My 11 Favorite Fall Sweaters That Exude Effortless Italian Style

In a way, the high standard of Italian knitwear is what brought me to move here from America. My husband’s family business is Scaglione, an Italian knitwear company that is three generations old and based in Bergamo, Italy. They produce knitwear for some of the biggest luxury fashion houses in the world, as well as sell clothes under their own brand by the same name. 

As a fashion lover myself, some perks come with this. For instance, our toddler is growing up with more cashmere than most adults, since her hand-me-downs were made by her great-grandmother, Celsa, the founder of Scaglione. I’ve also learned how to wash cashmere sweaters correctly, look out for pilling, and understand how the softness of different yarn colors varies due to the dyeing processes. I even think more critically about the different weights of knitwear, and what works best for day versus evening wear (this Scaglione Sheer V-neck has a lighter weight that almost mimics a blouse and lends itself best to an elevated evening look).

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My Favorite Fall Knitwear Under $100

Seeing my husband painstakingly test the softness and durability of Scaglione’s products, it’s been amazing to see the work that goes into producing such high-quality knitwear. Now, I feel even more confident in my ability to recommend the best fall knits of the season, that capture effortless Italian style—but come at more affordable price points for the average shopper. Here, I’ve rounded up 11 stylish fall knitwear items, from cozy cardigans to elegant sweater dresses, all under $100.

Lucky Brand Sweatshirt Sweater

Nordstrom

I’ve always loved the look of a collegiate standard-issue grey sweatshirt that’s perfect for running errands. Recently, my husband gave me a light, heather-gray cashmere sweater that looks like a sweatshirt I have from my alma mater, Amherst College. It’s not dissimilar from this Lucky Brand sweater with raglan sleeves (think baseball tees) in a similar color; my sweater offers that same cool athletic vibe, but just a tad bit elevated. Suddenly, this sweater will become that cool piece that you pair with a great pair of flannel trousers or jeans and a baseball cap for an instant stylish outfit. 

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Lillusory Women’s Two-piece Outfit

Amazon

I’ve always appreciated comfy luxe loungewear. I was a teen in the early aughts: Juicy Couture tracksuits were like second skin. Working from home and traveling around the world, I still seriously appreciate loungewear. I now have cashmere jogger sets courtesy of my husband, and to me, there’s something so elegant about a great knit matching set. Whether they’re full cashmere or in a beautiful autumnal tone like this Lillusory Women’s Two-piece, I love to dress a knit set up with an unexpected pop of jewelry, like a great statement bangle or jeweled necklace.

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Gap CashSoft Stretch Off-shoulder Midi Sweater Dress

GAP

When I’m looking at the upcoming season’s lookbook, there’s usually one knit hero piece that stops me in my tracks. This year, it’s this gorgeous draped cashmere maxi gown. It’s so elegant and yet so cozy that I declared that this was a “Contessa’s Thanksgiving dress.” I mentioned it on Instagram on a trip to the Dolomites, and it was so popular that sizes began to sell out! For a similar silhouette, I found this off-the-shoulder style in Gap’s CashSoft fabric. Style tip: I’d get it in a size larger than you’d normally wear so you can drape the neck for a luxurious, stylish flair. 

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Ailaile 100-percent Merino Wool Sweater Vest

Amazon

Classic wool sweater vests have gotten a trendy restyle this season, which warms my prep school heart. Wear it over a T-shirt or even a white turtleneck; this wool sweater vest is the perfect fall layering piece under a fall sports coat or a leather jacket. Pair it with this J.Crew crepe de chine ruffled collar shirt for a romantic poet look.

Topshop Floral Jacquard Sweater

Nordstrom

To knitwear people, jacquard is the canvas; it’s a dynamic way to show off bright, bold patterns. My husband and father-in-law’s eyes light up when they showcase a new jacquard item, because there’s always a strong appreciation for the technique. I gifted my best friend one of Scaglione’s bold neon jacquard hoodies, and it’s her go-to summer piece in the Hamptons. So, as someone who appreciates this style, I am loving this Topshop floral jacquard sweater that caught my attention. The bold print adds a fun streetwear element to the look, and it can easily be paired with anything from a silk skirt to a pair of jeans.

Quince Mongolian Cashmere Polo Sweater

Quince

I love a beautiful cashmere polo that’s soft-to-the-touch and perfect for a casual luxe look. This Quince Mongolian cashmere polo would look beautiful paired with everything from denim skirts to wide-leg trousers for a cool, casual look that highlights menswear-inspired tailoring. 

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H&M Short Sleeved Sweater

H & M

Recently, while sorting family hand-me-downs for my daughter, I saw that she now had something that had been on my wish list for a few years: a cashmere T-shirt. In the fall of 2021, I saw this J.Crew cashmere T-shirt and floated the idea of making similar ones for our then-upcoming wedding’s guests. Although it never came to fruition, the cashmere T-shirt is still on my wish list. After all, there’s something so effortlessly cool about a short-sleeve knit. I’m into this mixed-material H&M shirt as a fun, relaxed pairing. Wear it on its own or with a short-sleeve French blue Oxford shirt underneath with the collar poking out at the neck.

Wayf Sloane Bow Cardigan

Nordstrom

This season, one of the knitwear trends is big bows. Adding a feminine touch to chunky knits, oversized bows can be a fun, exaggerated addition, like on this Wayf Sloane Bow Cardigan. The scalloped trimmed collar and the velvet bow give it a hint of Victorian elegance, so your outfit won’t require much accessorizing.  

Asos Design Knit Premium Alpaca Blend Henley Top

Asos

I think my preferred knit style has always been a Henley: a thin men’s Henley “borrowed” from my cousin and never returned; a cashmere Henley acquired at a sample sale in my early days in fashion; my favorite thick striped Henley that’s my go-to for travel. My Henley passion is so deep, it inspired my husband to add the look to their collection. I love the weight of this Asos alpaca knit, and the olive color adds an interesting ruggedness to it as a nod to the Henley’s thermal roots. 

H&M Rib Knit Half-zip Sweater

H & M

One of my go-to fall outfits is a refurbished gray sweater that I transformed into a half-zip and made my own, similar to this H&M rib knit half-zip sweater. I’d pair this mixed material sweater with a fun pop of color in a striped poplin shirt, a great leather belt, jeans, and a pair of ballet flats.

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Mango Leopard Jacquard Cardigan

Nordstrom

Funnily enough, cardigans are called rebecas in Italy and Spain, based on the one Joan Fontaine wore in the 1940 Hitchcock film Rebecca. I love a classic fitted rebeca, especially worn over the perfect white T-shirt or simply worn by itself, buttoned up. I’m a firm believer that leopard print is a neutral, so this Mango Leopard Jacquard Cardigan instantly caught my eye. It would be great to pair with jeans and a loafer in the fall or over a dress (especially one made of chiffon, a styling tip I learned while living in Paris). I also love the fit of this Gap Cashsoft Leopard sweater in a fitted style closer to the rebeca origins.

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