Meet the Cardigan That Makes Winter Bearable

Out of all the knitwear you can pile on for the cold season, polo sweaters, V-neck cardigans, that one itchy thing your aunt insists is “heritage” — there’s only one piece rugged enough to block a Midwest wind while still being office appropriate: the Shawl Collar Cardigan. Born on the backs of fishermen and mountaineers, later adopted by Hollywood leading men, it’s a stylish Venn diagram of practical, cozy, and sartorial sharpness.

The shawl collar keeps your neck warm, and I highly recommend flipping it up whenever the wind chill dips below zero — which, in Chicago, can be any time between now and March. Ours is constructed from 100% Merino wool: lightweight but insulating, odor-resistant (yes, you can wear it multiple days), and both moisture- and wrinkle-resistant.

Whether you toss it over a long-sleeve tee, an oxford cloth button-down, or go double-duty with a rollneck, it’s an easy, sophisticated layer that does most of the work for you. And because it’s so easy to wear, and requires shockingly little maintenance during the workweek, we’ve put together three outfit ideas starring our shawl-collar cardigan.

P.S. We chose the nutmeg colorway because it’s seasonally appropriate, unfairly slept on, and an unexpected neutral that slides under just about any winter outerwear.

The Subtle Color Power Play

When you want to give your puffer coat and topcoat a well-deserved vacation from the office rotation, a shawl-collar cardigan is the layering move that lets you keep the outerwear energy without sweating through your commute. Toss on a navy puffer vest that’ll play beautifully with that nutmeg color.

And because the cardigan sits firmly in Team Neutral, you’ve got room to have a little fun with colors. Here, we paired a red paisley necktie and micro-houndstooth socks — just enough color juxtaposing to stay interesting, but not so much that you look like you got dressed in the dark.

The Merino Heritage Shawl Nutmeg Cardigan, Weavers Wonder Paisley Red Tie, Pinpoint Solid Light Blue Non-Iron Dress Shirt, The Lakeshore Wool Flannel Grey Pants, Micro Houndstooth Navy Dress Socks

Sky Lounge Smart

Taking a plane in business class to take care of business shouldn’t mean wearing the same sweatpants you reserve for leg day. Dress like the section you’re sitting in. One, you won’t have to do an awkward airport-bathroom quick-change after landing. And two, wearing real clothes on a flight is, in my opinion, an unspoken form of good manners.

A shawl-collar cardigan is clutch here — it naturally regulates your temperature and looks sharp with a turtleneck. The two play off each other: the turtleneck stands strong solo on the flight, then slips under the cardigan like it was made to be layered. Espresso brown contrasts beautifully with beige, and doubling up on knitwear keeps you toasty enough to make the airplane’s recycled air feel like a warm hug.

The Merino Heritage Shawl Nutmeg Cardigan, French Cuff Merino Fawn Turtleneck Sweater, The Lakeshore Wool Chalk Stripe Charcoal Pants, Wide Ribbed Heather Charcoal Dress Socks

The Layered-Up Date-Night Look

Consider this your universal “date night” fit — perfect whether you’re grabbing dinner, hitting the movies, or sneaking a nightcap at that new natural-wine bar everyone suddenly pretends to be an expert on.

A crisp white T-shirt, a rugged denim layer, and a pop-worthy bandana create an intriguing look without trying too hard — and yes, it follows the Ralph rules of three: top, bottom, plus a layer or accessory. With a more streamlined, minimal approach, this is your chance to have fun experimenting with playful accessories that add an intentional pop of color or pattern.

For bottoms, wool trousers instantly elevate the outfit if you’re leaning formal. Dark denim paired with black loafers keeps things relaxed yet versatile — perfect for hopping between spots without looking like you just rolled out of bed, even if you did.

The Merino Heritage Shawl Nutmeg Cardigan, Laura Ashley x Tie Bar Harmony Navy Bandana, The Lakeshore Wool Chalk Stripe Charcoal Pants, The Pima Rib Moss Green Socks

SHOP SWEATERS