Sweater weather is here. Time to break out the cashmere! Whether you're snuggling up on the couch or slipping on something extra cozy to take the edge off the morning commute, there's nothing more soothing than cashmere sweaters.
Unfortunately, these ultra-soft, ultra-supple knits do come at a premium. After all, the yarn comes from the fluffy undercoat of cashmere and pashmina goats so it's softer — and scarcer — than, say, sheep's wool. But they're so worth it. A cashmere sweater is a versatile, hard-wearing, seasonless closet staple that can last you decades if you wash and store it right.
That said, just because you plan to wear your cashmere for years to come doesn't mean you should relegate yourself to classic crewnecks in gloomy greiges. (Yawn.) Why not make your knitwear the focal point of your winter look? Take it from us: statement cashmere sweaters are the new closet essential.
As with everything else these days, designers are getting super inventive with their knitwear. Injecting new life into the category. Playing with textures, colors and silhouettes. Take Monique Lhuillier's pearl-embroidered design or Pilcro's sequin one, either perfect for a night out. Eye-catching tie details are also a big theme, from Reformation's coquettish collared cardigan to Zara's siren red, origami-able, high-neck knit. So are statement stripes and graphic prints. Choose between a new-school nautical option from Raey or serious pops of color care of Marni, Chloe, Guest In Residence and more.
Have you heard unapologetic girlishness is trending? Accordingly, Cecilie Bahnsen and J.Crew are adorning their cashmere with ruffles and feathers, respectively. Meanwhile labels like Crush Cashmere and Arch4 are using can't-miss cut-outs to create unusually flirty knits. And on or off the slopes, you can't go wrong with a fun Fair Isle sweater from CO or Khaite. The former used fringe trim to update the classic silhouette, the latter added structure and interest via ribbing and tortoiseshell buttons.
As for styling, pair your pillowy statement sweater with a high-waisted jean or denim maxi skirt for a look that's extremely en vogue. The weather outside may be gray and dreary, but your un-boring cashmere will light up the room.
Scroll down for our favorite statement cashmere sweaters to shop now.
Lisa Yang Kerry Cashmere Polo Sweater, $930 at Mytheresa
La Ligne Mini Marin Sweater in Pale Blue/Kelly Green, $275 at La Ligne
Garin The Chelsea in Barbie, $455 at Garin
The Elder Statesman Jasper Striped Cashmere-Blend Sweater, $1,450 at Net-a-Porter
Leret Leret No. 55, $425 at Leret Leret
CO Fair Isle-Jacquard Cashmere Poncho, $1,295 at Matches Fashion
Tom Ford Off-the-Shoulder Cashmere-Blend Draped Sweater, $1,486 at Matches Fashion
Reformation Ari Cashmere Sweater Cardigan, $248 at Reformation
J.Crew Feather-Trim Cropped Cardigan Sweater With Jewel Buttons in Buttermilk, $89.50 at J.Crew
Raey Striped Recycled-Cashmere Roll Neck Jumper, $595 at Matches Fashion
Altuzarra Boyes Layered Rib-Knitted Cashmere-Blend Sweater, $418 at Matches Fashion
Guest In Residence Multicolor Striped Sweater, $545 at SSENSE
Sablyn Cable Knit Cashmere Sweater, $1,000 at Shopbop
Khaite The Michaela Cardigan in Red Multi, $1,980 at Khaite
Pilcro The Alani Cashmere Mock-Neck Sweater: Sequin Edition in Navy, $248 at Anthropologie
W.Cashmere Campbell Cashmere Sweater, $159.95 at Anthropologie
Coperni Cashmere Embroidered Cropped Sweater, $660 at The Frankie Shop
Monique Lhuillier Pearl-Embroidered Cashmere Sweater, $1,995 at Moda Operandi
Alexander McQueen Choppy-Hem Cashmere Jumper, $1,015 at Farfetch
Crush Cashmere Cassie Cut-Out Cashmere Jumper, $245 at Farfetch
Zara 100% Cashmere Knotted Sweater, $239 at Zara
Autumn Cashmere Fair Isle Crew in Bright Combo, $365 at Autumn Cashmere
J.Crew Cashmere Cable-Knit Sweater in Soft Fuchsia, $228 at J.Crew
Cecilie Bahnsen Villy Ruffled-Trim Cashmere-Blend Sweater, $787 at Matches Fashion
The Row Eppie Roll-Neck Ribbed Cashmere Sweater, $1,690 at Matches Fashion
Arch4 Elizabeth Cashmere Knitted Sweater, $762 at Matches Fashion
Arch4 Amandine Convertible Ribbed Cashmere Sweater in Sand, $365 at The Outnet
Chloe Ruffled Striped Cashmere-Blend Sweater in Red, $673 at The Outnet
Marni Logo-Embroidered Cashmere Cardigan, $750 at Farfetch