Open Front Cardigans, Coats, And Wraps For Fall

Before winter arrives, and you have to bundle up under coats and scarves, consider an open front cardigan, coat, or wrap as your top layer. An open front piece keeps you warm without covering up your cute print t-shirt or fabulous statement necklace. Here are a couple of open front pieces that I’ll be wearing from now until the first snowfall…

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Open Front Cardigans

Cashmere & Blends

If you’re looking for a luxury piece, there are lots of gorgeous open front cashmere blend cardigans that are perfect for pre-fall and fall. I bought this Longline Wool & Cashmere Cardigan in both Black and Pink Lotus in XS during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale this year. Here are my thoughts on this style:

1. It runs big, so if you normally wear a petite XS or S, this may be too wide and long for you.
2. The Lotus Pink is a very cool pink, a little more of a spring or summer color than a fall one. The Gray and Brown taupe might be better options for fall.
3. The knit isn’t super soft as it’s only 30% cashmere, but it is warm and comfortable.

I’m debating whether to keep one or both Longline Wool & Cashmere cardigans. What do you think?

For a 100% cashmere open front cardigan that is more true to size, take a look at AQUA’s Cashmere Duster Cardigan. It’s only available in black but that makes it virtually seasonless!

Merino Wool Cardigans

Merino wool is also a soft cozy option, so if your fall season is cool, take a look at the Women’s Wool Cardi from Allbirds. I haven’t tried out their clothing yet but I am a huge fan of their shoes. Allbirds is another sustainable brand that uses materials like merino wool, sugar, and TENCEL™ Lyocell to make their products.

Modal & LENZING™ ECOVERO™ Cardigans

Banana Republic has been much more eco-conscious in the past few years and has some pretty cardigans in LENZING™ ECOVERO™ which is a fabric made from renewable wood sources. I love all three colors (pink, gray, and black) of their Duster Cardigan Sweater.

Open Front Athleisure

Athleta’s Pranayama Wraps

At just under 5’4″ I can usually wear regular sizes in most brands. Athleta tends to have longer lengths, so for many of their styles, I buy the petite version. That usually means a smaller selection that sells out more quickly, so often (though it pains me not to get a bargain) I buy their clothes at full price. If you’re petite like me, consider buying early in the season and wearing your purchase more often.

My most recent purchase from Athleta is this Pranayama Wrap (in size XSP). The fabric is a TENCEL Modal™/Spandex that I can only describe as deliciously soft! I’m wearing the Merry Peri color as I needed something for spring/summer weekends, but there are plenty of fall-friendly colors and neutrals. If you’re not sure about your size in this wrap, there are over five thousand reviews on the Athleta website, that you can filter by height.

If you’re shopping for fall, Seaweed Snack is a beautiful color. Please don’t judge me if I buy that one as well!

If you prefer a longer wrap, there is a Pranayama Long Wrap available in two neutral colors.

Open Front Sweatshirts

Open front sweatshirts are a pretty new style, and easy for quick errands or post-workout. GAP’s Fleece Hooded Cardigan is an elevated version of your favorite gray sweatshirt! The CYA curved hem and patch pockets are both practical and stylish!

For a lightweight wrap, take a look at Daily Ritual’s Supersoft Terry Open Sweat Shirt. I haven’t tried this particular style, but I do have some Daily Ritual pieces that I have worn for over a year.

Open Front Coats & Jackets

Coatigans

If you’re looking for something a little heavier and more structured than an open front cardigan but not quite as heavy as a coat, consider a coatigan. Barbour’s Montrose Cotigan is a cute warm-weather option. It is made in cool cotton but in traditional fall colors – camel and black.

I’ve mentioned Sweater Blazers in this post and they continue to be a fall favorite. J.Crew’s Eloise Sweater Blazer has a fresh rounded collar and comes in 6 fall-friendly colors.

Shopping Tips For Open Front Cardigans, Coats and Wraps

Oversized + Fuzzy = Frumpy Bathrobe so make sure you choose something a little more fitted and/or in a smooth fabric.

As the temperatures drop, add a warm scarf to your outfit. Everlane often has markdowns on their cashmere scarves.

Eileen Fisher has a huge selection of open front cardigans, coats, and wraps so if you can afford them, take a look at their website. Eileen Fisher is one of the original sustainable brands, founded in 1984. They tend to have loose silhouettes so you may need to size down in their styles.

Let me know what you think of open front cardigans and wraps!