Sweater, $145
and shirt, $89 by Ralph Lauren. Belt, $90 by Rugby

The Merino Sweater

It's not that we don't like cashmere. But those luxurious sweaters, with their silky softness, tend to feel a bit precious. Not to mention that many a cashmere sweater (whether pricey or not) tend to pill. Which is why, especially this time of year, you should look for sweaters made from merino. Crewneck, V-neck or cardigan, you won't find a better workhorse for your autumn/winter wardrobe. They're lightweight and breathable yet still warm, hard-wearing while still extremely soft. A sweater cut from a classic 12-gauge merino will keep you looking sharp for years—with nary a tear, pill or stretched-out neck in sight—if you treat it right. Perhaps that's why brands like Ralph Lauren and J.Crew sell them in over a dozen colors.