Gettin’ Knitty Wit It

all: it can’t all be Pumpkin Spice and Apple Picking. The season also brings along shorter days, looming midterms, and plummeting temperatures. You wake up to the shining sun, put together a killer outfit, step out the door… and Mother Nature promptly blasts you with a gust of Arctic wind like it’s some cruel joke.

You have ten minutes to get to class and basically two options: throw on some indiscriminate layers and become a Yeti for the day, or resolutely shiver in style. If you’re armed with the right knitwear, though, you can brave the cold with confidence. Here are four runway-inspired ways to stay both toasty and fashion-forward.

Pretty in 3D

Joseph; Anthropologie ($778); Balmain; Club Monaco ($229)

There’s certainly no shortage of embellished pieces coming down the catwalks year-round, but Fall/Winter collections have much more freedom to incorporate 3D details into knitwear. This Fall, ladylike ruffles, tassels, and opulent appliques are the key elements to look for in a statement sweater. Channel Balmain’s dreamy, rococo-chic frills, or take cues from the edgier deconstructed pieces sent down the runway at Joseph. For a look that’ll make you feel like you’re living in a fairytale (even if you don’t have the bank account of a princess), turn to Anthropologie or Club Monaco for a selection of wonderfully whimsical knits.

A Cutout Above the Rest

Jonathan Simkhai; Frame ($295); Proenza Schouler

Unexpected cutouts were ubiquitous on the runway this year, and they look just as fresh in the colder months as they did in the summer. A classic “cold shoulder” detail works perfectly with all kinds of knits – let a heavier cabled pullover speak for itself, or turn heads with a skin-tight turtleneck layered under a slinky dress. For a more daring twist on the trend, try a sweater (or sweaterdress) with chest, back, or midriff cutouts. These ribbed ones by Frame show just enough skin to keep you looking hot while you protect yourself from the cold.

Life’s Just Better in a Sweater

Chloe; Urban Outfitters ($79); Joie

Wake up on a Sunday morning with the sniffles or a mountain of reading for next week? Here’s a foolproof remedy: a cup of tea, Spotify’s “Autumn Leaves” playlist, and a sweater so comfy it’s basically a wearable blanket. Opt for a long cardigan with deep pockets to warm your hands in, or an oversized jumper to slip over your PJs. Whatever your preference, the key is to look for chunky knits, made with squishy-soft wool blends (for the ultimate treat, look for merino, mohair, or angora). You’ll feel like you’re being hugged by a herd of baby sheep, and you’ll look so cozy that your friends won’t be able to resist giving you a snuggle, either.

Fool’s Wool

Christian Siriano; Christian Siriano ($695)

For all you ice queens out there, you can always stare Mother Nature down and laugh right back. Look to Christian Siriano’s trompe l’oeil tops and dresses for an outfit that’s as cool as your attitude. The illusion cable knit screams classic cold-weather vibes, but cuts out all the bulk – it’s a perfect base for layering, helping you stay comfortable no matter the temperature. Treat this one-of-a-kind print as a modern twist on snakeskin; layer it under a streamlined, light-colored coat, and keep it solid on the bottom. Accessorize with fluffy earmuffs, and you’re all set to brave the elements.

 -Aleksandra Golos

Images courtesy of: Vogue, Anthropologie, Shopbop, Frame, Urban Outfitters, and Farfetch