If you've been a reader of Primer for any length of time, then you know how much we love a great sweater. It's the perfect layering device to add texture, depth, and visual interest to any outfit, and of course, they're really warm too.
We're especially fond of sweaters that add thickness to the neck, be it a shawl collar cardigan, moc-neck, or a rolled shawl collar like this handsome lambswool number by J.Crew Factory. It's easy to see a sweater like this sitting on a store shelf and relegate its usefulness to only more dressy events. And while it works fantastically for that, as we'll make the case for below, this type of sweater can also be worn for all levels of dress, with a tie all the way down to… sweatpants? Heck yeah.
If you're not familiar with J.Crew Factory you may assume it's where irregular items from the flagship store go to be gobbled up by outlet go-ers who don't mind buying shirts with crooked collars. But it's actually one of the best kept secrets for affordable men's style. With similar styling of its full-priced older brother and price tags equivalent to full-priced Old Navy items, J.Crew Factory is a separate line, not old stock.  And with quality similar to that of Gap, it makes purchases like affordable suits or our featured lambswool sweater a no-brainer for guys who like great style on a budget. While currently not on sale as of publishing, (bummer) it was all the way down to $40 last week – and as you'll see with the wide range of looks below that's a price to versatility ratio that makes damn good sense.
Casual
The reason a sweater like this is so great is, while it's pretty minimalist in its style (no ornate knitting or patterns), the thicker, rolled neck with the 2 button placket adds a level of sophistication and intentionality a standard crew neck can't possibly achieve on its own.
Paired with a complementary green v-neck tee and moc-toe boots creates a decidedly casual Getup that'll still have you dressed better than 90% of the schleps at your destination.
Sweater: J.Crew Factory, $55 / V-neck Tee: Uniqlo, $7 / Light Wash Jeans: Gap, $70 / Moc Toe Boots: Thorogood, $169
An interesting note about this look in particular is the lighter wash denim: If we were to opt for our selvedge denim for this look, it would increase its smart casual level by a few points. Add a collared shirt to that and you'll get our next look…
Smart Casual
An outfit like this is a perfect fall uniform. Invited to a friend of a friend's party or a bar you're unsure of the ‘fanciness' of? Our sweater dressed up with a plaid shirt, dark selvedge denim, and our beautiful blackcherry Red Wing Beckmans will never steer you wrong.
Sweater: J.Crew Factory, $55 / Flannel Shirt (similar): Gap, $60 / Selvedge Denim: Uniqlo, $50 / Boots: Red Wing, $281
Super Casual, i.e. “Athleisure”
The introduction of uber casual elements like workout pants and designer athletic sneakers is now well-established in the world of men's fashion. Half of men rejoice, excited to include the sleeker, more minimalist styles and gain comfortability. The other half shun it as lazy. But it doesn't have to be either-or. Adding our sweater and henley takes these sweatpants from “rolled out of bed this way” to an intentional weekend outfit for donning on your more casual days off. Simply swap in your denim when it's time to head out in the evening.
Sweater: J.Crew Factory, $55 / Henley (similar): Old Navy, $25 / Sweatpants: Gap, $60 / Sneakers (similar): New Balance, $80
Dress
This a really great versatile “dressed up” outfit. It's flexible, because while it has dress pants, dress shoes, and a tie, we've replaced a blazer with our lambswool sweater, making it an easy go-to when you're not sure how dressed up to be. Trying to figure out what to wear to the company holiday party? This is it.
Sweater: J.Crew Factory, $55 / Shirt: Stantt, $98 / Tie: The Tie Bar, $19 / Watch: MVMT, $95 / Pants (similar): Express, $70 / Shoes (similar): Aldo, $90
