Black Zip Shawl Wool Cardigan

Some sweaters do the work of a jacket, and a black wool cardigan with a zip and a shawl collar is the clearest case. It goes over a tee in October, under a coat in January, and never looks like it is trying. We brought this one in for exactly that reason.

It is knit in Peru from 100% wool, which gives it a spring that cotton knits rarely match. The shawl collar rolls in one piece around the neck and down the front, so it sits like a sweater but frames the face like a lapel. Wythe is Peter Middleton's Brooklyn label, started by a former Ralph Lauren fabric developer, and most of its pieces begin with an old garment the team found. This cardigan keeps things just as simple: one idea, done properly.

Wool knits relax with wear, so our advice is to take the smaller size if you are between two. Size from a cardigan you already like.

Black goes with everything else in the closet. This is the layer you buy once and reach for all winter.