Hello and welcome to the first (real) edition of The Bell! I’m calling the series devoted to style ‘The Dressing Bell.’ If that phrase means nothing to you, stop reading now and go watch the first season of Downton Abbey. (It’s the dressing gong in the show, but that’s not the point.)
Anyway. I can’t think of a better place to start than a deep dive into the infinitely chic and versatile navy sweater.
I can’t tell you the number of questions I’ve asked myself while getting dressed when the answer was some variation on a navy sweater.
Why is there no dress code listed for this event? Navy sweater.
How do I create a full monochrome look with jeans? Navy sweater.
What’s a nice backdrop to set off mixed gold and silver jewelry? Navy sweater.
What do I want peeking out of a black coat that will provide *just* enough contrast? Navy sweater.
What does every silk scarf known to man look best with? Navy! Sweater!
I’m at a place in my life (I think many of us are) where I want to wear things that are comfortable but put together; where it’s just as easy to put them on in the morning as loungewear, and when I can wear them straight through everything I have to do during the day, even if “everything” is a bunch of one-on-one time with my laptop, two Zoom calls, and a trip to Whole Foods. If my husband texts to ask if I want to grab a cocktail after work, I don’t want to have to change before going out, either. Just maybe throw on some lipstick and mascara. The navy sweater is the answer to this question, too.
I need to feel GREAT in my clothes or I don’t want them anymore. (See: the growing sell/donate pile that currently occupies about half the bedroom.) And my cheap little Uniqlo men’s navy wool sweater makes me feel great, despite the light pilling. Maybe even because of the pilling? When you’re wearing broken-in clothes, you look more at ease because you are more at ease. But I digress!
Here’s an exhaustive guide to the navy sweater. Do I have all of these in my closet? Of course not. Do I think I’d wear them if I did? Actually yes.
The navy crewneck
The navy crewneck is the theme where all other variations originate. It’s minimal and perfect on its own, though I like to layer it over a white t-shirt or turtleneck for some lightness by the face. I could go slim and tuck-in-able like the one from Cos or medium-weight, possibly from the men’s department. Unfortunately, mine from Uniqlo appears to be sold out in this color but may get a restock in the fall.
[1] $69 from Cos
The navy cashmere v-neck
The oversized navy cashmere v-neck is the luxe staple that looks just as chic lounging on a Sunday (with leggings or joggers) as it does at the office (over a crisp collared shirt and a crisp straight pant) or heading to dinner on vacation after a day in the sun (with white jeans). I would always shop the women’s department for this style because you want the V to really plunge. Consult the sizing guidelines, but I’d size up in most cases because the slouchy sleeves and visible collarbones are the point.
[1] $158 from J. Crew (Out-of-stock sizes will probably return)
[3] $325 from Vince
The navy turtleneck
The navy turtleneck is the ultimate easy weekend top with jeans, and the ultimate winter office top with a flowy trouser. I like the sleeves a touch long so your hands can burrow cozily into the fabric just like your neck does.
The navy cardigan
The navy cardigan is perfect for going out to dinner. It looks like you made an effort and it’s kinda flirty. I prefer mine generously cut and worn as a shirt. The French styling trick here is to wear it backwards — again, as a shirt. I looked far and wide to give you some variety, but kept coming back to the gold standard and excellent pricing at Sézane, plus this lovely light merino number from Closed.
[1] Gaspard, $120 from Sézane
[2] Basile, $170 from Sézane
[3] Betty, $170 from Sézane
[4] $350 from Closed
The navy sweater vest
The navy shell is the transitional season piece of dreams, for when you want to get your arms out but a tank top isn’t appropriate. Wear it slim with a favorite trouser, or take it oversized and layer over a button-down to channel 80s prep. With a baseball cap and great sunglasses!
[1] $98 from J. Crew
The navy wrap
The navy wrap sweater is hyper-feminine and might give you ballet posture by the transitive property.
[2] $135 from Saks (on sale but v limited sizing)
The navy sweater-jacket
The sweater-jacket is the topper that takes a simple top, jeans, and sneakers and makes it an outfit. A cropped little cardigan-jacket with shiny buttons is so ladylike without being too precious. A blazer style nods to menswear while staying soft.
[1] $180 from Boden
[2] $357 from Theory (on sale if you wear an 8-12)
The navy sweatshirt
Now we’re not even talking about sweaters anymore! But it’s my newsletter and I make the rules. The navy sweatshirt is what you put on when it’s a sweatshirt day and you can’t be bothered to try, and it makes you look cute despite yourself. This goes for men, too! Navy > gray when it comes to sweatshirts in public, imho.
[1] $59.95 from L.L. Bean men’s
[2] $98 from J. Crew men’s (currently $49.50!)
[3] $138 from Kule
[4] $148 from Polo Ralph Lauren
That’s it! If you’ve gotten this far, we must be kindred spirits in our (potentially unhinged) passion for the navy sweater. Did I miss something? What’s your favorite navy sweater? Leave a comment!
xx Jane
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