4 Dated Sweater Trends I'm Purging From My Small NYC Closet by the Year's End

When it comes to living in New York City, the story goes that every apartment comes with a sacrifice. Do you want an in-apartment washer and dryer, or do you want wooden floors, high ceilings, and big windows south of 14th Street? Do you want an elevator building that allows pets near the river and the good coffee, or do you want a closet that comfortably fits your winter wardrobe? I was lucky enough to get almost all of the above—what I didn't get, sadly, was a closet designed for two people.

If you've been following along this season, you'll know that I've been in the market for great new knitwear. It started with chatting to my friends about where they buy their chic little knits, which led to me feeling compelled to interrupt a stranger to find out where she got her perfect sweater. Now, I've landed on sharing some of the very best sweaters (plus coats and boots) to shop this season. As the rule goes in our NYC household, the purchase of new things must come with the purging of other things. Some will be donated, others vacuum-bagged and stored away for another winter to come. Here are the sweater styles I'm saying goodbye to for now in order to make room for these new cozy friends.

Retiring: Bright-Red Turtlenecks

Shopping: Polo Sweaters

I still love me some pops of red in my wardrobe, but the moment of layering a red turtleneck under all my fall and winter looks is behind me. The trendier look I'm leaning into is the polo sweater. From Khaite to Reformation to Zara, there are plenty of options to shop at any price point.

Retiring: Funky Fair Isle Sweaters

Shopping: Rich-Coded, Classic Hues

I'm finally accepting that the après-ski vibe isn't quite my thing, and I'm relieved I didn't splurge the last few winters. (I was tempted because I love the look on other people.) Instead, I'm all about knitwear in colors that feel expensive—burgundy, gray, olive green, and shades of brown, from chocolate to camel.

Retiring: Cropped Styles

Shopping: Extra-Long Knits

For a moment, it seemed like I really needed more knits that just grazed the belt of my high-waisted trousers and jeans instead of being tucked. Now, I'm all about a longer silhouette—like the COS style I immediately bought after seeing it on a chic eventgoer the other week. (It's shopped out below.) It's perfect to complete the trending silky-pant winter look everyone's so hot on.

Retiring: Big, Slouchy Cardigans

Shopping: Refined Crewneck Styles

My slouchier cardigans are being relegated to the second division, which means I'm mainly inclined to wear them when I'm working from home or the café downstairs. They're super comfy but still Zoom-friendly. A cardigan is a step above a sweatshirt, so I feel like I'm dressed. When it comes to going out for a drink, a meeting, or whatever else it might be, I'm about a crewneck cardigan that's a little more polished. I've been wearing mine over a thin white long-sleeve tee that just pops out a little at the neck and cuffs with buttons done all the way up to the top to read more like a sweater.

This post was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.