5 Sweaters for the Holiday Season

Whether it is a yearly tradition, or you are just getting into the "holiday sweater" trend, do not be afraid as not all holiday sweaters are created equally. With that being said, your holiday sweater does not have to be "ugly" and end up in a social media post with hashtag #uglysweater.

The seasonal sweater has evolved over the years, with many iconic brands offering refined intarsia and winter jacquard prints that are perfect for the office work part or a seasonal open house party. Below are five sweaters that are sure to carry you through all your holiday season functions in style while still remaining festive at the same time. 

Happy Shopping....and being festive!

Beam Plus Suede Elbow Patch Intarsia Sweater - $180 Mr Porter

Polo Patterned Sweater - $245 Ralph Lauren

Gant Rugger Cotton Jacquard Knit Sweater - $165 Mr Porter

Vineyard Vines 1/4-Zip All Over Fair Isle- $185 Vineyard Vines

Club Monaco Fair Isle Jacquard Crew -$149.50 Club Monaco

Holiday Gift Selections for Men

With the biggest shopping weekend of the year behind us and in the middle of Cyber Monday, many have started their holiday shopping for the season. If you are like me, you find yourself scrambling at the last minute to check everyone off of your list. This year, I made a vow to get my shopping done a little bit ahead of schedule (hopefully).

To get a jump start on holiday shopping, I have curated a list of a few of my personal favorite items of the year spanning many price points and ranging from a classic wool sweater to modern timepieces and fragrance. Whether you are shopping for a boyfriend, brother, dad, or friend there is sure to be something for every man on your list.

Hover over the image below to shop my holiday selections for 2014:


Post-Shave Lotion- In an effort to elevate my shaving routine, I tried some new products from American Crew, one being this post-shave soothing lotion. I instantly fell in love with the product which has now become a staple in my routine. This would be a great stocking stuffer for that college student that is always running late and in rush, sometimes neglecting their shaving routine.

Personalized Toasting Box- This toasting set from Orvis is the perfect match for that true gentleman on your list. Crafted from wood, this toasting set which has room for 10 shot glasses and your favorite liquor makes a handsome addition to any celebratory event. I personally own the set and have thoroughly enjoyed, opting for the available personalization option. This set is sure to make a memorable gift!

Miansai Cuff- I have enjoyed the bracelet trend which has gained popularity in men's fashion and accessories. My go-to brand for modern, well made pieces has been Miansai. The screw bracelet has become their iconic piece, and my new favorite is the addition of the "Noir" collection to the lineup. These cuffs are a great pick for the guy who loves fashion and is on top of trends.

Diptyque Fragrance- Fragrance always makes a great gift, and the selections from Diptyque are simply amazing. This Paris based perfumer makes unique scents which are not available from other houses. I was exposed to their scent, Tam Dao, and have fallen in love with it. It is a mix of sandalwood, rosewood, cypress, and ambergris. It is sure to become his new favorite!

Breil Timepieces-  A timepiece always makes a memorable gift for any man. Breil offers modern, sophisticated timepieces at a reasonable price. This season, the Dome collection is very popular. The Dome collection for men is also exquisitely designed in Italy and is inspired by the city of Milan, celebrating the history and architecture of the Milan Dome — one of the city's main attractions. With its sapphire crystal dome shape, this collection offers a unique structural design for men this holiday season. Italian craftsmanship is honored with a patented new crown as well.

Irish Wool Sweater- You can never go wrong with something as classic as shawl collar sweater. This season, Orvis is offering an option crafted in Ireland from pure wool. This piece is part of my collection, and I personally love how classic the design and silhouette are. The quality shines throw in this genuine piece which is quite warm!

Touch of Nautical

At this point all I can do is think about and hope for spring and warmer weather. Nautical stripes and nautical touches are one of my favorite touches on a piece of clothing, not to mention that it is a great preppy touch as well. I had a sweater hiding in my closet that is a great navy and light blue stripe with a buttoned neckline finished with anchor buttons. 

I loved the nautical touches on the sweater, and while it would be perfect paired with a light colored chino or white denim in late spring or early summer, I created a wear-now outfit by pairing it with tan denim. This makes the piece a little less "spring" feeling and perfect for the slush filled New York streets as there is still a chill in the air and bean boots are still an everyday essential. I finished the look with a gold metal bracelet and bold, orange leather wrap bracelet to compliment the dark navy of the sweater. 

How are you thinking of spring and incorporating it in wear now looks?

Sweater: Ralph Lauren Black Label // Denim: Ralph Lauren Black Label // Bracelets: Miansai & Ralph Lauren

Rustic Pop of Color

It is well known that I love a good sweater during the fall and winter. I also adore color. Adding a pop of color to an outfit brings it to life and makes it more interesting than the sea of blacks, browns, and greys that can be seen all over the sidewalk. 

Use seasonal hues as the basis for the outfit while selecting a shirt, loafer, or pant in a hue that "pops" or contrasts with the rest of the outfit. Below, I centered a look around a chunky cardigan in a dark olive green, perfect for the season. Paired with traditional slim chinos the outfit is classic and simple, however, I added a brighter orange oxford that compliments the dark green well and elevates the outfit. 

Select dateless styles such as the shawl collar cardigan. This one, by Ralph Lauren Black Label, works well as a sweater or as outerwear on a warmer day because the gauge of the knit is quite heavy, similar to this sweater jacket. The slim chinos, by a great New York based designer, Peter Manning, add a modern touch of urban sophistication with the orange pebbled loafers tying the look together. Finish off with a simple accessory such as a timepiece or metal bracelet. 

Color is one of the easiest things to play around with in fashion and can have great payoffs. How are you wearing color this season?

Cardigan- Ralph Lauren Black Label (similar, color) // Chinos- Peter Manning // Oxford-  Polo Ralph Lauren (similar) // Bracelet- Miansai 

Sweater Season

I think many of us are excited that sweater weather is finally upon us. It is welcomed with pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks and riding boots as well. I must admit, I love a good sweater so I am quite happy. 

While it still is officially summer for another few days, there is a fall chill in the air in the morning and evening, so I have been opting for lighter weight sweaters. Right now is the perfect time for cottons as well as silk blends. They provide just the right amount of warmth to cut the brisk morning air on the walk to class. 

Keeping with my preppy aesthetic, I love cable knit sweaters. I even wore them all summer, and cannot wait to get out the cashmere again. One of my favorite cable knit looks is the varsity or cricket sweater look. I also feel like its a perfect look for those of us walking around campus. Nothing says "Ivy League look" more than a cricket sweater in my opinion. 

Here, I paired a winter white sweater with a casual pair of khaki colored denim. A polo is placed underneath so that when it gets warmer during the afternoon, the sweater can come off and go over the shoulders. 

Sweater: Ralph Lauren

Denim: RRL

What is your favorite sweater look for the fall season?

Colorful Cashmere

It may seem crazy writing about cashmere when it is 90+ degrees in many places on the East coast. However, I have been wearing cashmere a lot this summer. It really is the best fabric and so comfortable. Pictured above is an array of cable cashmere by Ralph Lauren. How am I wearing cashmere in the humidity of the East coast? Over my shoulders of course!

Sitting in an air conditioned office all day can become quite cold, so I throw a brightly colored cashmere sweater in my bag each morning. Bright oranges, greens, or navy go great with many other summer colors, especially white! I throw it over my shoulders when I get to the office and as the day goes on, and I get colder, I can just throw it on over an oxford or polo. Its very easy, classic, and of course, preppy.

A Polished Holiday

I believe a lot of us feel pressure to impressive our relatives when were all together at the holidays. With one of the biggest ones just around the corner, do you have your outfit ready for Christmas dinner? Looking put together doesnt have to be a challenge.

Pick festive patterns like intarsia and fair isle and pair a great sweater with a blazer...you cant go wrong.

All images via pinterest

all Fashion Friday posts can be found at Blonde Episodes