Cardigans.  They’re comfortable, warm, less formal than a jacket, but can often be more distinguished on occasion (Google “Logan Roy + cardigan”), and are essential for advanced layering and styling.  V-neck cardigans are the most versatile of all styles because they don’t disturb the neckline of whatever you pair it with and can show off a necklace or scarf, should you wear.  In addition to their obvious use of saving freezing women everywhere, ladies can wear one buttoned alone as a top, tucked or belted.  For men, the shawl-collar cardigan above is a great example of relaxed elegance, while offering the perfect amount of airs.  Wear it with wool trousers, 5-pocket twills, or denim and enjoy the mystique.

WOMEN
Madewell Alpaca-Blend V-Neck Cardigan ($89.50)
Poppy is pictured, but black is the best color. This is lightweight and airy. It will not smash your blouse underneath because it kind of floats close to you.  Semi-sheer which is great for styling and very sexy.  The fabric is lovely and the price is fab.  Size UP!

Additional Option:
La Ligne Mini Toujours Ribbed Cashmere Cardigan ($325)
Workhorse.

MEN
Peregrine Wilkinson Shawl-Collar Wool Cardigan ($248)
This is a heavyweight champ of a knit. It will beat all your other cardigans up over the years and still be handsome.  The quality is superb and the buttons are everything.  Layer over tees, button downs, and/or under a vest or car coat.

Additional Option:
A.P.C. Samuel Slim-Fit Merino-Wool Cardigan ($350)
Finely knit and no pockets.  Clutch.  If you run hot, this is for you.

Hot enough for ya?  Keep cool in easy to wear pieces you’ll only look hot in. 

I challenged myself to find quintessentially easy summer pieces that you’ll reach for again and again.  For men, I chose Camp or Cuban collar shirts – which is an open collar that sits flat against the body – because summer is a time to let loose.  These style shirts evoke vacation vibes as this is often offered in linen, subtle textures, and great prints. 

For women, the task proved more complicated as my criteria for an easy summer dress was: a lightweight fabric, no cut-outs or extra details (tiers, ruffles, ties), in silhouettes that aren’t too low-cut and are regular bra-friendly. Enjoy!

Additional Options – Men

Todd Snyder Eyelet Embroidery Camp Collar Shirt ($198)
Reiss x Ché Tortolli Cotton-Textured Knit Shirt ($210)

A turtleneck sweater is a winter wardrobe essential and if you are serious about building your wardrobe – cashmere is the way to go! This item plays a big role in my life as it is part of my seasonal uniform rotation: blouses in the spring, dresses in the summer, boots in the fall, and turtlenecks in the winter. It achieves such high accolades because it is dressy while being comfortable, and is great alone but very friendly with layers under and over. I have lots of turtleneck sweaters but my favorites are the cashmere ones because they keep you warm without extra bulk like wool varieties do.

I’ve combed the current selections and these are the best of what’s around: 

 Polo Ralph Lauren Slim-Fit Cashmere Turtleneck in Chic Cream, $248

*this comes in a multitude of colors, including a true red for the holiday season!

 Faherty Reserve Cashmere Turtleneck in Charcoal, $298

Shop additional selections on my website.