As a Canadian, one of the things that struck me when I moved to the U.S. nearly eight summers ago was how cold Americans love their air conditioning. I specifically remember walking down 6th Avenue in the West Village on a sweltering August day to stock up on some missing items for my college dorm room, and wishing I’d brought a thick sweater as I browsed the toiletries aisles of my local CVS, absolutely freezing.
Almost a decade later, I still haven’t gotten used to the icy chill of American AC, but I now know to come prepared (to the office at least). The Condé Nast offices are known to be quite glacial in the summertime, and when I’m not away on a warmer floor, you can find me typing away at my desk under a voluminous shawl that was a hand-me-down from my mom. It’s embarrassingly not very chic (it’s ripped in places, and made of a shimmery gold fibre (she got it in the early 2010s), but it does the job.
Vogue’s Favorite Office Sweaters:
I am, however, looking to up my layering game this year (and take advantage of discounted knitwear while it’s not in season!), so I polled Vogue staffers on their go-to office sweaters. Below, take a look at what knits editors are stuffing into their bag before heading out the door—or simply 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, it’s the perfect amount of warmth for high temps outside and high AC inside.
Libby Page, executive director, shopping
I love Barbara Casasola’s sweaters. I have a cream one which goes with everything I own, I also (and this is my own shopping problem) have two of them so I can comfortably leave one at the office.
Talia Abbas, shopping director
I love everything about Nami’s second-skin line, from the slim fit and ever so subtle V-neck to the wonderfully soft fabric. Founder Philippine Namy is the chicest, and the butter yellow long-sleeve she designed has been a favorite summer wardrobe addition.
Fred Sahai, associate commerce producer
Like I mentioned, I currently keep an old shawl of my mom’s draped on my chair for my body temperature-regulating needs, but I have been eye-ing J.Crew’s chic cashmere wrap. It would definitely be an upgrade since I wouldn’t feel embarrassed to wear it beyond my desk (sorry mom!) I also wanted to shout out Banana Republic’s chunky V-neck sweater: I first came across it when Devon Lee Carlson mentioned it in a TikTok, and bought it one day after work when I was headed to an outdoor concert at Pier 17 straight from the office, and realized a T-shirt would simply not suffice on a windy elevated surface, at night, by the water. It’s super roomy and great for layering. I also love that it’s 100% cotton.
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 thankfully Quince sent samples because I immediately became attached. New York office AC and I have been in a years-long battle, and this throw is currently winning. It is unbelievably soft, surprisingly warm, and has essentially become my security blanket disguised as a chic cashmere accessory. That said, I do feel a bit like a superhero when I am sprinting down the halls with it draped over my shoulders.
Elly Leavitt, lifestyle editor, shopping
This is the most useful item in my closet: seven feet of cashmere that moonlights as an oversized scarf in the dead of winter, a cozy blanket for the plane, an elegant wrap for fall dressing, and now, as we approach peak office air con season, a warm shawl. I have it in black, a beautiful (but sadly discontinued) chocolate brown, and currently have designs on the lemon-colored one, too.
Sache Taylor, director, special events
My summer uniform is pretty much a button-down, jeans, and a Linder half-zip in whatever color makes sense—I own far more of them than any reasonable person should. My greatest summer hobby is being cold indoors and reminding everyone within earshot that I am cold indoors, which makes this sweatshirt less of a fashion choice and more of a survival tool.
Florence O’Connor, content manager
This Banana Republic sweater is usually the last thing I throw in my bag before I head out the door and prepare to endure the office AC! The creamy color works perfectly with my summer wardrobe (which mainly consists of floral flowy dresses) and the combination of it being a silk/cotton mix and v-neck makes it read a little more like a “summer sweater” rather than a winter relic I forgot to put away!
Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty commerce writer
I always mean to bring a sweater to work, and I usually forget. Though when I do, it’s usually a cardigan. I’m caught somewhere between always being warm and suddenly feeling chilled—so a pointelle sweater does the trick for me. My current favorite is from Cou Cou Intimates because it’s lightweight enough to wear on its own or layer without adding bulk to an outfit.
Taylor Lashley, senior manager, social media
When it comes to my office sweater I like to keep things neutral. While I usually only throw it on when I’m sitting at my desk, in the off chance that I keep it on while moving throughout the office I wanted to make sure it would match whatever outfit I may have on that day. Donni’s cotton knit v-neck sweater ticks all of those boxes.
Minty Mellon, commerce market editor
“To withstand the frigid office AC, I keep my trusty navy V-neck sweater at the ready. It’s a lightweight silhouette, versatile enough to throw over any outfit and can roll up quite small to fit into my work tote.”
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