Knits that Get a Nod
Undoubtedly, knits are the quintessential garment of cold weather.
Despite being a semi-minimalist, I justify buying a variety of knits (and frankly, even reiterations of the same knit) because they’re all I wear when the temps drop. Monday through Sunday, I am in bundled in cozy woven yarns.
This year, I’ve invested in some luxe knits, but I also reach for of my penny-savers just as much. Each holds their own level of importance in my closet — to lounge, elevate, layer, etc.
Some are cardigans, some are crews. Some are ribbed, some are cable-knit. Some are slim-fitting, some could fit a sumo wrestler.
Below, I share my honest reviews on several knits — broken down by brands, price-points, quality. I also share some I’m interested in this season.
Here’s to knit season!
Reformation: $
I swear, every time I look at the Ref website, I have major heart-eyes over all their knits — they’re simultaneously sassy and cozy.
I probably should own more Ref knits, but truly, the only one I’ve had in my closet for years (literal years) is this cashmere boyfriend crew. Ref brings it back every season, but I’ve never had to repurchase — despite the lower price tag and all my French tucks, mine has held up beautifully. I have Small (sized up) for a relaxed vibe.
This year, I am intrigued by the oversized Jadey and the Fantino oversized collared cardigan for this season. Jadey seems a bit more versatile, but the Fantino is so cool.
Everlane: $
Over the years, I’ve owned a few color ways of Everlane’s Alpaca crew — it’s a solid sweater for the price. It’s made of alpaca wool, but feels a bit light and airy.
Also, its design features—namely, the oversized fit, ribbed fabric, chunky crewneck, and slightest balloon sleeve—gives it a lot of versatility, style-wise. Looks equally as good with sweatpants, skirts, or trousers.
I’ve also bought their cashmere oversized turtleneck—another good one for the price-point.
La Ligne: $$
I don’t like to play favorites, but La Ligne may be my overall favorite brand for knits because it checks all the boxes (price-point, style, quality, etc.). I own several La Ligne knits, including the Marin, Mini Marina, Toujours, and Sailor cardigan.
The quality of La Ligne is phenom, but also, the design appears double what you paid. For example, let’s look at the Marin — it almost looks identical to The Row’s Opheliaor Lisa Yang’s Resnke with its bold crew neck, oversized boxy silhouette, and ribbed lining. Yet, it’s a fraction of the price, all while having incredible quality.
White + Warren: $$
White + Warren is perhaps the most underrated brand when it comes to their cashmere — it is the softest and doesn’t pill at all. I love their cashmere cable crewsand cashmere cardigans.
Not a sweater, but I also highly recommend their cashmere travel wrap.
Owned and operated by a mother-and-daughter duo, these styles feel versatile and appropriate for all ages (almost like an elevated Banana Republic).
DOEN: $$
Doen has a great variety of knits, ranging from the hygge Fran, to ultra-feminine Marella, to the simple Petra cardigan (one of my favorites this year).
Worth getting on the waitlist: the Olympus sweater. It is easily one of the most hygge-esque knits (and warmest knits!) I’ve ever owned. Every time I wear this sweater, someone compliments me.
Another Tomorrow: $$$
Another Tomorrow is an emerging name that still feels a little under-the-radar, at least compared to the other bands mentioned here (prediction: I think we’ll see more and more people celebrating this label).
To me, AT embodies the quality and elegance of Khaite, but at a lesser price-point (albeit, still pricey). For example, compare AT’s ribbed polo to Khaite’s ribbed polo — very similar, with a $500 haircut.
Speaking personally as someone who has worn both Khaite and Another Tomorrow, I find the price difference simply comes down to name brand recognition. The quality, design, and elegance is all there for AT. Right now, I love their cable knit cocoon and this reversible chunky sweater.
Lisa Yang: $$$
Lisa Yang has become my favorite in the arena of luxe knits. Yes, expensive, but still half the price of The Row, and in my humble opinion, just as standout in terms of beauty and quality.
I have the Sony and the Renske, and they’re my favorite sweaters in my closet. They’re folded together on a special shelf because they’re that sacred to me.
Jenni Kayne: $$$
Only because I own so many, I had to give my two cents on Jenni Kayne.
Best known for their Cocoon Cashmere Cardigan, I actually like Jenni Kayne’s linen and cotton knits most (my favorites: the cropped Cabin and the Cruise Cocoon Crew). In full transparency, I find the Jenni Kayne cashmere pills more than my other cashmere, but my cotton and linen pieces have held up beautifully — I’d put my money towards one of those pieces.
Side note: JK furniture is exceptional — I secretly feel the brand is putting more of their resources into that venture (over clothing).
Toteme: $$$
Toteme does so much right, but I am still gaging my overall feel for Toteme’s knits. I’ve returned a few cotton and linen knits, but I do love my cable knit cashmere dress and cable knit cashmere crew. I’m often asked about Toteme’s ever-so-popular striped turtleneck, but I have yet to see it or try it on.
That said: Toteme outerwear is supreme (I own the country jacket, wool coat, and fringe jacket).
G. Label: $$$
I’ve had the honor to explore more G. Label, Gwyneth Paltrow’s clothing line at Goop. This Summer, I was gifted their Roode Polo knit, and it easily became one of my most worn — I loved it’s transitional style (a relaxed, oversized fit), the ribbed details, and it’s soft, yet substantial cotton-cashmere fabric.
Recently, I was gifted the Alisha, and although lovely in quality, it ultimately feels a bit too tailored for me. Goop seems to target the “professional polished woman” and the “relaxed west coast woman,” and I lean into the latter category.
Waiting for the Figliozzi to come back in stock.
The Row: $$$$
My readers know I genuinely feel The Row’s quality is unlike any other, and their knits are no exception.
When I took the Ophelia knit out of its box, it felt like all the Earth’s resources went into making this sweater. It’s incredible; no question.
In full transparency though: I returned the Ophelia. One, the fit felt a bit too oversized for my frame, but also, it is too freaking similar to both my Lisa Yang Resnke and my La Ligne Marin that I couldn’t justify the hefty price tag.
Khaite: $$$$
Similar in price point to The Row, but overall, Khaite feels more polished and elegant to me. When I think Khaite, I think more occasion pieces — they’re robust in price, but perhaps justified due to exquisite details and craftsmanship.
These aren’t the knits you wear lounging with sweatpants, in my opinion. Most are slightly too refined, but that’s what makes them standout and special.
I recently wore Khaite’s Hans knit dress, which is simply stunning, and everyone seems to go crazy over the iconic Khaite Scarlet cardigan. This seems to be everyone’s first “investment sweater,” and although it’s popular, I think it holds interest with it’s dramatic flared sleeves, tailored bodice, and ribbed trims.