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There’s no time of year where I love getting ready more than September, October, and November. The weather is mild, but always a bit balmy. And having friends is the secret to making every day beautiful. As Labor Day approaches, you’ll be ready to stock up on sweaters, suede and leather pieces, corduroy, and all the other items that will make getting dressed more fun. And this year, J.Crew Emily This lady jacket with patch pocket sweater is going to be a hit.
I recently added the black-ivory colorway to my closet and have never regretted it. A classic cardigan in the shape of a jacket, it features a relaxed, boxy fit that hits the hips. There are countless reasons why this sweater jacket is a winner, but let’s start with the weight of the knit. Not too heavy or too thin, cotton retains its shape while maintaining some softness. And it’s certainly warm enough to wear when temperatures dip below 70 degrees.
There are a few other details that I love. The collar should not droop, the armholes should not be too low, and the sleeves should not be too loose. All of this combined with our special sauce creates a dish that rivals the taste of major luxury brands. Stop talking about buttons. The buttons are polished gold, but they feel heavy and solid. These small pieces go a long way in enhancing the delicacy.
All nitpicks aside, I’m obsessed with striped sweaters and love this color for so many reasons. Especially since it’s an easy way to participate in the high-contrast black and white clothing trend we’ve seen so often. There aren’t many celebrities this summer. But the best thing about it is that it survives trend cycles because it’s on-trend and classic at the same time. That’s not something to scoff at.
Of course, there are many ways to effortlessly style this transitional topper, which was a lot of fun for me. Wear it over a black or white tank shell and pair it with jeans or Mary Janes for a classier look. Wear it as a top (with a few buttons undone) with a silk slip skirt for a slightly sexy look that’s perfect for wearing to dinner. Pair it with low-rise, loose-fitting jeans for the effortless French look people are looking for. I paired it with black sweatshirts and white sneakers, and it gave a very cool look. Call this my new travel outfit.
Either way, Emily’s patch pocket sweater is a transitional piece for September. You might need to get the red one so you can cover all your bases.
Deputy Digital Lifestyle Director
As Town & Country’s Deputy Digital Lifestyle Director, Roxanne Adamiyat covers fashion, beauty, wellness, design and travel.