Here at T&C, we pride ourselves on our discerning eye for quality. With Tried & True, our editors will give you an inside look at the pieces they simply cannot live without.
There is no time I love quite like the months of September, October, and November for getting dressed. The weather is mild, but ever so slightly crisp, and that my friends is a recipe for looking good every day. Come Labor Day, I am ready to whip out my sweaters, my suede and leather pieces, my corduroys—all of the pieces that make getting dressed that much more fun. And this year, the J.Crew Emilie patch-pocket sweater lady jacket is going to be heavily in rotation.
I recently added the black ivory colorway to my closet and let me tell you, I certainly don’t regret it. The piece has the classic cardigan jacket shape, with a relaxed, boxy fit that hits right at the hip. There are about a zillion reasons why this sweater jacket is a winner, but I will start with the weight of the knit. Not too heavy, not too flimsy—the cotton holds its shape, but still has some give. And it’s certainly warm enough to wear when temps dip below 70.
Some other details that I love: the collar isn’t floppy, the arm holes don’t go too low, and the sleeves aren’t too loose. All of this comes together for a special sauce that makes for a piece that looks like it could compare to those from the bigger luxury houses. And don’t even get me started on the buttons: they are polished gold, but feel heavy and substantial. These tiny bits go a long way to elevate with subtlety.
Now aside from the good details, I am obsessed with a striped sweater, and love this color for a number of reasons, especially because it’s an easy way to get in on the high contrast black and white dressing trend we’ve seen on quite a few celebrities this summer. But the best part about that is that it’s a take on the trend, but it’s also classic, so it will outlive the trend cycle. That’s nothing to scoff at.
Of course, there are oodles of way to style this transitional topper effortlessly, which has been very fun for me. Wear it over a black or white tank shell, paired with jeans and mary-janes, and you have yourself a bit of daintier look. Worn as a top (with a few buttons undone) with a silk slip skirt, and it’s a slightly sexy look to wear to dinner. Pair it with a pair of low rise, loose fitting jeans, and you’ve nailed that effortless French look that is so often strived for. I’ve even worn it with a pair of black sweats and white sneakers and it came together for a look that was very cool. Call it my new go-to travel outfit.
All of which to say, the Emilie patch-pocket sweater is the transitional piece to snap up for September. I may just have to get one in red, just so I have all of my bases covered.