Spend or Splurge: Must-Have Fall Sweaters

By Kate Freeman

Cooler weather is upon us, which means fall fashions gravitate towards layers and textures. Sweaters always lead the way in fall fashion. Check out the below threads that will keep you warm while keeping you stylish – for a variety of price points.

Under $100

Retail Therapy

2086 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 373-0420 ‎
Hours: Mon to Sat 11am-7pm; Sun 12pm-5pm
www.needretailtherapy.com

This neutral dolman-sleeved cardigan ($54) will be a staple in your wardrobe year round. The short sleeves would pair well with either a brown long-sleeved shirt or a simple camisole underneath. Or, style this with a a multicolored scarf in the winter or a feminine, ruffle-y blouse for breezier days.

H&M

3 locations in San Francisco
150 Post Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 986-0156
Hours: Mon to Sat 10am-9pm; Sun 11am-7pm
www.HM.com

This lightweight basic ($24.95) will be your go-to sweater to take your lightweight tops into brisk fall weather. The thin, soft knit is perfect to grab and go with many different outfits. Take it from Saturday shopping with jeans and flats to belted with heels for a sweet nighttime look.

Y&I Clothing Boutique

1300 Battery Street
2101 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 202-0775
Hours: Mon to Wed, Fri 11am-7pm; Thurs 11am-8pm; Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 11am-6pm
www.shopyandi.com

This medium-weight striped sweater by Kersh ($72) makes us even more certain we need to take sailing lessons or buy a beach cruiser bike. This would be adorable paired with skinny jeans, flats and some funky, but understated earrings. Or, for when the sun shines through on a cool day in fall, we'd wear it with colorful coral shorts and a straw fedora.

Lucky Brand Jeans

Four stores in the city
2301 Chestnut Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 749-3750
Hours: Mon to Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 11am-7pm
Website & Reviews

We're well aware it's rarely acceptable to wear a Snuggie in public, unless you're a kid or at a Giants game. Fool everyone with this oh-so-cozy knit by Lucky ($99). The knit is so soft, Cuddles the Downy Soft bear would be envious. It's another one of those great, dress-up or dress-down pieces. Keep warm with this in a full skirted-dress for an ultra feminine look, or wear it with skinny ankle jeans and chunky boots for a casual look.

Modcloth

www.modcloth.com

Even though this website doesn't have a shop, Modcloth is a San Francisco-based online retailer with great deals on unique pieces that someone with the fashion sense of Zooey Deschanel might wear. They often recruit local women to model their clothing on the website. Check it out; maybe you'll recognize your coworker modeling the new sweater you wanted to buy. One of our favorites: The "Moonlight Lake Cardigan," ($64.99). It's not often we see so much structure in a sweater, which is what makes this one not only unique but ultra flattering.

For A Splurge:

Paul Smith

50 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 352- 3520
Hours: Mon to Sat 11am-7pm; Sun 12pm-6pm
www.paulsmith.co.uk

Inject some summertime color into your fall wardrobe with this vibrant, poppy-colored sweater ($380). Pair it with earth-toned cords, flats and a colorful scarf for a casual look, or wear it with a neutral-colored suit for some pizzazz.

Blu

2259 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
Hours: Mon to Sat 11am-7pm; Sun 12pm-6pm
(415) 776-0643
Website & Reviews

Made of 100 percent extra fine merino wool, this blue-and-green knit ($345) is the perfect fall basic for wintry nights. By Roberto Collina, the thick knit would pair well with dark denim jeans and riding boots.

Cielo

2225 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 776- 0641
Hours: Mon to Sat 11am-7pm; Sun 12pm-5pm
Website & Reviews

There are not many places you couldn't wear this butter-y soft Marni knit ($640). The variety of gray colors in this sweater marks it as a very high-end piece. Pair this with a navy sheath dress, tights and round toe pumps for work, or a ruffled blouse and jeans for the weekend.

Limu

2237 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 567- 9500
Hours: Mon to Sat 10am-7pm; Sun 11am-6pm
Website & Reviews

Embrace the weekend with this oversized 50 percent cashmere sweater ($429). You'll want to slip into this cozy knit after a long day of work. The creamy color and cowl neck will definitely make it a fall staple in your closet. Pair it with jean leggings, or jeggings, and knee-high boots for a laid back look.