Fall Fashion Guide: Sweaters, Cardigans, and the Season’s Best Layers

Fall has a way of sneaking in slowly. One week it’s warm enough for iced coffee and bare arms, the next there’s a chill in the air that makes you instinctively reach for something soft and warm. September always brings that sense of transition, and this year, the timing feels especially fitting as New York Fashion Week kicks off. All eyes are on the runways to see what designers are forecasting for the season ahead, and the message is clear: fall 2025 is about cozy textures, thoughtful layering, and a return to classic silhouettes reimagined for today.

Knitwear is the true star of the season. Sweaters and cardigans are no longer just staples, they are statement pieces in their own right. Oversized knits were styled with flowing skirts, slouchy cardigans doubled as outerwear, and stripes made a strong return as one of the defining patterns of the season. It’s a reminder that while fall fashion often feels timeless, each year it’s the details that shift, making familiar pieces feel brand new.

 

In our stores (our Madison Avenue store pictured here) and online those same themes are reflected in the racks and displays. A sky blue cropped cardigan, from Organic by John Patrick paired with the floral Josie Skirt, from Christy Lynn. Next, the Lose Billy Cardigan in Rhubarb plays more like a poncho and captures the play between romance and comfort. It’s a pairing that speaks to this fall’s love of mixing soft femininity with bold, tactile pieces. The cardigan, one of the season’s must-have sweaters for fall, feels fresh again, cropped and tailored enough to layer easily, but still soft and relaxed.

 

Next, try the striped turtleneck, from Jumper 1234 alongside a Le Mote St. Michel Work Jacket, a look that feels both classic and modern. Heck Harry Styles has been seen in his work jacket just about every time he steps out. Stripes are one of those perennial patterns that reappear every fall, but at New York Fashion Week this week, we’ve seen them styled with more confidence, thicker lines, high-contrast palettes, and unexpected pairings. Here, the stripe sweater balances structure and softness, especially when grounded by earthy brown layers. It’s the kind of outfit that can take you from a brisk walk downtown to an evening dinner without feeling out of place.

 

Another highlight this week speaks to fall’s playful side: bold florals paired with embroidered knits. The Kristen dress, from Christy Lynn is a sheer black dress covered in golden flowers and it certainly brings  the drama, while the Astral Sweater, from Kujten in cream is embroidered with delicate celestial motifs that softens the look. Want something more subtle? Go with Lose Billy cardigan in textured black, it becomes a perfect example of what are this fall’s fashion trends all about, statement prints, unique details, and layers that feel personal rather than prescriptive.

 

Of course, no fall fashion guide would be complete without talking about accessories. This season, Dragon Diffusion bags continue to be essential, from the navy Nantucket bag and orange Triple Jump carryall baskets that transition seamlessly from market runs to weekend outings, ditch the sneakers and reach for rich leather New York loafers, from Sesa. They ground the more eccentric pieces.

 

What makes fall fashion so exciting is its mix of comfort and creativity. It’s the season where layering becomes a form of self-expression. A cardigan isn’t just a layer to keep out the cold; it’s an invitation to play with proportions, colors, and textures. A striped sweater isn’t just practical; it’s a nod to a trend that is both enduring and completely of the moment. And florals, rather than being left behind with summer, return in moody, autumnal palettes that feel perfect for crisp September evenings.

 

The best part of fall fashion is how wearable it is in real life. It’s about finding those must-have sweaters for fall that you’ll return to again and again, cardigans that become second nature to throw on, and little details that make your wardrobe feel new. This season, embrace the textures, savor the layers, and let fall’s cozy, confident mood guide your style.