As a Canadian, one of the first things I noticed when I moved to the U.S. almost eight summers ago was how much Americans love their air conditioning. I still remember walking down 6th Avenue in the West Village on a scorching August day to grab some things I needed for my college dorm room. While I was browsing the toiletries aisle at my local CVS, I was freezing and wished I had brought a thick sweater.
Nearly a decade later, I still haven’t gotten used to the icy chill of American AC, but now I know to come prepared—at least for the office. The Condé Nast offices are known to be pretty cold in the summer, and when I’m not working on a warmer floor, you’ll find me typing away at my desk under a big shawl that my mom handed down to me. It’s not exactly stylish—it’s torn in a few spots and made of shiny gold fabric (she bought it in the early 2010s)—but it gets the job done.
Vogue’s Favorite Office Sweaters:
The Office Blanket
Quince Mongolian cashmere throw
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$164 QUINCE
The Classic Crewneck
Cos crew-neck sweater
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$279 NORDSTROM
The Oversized Pick
Toteme oversized sweater
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$670 NET-A-PORTER
The Cashmere Wrap
J.Crew oversized cashmere wrap
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$228 J.CREW
The Second Skin
Nami Second-skin V-neck top
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$378 NAMI
The Airy V-Neck
Banana Republic Larkspur V-neck sweater
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$120 BANANA REPUBLIC
The Neutral Option
Casasola Maria crew
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$494 CASASOLA
This year, though, I’m hoping to step up my layering game (and take advantage of discounted knitwear while it’s out of season!). So I asked Vogue staffers about their go-to office sweaters. Below, check out the knits editors are tossing into their bags before heading out—or just leaving at their desks all summer long.
Chloe Malle, head of editorial content
I love these trompe l’oeil sweater scarves from Elle and Riley. They give just the right amount of warmth for hot weather outside and strong AC inside.
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Elle & Riley
cashmere sweater scarf
$260 ELLE & RILEY
Libby Page, executive director, shopping
I love Barbara Casasola’s sweaters. I have a cream one that goes with everything I own. And—this is my own shopping problem—I actually have two of them so I can comfortably leave one at the office.
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Casasola
Maria crew
$494 CASASOLA
Talia Abbas, shopping director
I love everything about Nami’s second-skin line—from the slim fit and subtle V-neck to the incredibly soft fabric. Founder Philippine Namy is so chic, and the butter yellow long-sleeve she designed has become a favorite summer wardrobe piece.
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Nami
Second-skin V-neck top
$378 NAMI
Fred Sahai, associate commerce producer
Like I mentioned, I keep an old shawl of my mom’s draped over my chair to help with my body temperature. But I’ve been eyeing J.Crew’s chic cashmere wrap. It would definitely be an upgrade—I wouldn’t feel embarrassed to wear it away from my desk (sorry, Mom!). I also want to shout out Banana Republic’s chunky V-neck sweater. I first saw it when Devon Lee Carlson mentioned it in a TikTok, and I bought it one day after work when I was heading to an outdoor concert at Pier 17 straight from the office. I realized a T-shirt wouldn’t cut it on a windy, elevated spot by the water at night. It’s super roomy and great for layering. I also love that it’s 100% cotton.
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J.Crew
oversized cashmere wrap
$228 J.CREW
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Banana Republic
chunky V-neck sweater
$130 BANANA REPUBLIC
Rose Carlisle, manager, special events
My favorite office layering piece is actually a throw: the Mongolian Cashmere Throw from Quince. We originally had them at Vogue World: Hollywood, and luckily Quince sent samples because I got attached right away. New York office AC and I have been in a battle for years, and this throw is currently winning. It’s incredibly soft, surprisingly warm, and has basically become my security blanket disguised as chic cashmere.Accessory. That said, I do feel a bit like a superhero when I’m sprinting down the halls with it draped over my shoulders.
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Quince
Mongolian cashmere throw
$164 QUINCE
Elly Leavitt, lifestyle editor, shopping
This is the most useful item in my closet: seven feet of cashmere that works as an oversized scarf in the dead of winter, a cozy blanket on the plane, an elegant wrap for fall outfits, and now, as office air conditioning season peaks, a warm shawl. I have it in black, a beautiful chocolate brown (sadly discontinued), and I’m currently eyeing the lemon-colored one too.
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White + Warren
cashmere travel wrap
$385 WHITE + WARREN
Sache Taylor, director, special events
My summer uniform is basically a button-down, jeans, and a Linder half-zip in whatever color fits—I own way more than any reasonable person should. My favorite summer hobby is being cold indoors and letting everyone know it, so this sweatshirt is less a fashion choice and more a survival tool.
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Linder Sport
half zip sweatshirt
$85 LINDER SPORT
Florence O’Connor, content manager
This Banana Republic sweater is usually the last thing I toss in my bag before heading out to face the office AC! The creamy color goes perfectly with my summer wardrobe (mostly floral flowy dresses), and the silk-cotton blend with a V-neck makes it feel more like a “summer sweater” than a winter leftover I forgot to put away.
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Banana Republic
Larkspur V-neck sweater
$120 BANANA REPUBLIC
Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty commerce writer
I always plan to bring a sweater to work, but I usually forget. When I do remember, it’s often a cardigan. I’m somewhere between always warm and suddenly chilly—so a pointelle sweater works perfectly. My current favorite is from Cou Cou Intimates because it’s light enough to wear on its own or layer without adding bulk.
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Cou Cou Intimates
The Cardigan
$98 COU COU INTIMATES
$98 SHOPBOP
$98 REVOLVE
Taylor Lashley, senior manager, social media
When it comes to my office sweater, I like to keep things neutral. I usually only put it on at my desk, but if I end up wearing it around the office, I want it to match whatever outfit I have on. Donni’s cotton knit V-neck sweater checks all those boxes.
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Donni.
The Cotton V-Neck sweater
$408 DONNI.
Minty Mellon, commerce market editor
“To survive the freezing office AC, I keep my trusty navy V-neck sweater ready. It’s lightweight, versatile enough to throw over any outfit, and rolls up small enough to fit in my work tote.”
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Banana Republic
lightweight V-neck sweater
$160 BANANA REPUBLIC
Shop more summer knits:
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Róhe
merino wool-blend cardigan
$780 NET-A-PORTER
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Cos
crew-neck sweater
$279 NORDSTROM
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Loulou de Saison
Anton crewneck sweater
$500 NORDSTROM
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Joseph
Cashair sweater
$465 NET-A-PORTER
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Almina Concept
classic crew cardigan
$198 ALMINA CONCEPT
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Toteme
oversized sweater
$670 NET-A-PORTER
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Allude
cashmere sweater
$615 NET-A-PORTER
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Reformation
Clara crew cardigan
$198 SHOPBOP
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs based on the topic The Best Summer Sweaters According to Vogue Staff
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 Wait sweaters in summer Isnt that too hot
Not if you choose the right fabric Vogue staffers look for lightweight breathable materials like linen cotton or silk blends that keep you cool while adding a polished layer
2 What exactly is a summer sweater
Its typically a looseknit shortsleeved or cropped sweater made from airy fibers Think of it as a cozy piece that functions more like a light jacket or a stylish top
3 Why would I wear a sweater when its hot outside
Its perfect for overly airconditioned offices cool evenings by the beach or adding a bit of texture to a simple outfit Its about comfort and style not warmth
IntermediateLevel Questions
4 What specific styles do the Vogue staff recommend
They often favor the tennis sweater the cropped cardigan the linen pullover and the grandpa collar sweater These are versatile and feel less heavy than winter knits
5 What fabrics should I look for
Look for 100 linen cotton piqué seersucker or finegauge silk Avoid wool cashmere or heavy acrylic blendsthose will trap heat
6 How do I style a summer sweater without looking sweaty
Pair it with highwaisted shorts a linen skirt or wideleg trousers Keep the look relaxed roll the sleeves leave it unbuttoned over a tank top or tuck it loosely into denim
AdvancedLevel Questions
7 Are there any specific brands or labels the Vogue staff love for summer knits
Yes they frequently mention Loro Piana Mango The Row and Ralph Lauren Emerging brands like Khaite and Loewe also get nods for their innovative summer knits
8 Can I wear a summer sweater to a formal event
Absolutely A finegauge silk or
