Why Cashmere Knitwear Will Always Be The Ultimate Wardrobe Investment
Chic, cozy and undeniably cool – nothing quite beats the enduring allure of a cashmere sweater or cardigan, says GRACE COOK
Few items in our closets offer the kind of year-after-year longevity we rely on when winter arrives. Most garments we consider sartorial building blocks are subject to seasonal trends, with luxury labels offering design-led twists on silhouettes or fabrics that tie new pieces to the current season and our prevailing mood. A cashmere knit, however, is the exception. Yes, there are subtle variations that can give a sweater or cardigan a contemporary feel, but overall, the understated, effortless nature of a luxurious knit is something that never goes out of style.
That’s why a cashmere knit will always be the ultimate investment piece. Consider each new addition in terms of its outfit mileage: do the girl math, and within a single season, the price-per-wear of a stone-colored sweater from Calvin Klein Collection, for example, or a chunky turtleneck from Khaite, will tell you everything you need to know about the piece’s value in your wardrobe. Plus, their timeless appeal and versatility mean the outfit possibilities are endless.
A gray crewneck is a prime example of knitwear’s versatility. Toteme’s signature style is a classic that will always feel contemporary with simple styling tricks. Its relaxed fit and super-soft cashmere instantly elevate an understated pair of jeans, while still being polished enough to layer under a blazer for days spent in the office. Yet when paired with a silky skirt or leather pants, it becomes a piece suited for after-dark dinners and late-night drinks. You could even tie it around your shoulders over a tailored coat, as stylist Alexandra Carl often does.
This season, the off-duty polo has also been reinvented in cashmere. Whether styled smart or casual, a knitted polo blends the polish of a crisp cotton shirt with the ease of a sweatshirt. For a look that feels considered yet undeniably comfortable, simply slip a form-fitting base layer underneath. Altuzarra’s ‘Zaq’ style in warm camel guarantees a chic finish, especially when paired with a leather skirt.
Looking to layer? A cashmere cardigan is a trans-seasonal closet ally. Worn over T-shirts in spring, it can also be slipped over a fitted turtleneck or a long-sleeved shirt in the winter to elevate your look with minimal effort. Cardigans in navy and black will always be wardrobe essentials, but for something a bit more novel, look to Calle Del Mar’s Fair Isle cardigan (a NET-A-PORTER exclusive) for a take that’s slightly more playful but no less wearable. Meanwhile, Arch4’s deep-burgundy style from our NET SUSTAIN edit offers a chic way to incorporate color. Ultimately, the versatility of a cashmere knit makes every style a forever favorite – and the coziest investment piece you’ll want to wear on repeat, year after year.
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