures, without looking like it’s designed only for performance. That is, you can stay stylish throughout the weather fluctuations of a fall day, without sacrificing comfort.
First recommendation: Odlo Steeze Half-Zip
Like I noted in this review of Odlo products, the Norwegian-Swiss outdoor clothing maker has zeroed in on the perfect balance between performance and style. The Steeze Half-Zip (which comes in both men’s and women’s sizing) is an excellent example of this balance. On the one hand, its lightweight, wicking fleece-based construction provides the backbone to the pullover’s highly adaptable ‘temperature control system.’ On the other hand, the slim cut and simple color-contrasting back panel make the whole thing look casually sporty—technical enough to appear at home in the gym, but simple and clean enough to cut it on the street or in a restaurant.
Second Recommendation: Craft Core Soul Sweatshirt
Whereas the Odlo jacket perhaps leans athletic, while still appearing casual, this Craft sweatshirt comes across casual and stylish, but can still adapt to the weather and to your activities. Subtle logos and two sleek front pockets add just the right amount of flair to this otherwise simple sweatshirt—which comes in either crew or hooded versions, as well as male and female sizes. Toss the Core Soul on with a pair of jeans and you’ll be set for a night out. In terms of performance, the polyester-cotton-elastane blend means it wicks away moisture from sweat or rain, while still being breathable during a hot October afternoon.
Third Recommendation: Swix Blizzard Sweater
Admittedly, the last two recommendations—while great all-arounders—might not hold their own at the office or in a semi-formal setting. Enter the Swix Blizzard. Patterned after midcentury Nordic skiing jumpers, this 100% merino wool sweater brings modern performance standards to bear on a timeless design. The lightweight, insulating-yet-breathable sweater can be worn under an anorak for wintertime ski tours, but functions just as well on its own in the fall months. The quarter zip lets you adjust for temperature while also adding a touch of sophistication, making the Blizzard just as at home on a hiking trail as it is with a pair of khakis at a working lunch. Again, the Blizzard comes in male and female sizing and in a variety of colors, and is priced reasonably considering the material.
Rather than cobble together a fall outfit from your summer clothes, or dig into the winter boxes, consider getting a go-to pullover that can bridge the gap between summer heat and winter chill. Find any of these recommendations and more at the following retailers:
