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In November in New York, there is already a taste of winter in the air. The early morning in Central Park was covered with thin frost, and the wind at the street corner crept into my collar with a chill. Even the lights in the Fifth Avenue window were cast in a warmer golden hue. Standing by the apartment window, watching pedestrians walk briskly with their necks clenched, I always think of the time a month ago when I was still drinking Aveiro cocktails in an open-air caf é in Brooklyn – the wind at that time still carried the fragrance of osmanthus and the sweetness of fallen leaves.
Although the change of seasons means a growing chill, it also brings another kind of romance: finally, the cashmere sweaters and knitted pants in the wardrobe can be taken out again, allowing the soft fabrics and layered layering to create a warm style belonging to deep autumn.
As a “cold star” who has lived in New York for many years, I have always had strict requirements for winter clothing: it should be both warm and dignified; It should be soft and comfortable, while not losing the sophistication of the city. And cashmere sweaters and knitted pants are the perfect balance between these two needs. They are not as heavy as down jackets, but they have enough warmth; It is also different from the tough texture of leather jackets, with its own tenderness and texture – allowing people to easily wear an urban atmosphere that combines temperature and elegance.
1、 Cashmere sweater: light and warm, supporting the exquisite beauty of late autumn
The primary principle when choosing a cashmere sweater in New York is’ lightness does not equal thinness’. In late autumn in New York, the climate is mostly dry and cold, and the indoor heating is sufficient. Wearing too thick cashmere sweaters can actually make one feel hot and dry.
I would recommend the lightweight version weighing between 120-160g – soft, skin friendly, and not too heavy on the body, which can be worn alone or layered. For example, my recent favorite light oat colored round neck cashmere sweater comes from the local brand Everlane in New York. The slightly loose H-shaped cut covers the flesh without appearing bulky. When going out in the morning, pairing it with a dark windbreaker can neutralize the heaviness; At noon, the sunshine warms up a bit. Taking off your coat and wearing it alone with a gold necklace can showcase a simple and high-end temperament.
In terms of color, although the streets of New York are full of personality, basic colors are always the “king of versatility”. Oat color, rice gray, and dark coffee are not easy to make mistakes. If you want to increase recognition, you can try Morandi series haze blue or gray pink. Last week in SoHo, I saw a woman wearing a gray pink cashmere sweater and white jeans standing in front of a red brick wall, looking like a film from old times.
The choice of collar is also worth paying attention to.
People with round faces or short necks are not recommended to wear heavy high collars. They can try half high collars or V-collars, which can keep warm and elongate the neckline.
People with long facial features or obvious jawlines can boldly control high collars, elegant with a touch of literary atmosphere.
I have a dark gray high necked cashmere sweater that I often wear on weekends when visiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It comes with knitted pants and short boots, and the hanging neckline softens the lines, making it gentle and neat.
Small details also determine the texture.
A slightly curled edge design on the cuffs will be more casual, and the length of the garment should cover half of the buttocks. It is not awkward to wear alone, and when paired with a short jacket, it will not reveal the hem. This length can fit almost all jackets, from suits to down jackets, without being out of place.
2、 Knitted pants: Breaking the ‘home feel’ and wearing them cleanly in New York style
Many people still have the impression that knitted pants can only be worn at home, but in fact, as long as they are chosen well, knitted pants can become the most comfortable “high-end item” on the street. The key lies in two words: a sense of sagging and a waist cinching design.
The two pairs of knitted pants I bought this year almost took turns:
One is a dark gray nine point micro flared style (from Arket), with a slightly textured blend fabric that does not stick to the legs and has a slight swaying curve when walking. Covering the ankle with pants legs and pairing with short boots can visually elongate the leg shape. Last time I went to the downtown for a meeting, I paired it with a light gray cashmere sweater and a beige suit jacket. My colleague said I looked both professional and comfortable, but who would have thought it was actually knitted pants?
The other one is a black ankle strap with a drawstring design at the waist, adjustable in elasticity, making it easy to eat without burdening your stomach. The leg straps can prevent wind and are suitable for casual occasions. When I go for a walk in Brooklyn on weekends, I pair it with a white cashmere sweater and sneakers for a relaxed and stylish look.
When choosing knitted pants, length and waistline are crucial:
Nine quarter pants are the golden ratio of late autumn – they won’t drag the floor and look messy, nor will they expose their ankles to the cold. If you buy the full-length version, it is recommended to cut it to a position about two centimeters off the ground. It is recommended to choose a high waisted style for the waist, which can naturally increase the proportion and make the figure look slender when paired with a short top.
In terms of color matching, dark gray, black, and dark brown are the most versatile; If you want to try light colors, you can apply the principle of “deep top and light bottom” – for example, pairing a deep camel cashmere sweater with beige knitted pants, gentle but not dull. I once met a lady dressed like this at the Union Square bookstore, her light rice pants swaying with the steps, and she looked like a gentle autumn poem.
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3、 Stacking formula: Coping with the variable temperature in late autumn in New York
The temperature difference in late autumn in New York is large, with cold mornings and cold evenings and hot afternoons. If you want to dress beautifully without catching a cold, you need to learn to “layer up”. Based on cashmere sweaters and knitted pants, simply change the jacket and shoes to easily switch between different scenes.
(1) Commuting formula: cashmere sweater+knitted pants+suit jacket+short boots
The most suitable combination for work. A light colored cashmere sweater as a base, paired with a dark gray or black suit, paired with slightly flared knitted pants and leather boots, simple, neat, and warm. If you feel that the overall color is too dark, you can add a metal necklace or beige bag to the accessory. If the temperature is lower, you can add a lightweight down vest inside the suit, which will not look bulky and add an extra layer of warmth.
(2) Date formula: Half high neck cashmere sweater+Legged knit pants+Long woolen coat+loafers
This is the most suitable option to go to a small restaurant in Brooklyn or a caf é in Central Park. A gray pink or light camel colored cashmere sweater paired with black leggings, plus a knee length double-sided woolen coat, soft yet firm. Wear leather loafers on your feet, paired with light colored socks that show a little bit of edge, delicate yet not artificial. Paired with a beret or fine cashmere scarf, it exudes a gentle yet French vibe.
(3) Shopping formula: High neck cashmere sweater+Knitted pants+Short down jacket+Sports shoes
SoHo、 This set is definitely practical for Fifth Avenue or weekend markets. Short down jackets can highlight the waistline and avoid height compression. Colors can be brighter, such as caramel, dark green, or orange brown, adding a touch of vitality to the streets in late autumn. Carry another lightweight backpack and wear a faux fur scarf for warmth and cuteness.
4、 Maintenance and details: making gentle fabrics last longer
Cashmere sweaters and knitted pants are soft, but they need to be worn for a long time and look exquisite, and maintenance is crucial.
Cleaning: It is recommended to hand wash cashmere sweaters, gently rub them with neutral detergent, and lay them flat to dry; If using a washing machine, be sure to select the “cashmere mode” and put it in the laundry bag. If knitted pants contain wool, try to machine wash them at low temperatures and air dry them naturally to avoid drying and shrinkage.
Storage: The middle layer of the commonly worn stacked wardrobe is convenient for matching; Seal and store infrequently worn items in a dust-proof bag. Knitted pants can be hung on wide shoulder hangers, while leg cinching pants can be folded and hung again to prevent deformation.
Tip: After each use, gently iron the clothes with a steam machine to restore the fluffy texture of the fibers. Avoid direct sunlight when the sun is strong to prevent fading.
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5、 Accessories: Enhance overall texture with details
The beauty of cashmere sweaters and knitted pants lies in the “white space”, and accessories are the finishing touch.
Wear a pair of metal framed glasses or pearl earrings to make your look more intellectual.
Tie a scarf around the handle of the bag or wrap it around the collar to add color and depth.
If the weather gets colder, a fine cashmere scarf is both practical and can match the overall material.
Make Warmth the Style Declaration of Autumn and Winter
When the wind in New York becomes biting and the leaves on the street corners are blown all over the ground, my favorite moment is putting on a soft cashmere sweater and comfortable knitted pants, walking out of the apartment in the wind.
The temperature of cashmere sticking to the skin always brings peace of mind; The gentle swinging of knitted pants is the most elegant response to the cold.
Dressing is never about pleasing others, but about keeping oneself relaxed, confident, and comfortable in the fast-paced city. I hope this fashion guide centered around cashmere sweaters and knitted pants can bring you the dual power of warmth and beauty in this late autumn——
Whether drinking a cup of hot red wine on the street or reading a book in a caf é, “warmth and style” can become your own seasonal label.
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