Soft Sweaters for Fall Days

What do you like most about fall? Though I’m partial to walking over crunchy leaves and the wacky Halloween decorations of our neighbors, I’d have to say that my favorite part of fall is the coziness. There’s more time to slow down, read books and cuddle up, and on that note, here are some super soft Garnet Hill sweaters…

One of my favorite memories of growing up is how my mom would wear soft sweaters and her hands were always cold. (Isn’t it funny how you have such sensory memories from childhood?) Lately, I’ve been loving this sweater and jeans from Garnet Hill. Their cashmere sweaters are hand-combed and especially soft, made with fibers from goats that are raised by family herders. It feels like you’re being hugged. For cozy, wear-with-anything basics to love for years, here are some of Garnet Hill’s pretty pieces…

Cable Knit Sweater

Corduroy Jacket

Zip-Front Cashmere Cardigan

Blouson Sleeve Sweater

Floral Dress

What are you looking forward to this fall?

P.S. Trying out slow parenting, and how to host a soup group.

(Photos by Christine Han for Cup of Jo. This post is sponsored by Garnet Hill, a brand we love. Thanks for supporting the brands that help keep Cup of Jo running.)

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Sarah

October 7, 2019 4:50 pm

Ferdinand! – my absolute favourite book as a child, still now ?

Leigh Frattolillio

October 2, 2019 2:39 pm

Loved you on the Today show! It must have been nerve racking, but you seemed amazing.

Sara

October 2, 2019 2:20 pm

I love Garnet Hill, but their shipping prices are too much. Considering that most sites offer free shipping, I wish they would reconsider. I often fill my cart with items that I love, and then walk away when it’s time to purchase due to the fees.

Sherry

Reply to Sara

October 2, 2019 5:02 pm

I agree! I had well over a hundred dollars worth of clothes in my cart the other day, and they still charged shipping. I can’t think of another site I regularly order from that would charge shipping on an amount like that. Definitely makes me order less from them!

Kate

Reply to Sara

October 3, 2019 6:06 pm

Yep, same!

Lydia

Reply to Sara

October 3, 2019 10:51 pm

I work in operations and it is helpful to widen perspective. Shipping costs are expensive; Amazon has created an untenable expectation that shipping should be free & overnight. Small businesses struggle to compete, having to eat costs to keep up with these expectations. Granted, Garnet Hill is not a small business per se but I struggle to understand how our society expects to pay so little for everything…hence fast fashion. Wouldn’t it feel better to know companies were paying their workers a living wage, ethically producing product–paying a bit more for quality over quantity? I read a quote the other day that really resonated with me: America is a place where luxuries are cheap and necessities are expensive. Food for thought. :)

Edna

October 2, 2019 1:46 pm

Dear Joanna.
I just watched the segment on Today Show, you are gorgeous. You looked so beautiful. I really enjoy your posts and is something I look forward to. You have a lovely family. Keep up the good work. Best wishes.

Lane

October 2, 2019 1:12 pm

Land’s End always has excellent sweaters as well. I’ve got probably half a dozen cardigans from them that I’ve worn for years with barely any piling, and plenty of chunky cotton sweaters that have definitely stood the test of time. Bonus: they come in plus sizes, petites, talls, and they’ll even hem most of their chinos and dress pants for free!

Stacy

Reply to Lane

October 2, 2019 7:08 pm

Yes to Lands End sweaters – great products that last and last. Shout out to their cotton knit nightgowns as well. Love them!

Heidi

October 2, 2019 11:40 am

I love this post… I wanted to add that we started a Soup Group last winter because of the post you linked. We took a break over summer but last week we kicked off Soup Group Season 2! Our rules: 1. Don’t clean your house if you’re the host. 2. Soft pants only and 3. Please bring a friend, all are welcome.
Highly recommend.

Awads

October 2, 2019 10:47 am

Do these sweaters pill, though? This has been my biggest problem with sweaters, even the high-end splurge sweaters.

Rebecca

Reply to Awads

October 2, 2019 1:42 pm

Do you have a sweater saver? This has helped me de-pill so many of my sweaters! https://www.amazon.com/Furniture-Defuzzer-Clothing-Batteries-Replacement/dp/B06VXBMST6/ref=sxin_3_ac_d_pm?ac_md=2-0-VW5kZXIgJDIw-ac_d_pm&keywords=electric+sweater+shaver&pd_rd_i=B06VXBMST6&pd_rd_r=a70a8651-5e61-4bce-bc05-d19c24faea72&pd_rd_w=OgZJY&pd_rd_wg=GuXDO&pf_rd_p=24d053a8-30a1-4822-a2ff-4d1ab2b984fc&pf_rd_r=00FQQ0EW6CGJY8PP7H5F&psc=1&qid=1570038118&s=beauty

Catie

October 2, 2019 9:02 am

I love their cashmere sweaters! I have two of the cropped style, which I wear for work all the time in winter (often with the Everlane work pants…). Cozy, easy, and feels polished enough for my work vibe.

I do find that it’s worth checking the garment measurements, because in this particular style, for example, I can size down for the desired fit. (I’m often an L or XL, depending on the brand, but wear a M in this style to keep it from being overwhelmingly baggy. I’m tall, as well, and it still works out).

Elizabeth

October 2, 2019 8:45 am

I’m a knitter and fall always inspires me to hustle and make a new sweater. If I start it in September, I can usually have it done by Thanksgiving. I live in Michigan and it gets cold, cold, cold! A new, hand knit sweater is such a bright spot.

Here’s a few sweaters on my “to make” list:

https://www.ravelry.com/projects/strickgut/imany – A draped cardigan with fancy stitching and a shawl collar

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-weekender-5 – a nice, basic draped pullover that’ll knit up quick!

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fishermans-daughter – cables galore in a variation of the classic fisherman sweater

and the one I’m making now:

https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bingham-2 – Basic cables, shawl collar, and a super bulky yarn for fast knitting. I got the back done in about two weeks.

Mary W

Reply to Elizabeth

October 2, 2019 11:17 am

Great picks! I’ll have to look through my stash. (It’s the self-imposed year-of-not-buying-yarn.)

jeannie

October 2, 2019 7:21 am

This post is coming at just the right time. The leaves are just beginning to turn here and I am looking forward to visiting a cider mill. I love the sweater you are wearing. The blue color it comes in is so pretty, too. Would love to see more pictures of Halloween in NY!

Katie

October 2, 2019 12:33 am

I’ve been reading a lot about micro plastics that come from laundry and end up in our oceans. I’m going to try to make a personal commitment to buy only natural fabrics. I just wanted to suggest this as an idea for a post – I’d love to see a roundup of clothing that’s eco-friendly and doesn’t pollute our water, but is also flattering and at least somewhat stylish? Some of Garnet Hill’s options made me think of it. :-)

Incidentally, they are the total opposite of trendy, but I absolutely love my Garnet Hill pajamas. I’m wearing them now, and I’m incredibly comfortable. They also make great sheets.

Joanna Goddard

Admin

Reply to Katie

October 2, 2019 11:35 am

this is a great idea, katie, thank you! and i love their pajamas too. so cozy!

Lydia

October 1, 2019 10:20 pm

Thrift stores are great for finding high quality wool & cashmere sweaters. The key is to get 100% wool. And much less impact environmentally if you buy secondhand vs new. I am also loving the trend of darning clothes with colorful thread. Looking at my wardrobe anew and seeing all the possibilities. Replacing buttons to refresh a sweater, hemming slacks to give a new silhouette, there is so much room to play and not buy anything new. :)

claire

October 1, 2019 9:53 pm

I am a long time GH customer, although I have a hard time finding clothes options that I can afford and that that fit lately. I love them for bed linens though, and pajamas. They have terrific end of season sales, and excellent customer service. Here’s my GH pajama story: I have a flannel pajama top that is sitting in my closet that I can’t bring myself to throw out, even though it is way past time. I bought these pj’s a good 20 years ago, but mysteriously the top still fits me even though I have gone up in size quite a bit. They were thick white flannel, and had chickens on them. The sleeves are cut wide, the body is roomy, and the length comes down past my hips. The buttons are just the right size for pajamas, and are all still attached. They were the most perfect pajamas ever. I hope I have the courage to someday let them go and move on with my life. I may have to keep the buttons though.

Libby

Reply to claire

October 2, 2019 11:50 am

I had the same problem! Years ago, I had pajamas that I loved so much. They were plain white and so comfortable. I wore them out and just couldn’t bear to toss them out when they were too holey and threadbare to keep wearing. So, I used them as a pattern, and made more pajamas in crisp white seersucker, this time with pink buttons.

Lisa

October 1, 2019 7:06 pm

Sweetest photos Jo!

October 1, 2019 6:37 pm

Is it just me or is a good chambray shirt the shirt of all seasons? With a rain jacket in spring, over a bathing suit in the summer, with black jeans and boots in fall, and under a caridgan and blanket scarf all winter.

claire

Reply to JB

October 1, 2019 9:55 pm

yes, you are absolutely right. chambray shirts forever.

Heidi

Reply to JB

October 2, 2019 11:37 am

You’re so right! I like wearing mine over sun dresses to extend into fall… just button it up and tie the tails together to make the waist a little defined. Voila!

Reply to JB

October 2, 2019 11:37 am

Literally wearing this *exact* fall outfit today!

Reply to JB

October 2, 2019 4:58 pm

I have been looking for a good chambray long sleeve shirt…anyone have any recommendations?

Kelly

October 1, 2019 5:50 pm

Their cashmere throw blanket is also incredible! Recommended by NYT wire cutter.

Maggie

October 1, 2019 5:38 pm

More pictures of great neighborhood Halloween decorations!

Joanna Goddard

Admin

Reply to Maggie

October 1, 2019 7:08 pm

So happy to! Will take some over the next couple weeks :)

Bea6

October 1, 2019 5:32 pm

Thanks for the tip! I’ll check out the site. I’m not a fan of the stretchy, mostly nylon sweaters in my local stores. They just don’t have the warmth for winter like the old wool sweaters I used to buy growing up. Is this a cost issue? Help!

Louisa

Reply to Bea6

October 2, 2019 2:01 pm

I’m with you and keep checking in to see if others have replied. I have just one amazing sweater (thick ragg wool that has not pilled or worn thin in the 15 years I’ve owned it) from The Better Sweater in Homer Alaska – and apparently they don’t sell online.

Claire

Reply to Bea6

October 2, 2019 2:20 pm

you might check out Boden. They have a lot of wool and cashmere options, the quality tends to be good, and they offer some heavier, chunkier version for those lucky people who get a real winter.

Jessica

October 1, 2019 5:24 pm

Garnet Hill, honestly, is one of the few brands from my childhood where I still trust their quality of merchandise. Them and maybe Orvis?

Over that many years, a lot of other brands have been erratic, at best (Looking at you, LL Bean and J Crew), with some great finds and some… [sad trombone]. Garnet hill’s clothes are not AT ALL stylish, but if you know what’s in style, you can find something well made and modern looking that should last. Glad to see them as a sponsor.

Kim

October 1, 2019 4:59 pm

I live in NH, where Garnet Hill is based, and LOVE their style and vibe. I’ve sent them lots of emails, though, hoping they get with the times and start offering some larger sizes. I’m that person who needs the one size up from xl. Hopefully they’ll hear similar requests here on COJ and do something!

Kim

Reply to Kim

October 1, 2019 6:23 pm

Same! I’d love to be a regular customer, but they make it darn near impossible. I have a tummy, both from my Polish roots and carrying my children, and the boxiness of most items just does not work for my frame, sadly.

Claire

Reply to Kim

October 1, 2019 9:42 pm

yes, good idea. I sometimes wonder if the fashion industry has any inkling of how the current style trends leave customers frustrated- not only with limited sizing, but also the current fit trends of tight, ultra skinny, slim cut, and/or shrunken, with cropped sleeves/ or legs, and made from ultra thin fabric. Even my husband has started to complain about the pervasive “slim cut” for men’s clothing.

October 1, 2019 4:51 pm

Love sweaters and sweater weather … great post … your lipstick details, please.

Joanna Goddard

Admin

Reply to CN

October 2, 2019 11:35 am

thank you, CN! it’s laura mercier lip gloss in poppy: http://bit.ly/2YNur3A

Kristy

October 1, 2019 4:48 pm

These sweaters are gorgeous! I wish they included plus sizes. I realize this is a sponsored post so they all come from Garnet Hill, and I’d love to see a similar fall sweater post with more inclusive sizing :)

Emily R

October 1, 2019 4:31 pm

I wish there were warm sweaters that also worked with business attire. It seems that the only warm sweaters are bulky – and thus don’t work with a suit or suit skirt. Winter is a challenge in the office.

Sarz

Reply to Emily R

October 1, 2019 5:21 pm

Emily, have you considered vintage? I have several very professional-looking knit suits. There’s almost no occasion in which a pencil skirt and slim, minimalist shell won’t work, so I’ve even gotten double the mileage from mixing and matching. I find the 50s and 60s were the best in terms of offerings that won’t seem costumey. I’ll maintain that wool and cashmere are just as warm as their more casual, modern counterparts. I’ve also never paid more than $60 for one – typically much less!

Good luck!

shannon

Reply to Emily R

October 1, 2019 6:17 pm

Merino wool can come in slimmer knits but still feel cozy under a blazer! Especially if you layer a silky tank underneath the sweater.

Erin

Reply to Emily R

October 1, 2019 7:53 pm

Can you wear boots? My secret to not freezing at the office in the winter is dressy-ish boots with tights AND a hidden pair of wool socks. Smartwool socks are thin enough to wear in nice boots and add a meaningful amount of insulation.

Alix

Reply to Emily R

October 1, 2019 9:19 pm

Try M.M Lafluer! They have lots of warmer layering pieces that are super professional and can be mixed and matched.

Hilary

Reply to Emily R

October 2, 2019 9:47 am

What about a sweater tank? I’ve seen more bloggers posting about them!

Chika

Reply to Emily R

October 2, 2019 1:38 pm

Try UNIQLO’s heattech line— I live in their tanks as under layers for pretty much all my sweaters (and even shirts-blouses) in the fall/winter as I get cold easily and live in the frigid north (MN/Twin Cities)!!

Jenn

Reply to Emily R

October 2, 2019 1:55 pm

I love Uniqlo merino wool sweaters for this. I put them under everything from my beloved denim jacket to my favorite work blazers. They go from work to casual, and the quality is so consistent. Truly timeless, too! My brother hipped me to these sweaters and I will be forever grateful.

Perla Massoud

October 1, 2019 4:28 pm

This is my favourite season by far , a festive one too .. my birthday is on the sixteenth of September.
Crunchy leaves , hot beverages, plaids, cinnamon, apple tart , soft rain , early mornings .. what’s not to love ?!
In France we have a brand called saint James. They make wool sweaters ( merinos ) in the Normandy region . I wear mine for years and years .excellent quality!

October 1, 2019 4:19 pm

Gonna need that lipstick color!

(pretty sweater, too :)

Joanna Goddard

Admin

Reply to NN

October 2, 2019 11:34 am

thank you for your note! it’s laura mercier lip gloss in poppy: http://bit.ly/2YNur3A

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