Shell Sweaters: the perfect transition and travel piece

When the weather can’t quite make up its mind--cool mornings, warm afternoons, chilly evening--there’s nothing better than a shell. These sleeveless sweaters bridge the gap between summer and fall, giving you just enough coverage without being to hot or heavy. They’re the ultimate transition piece, and exactly why I chose them as the first sweater in our Autumn Edit.

For cool mornings and warm afternoons, and chilly evenings, there’s nothing better than a shell. These sleeveless sweaters bridge the gap between summer and fall, slipping easily under a jacket or cardigan, without leaving you feeling bare when you slip off your jacket. In comfortable, next to the skin fibers, they wear well and feel effortless.  They’re the ultimate transition and travel piece, and that's exactly why I chose them as the first sweater in our Autumn Edit.

Why shells work so well

• Layering ease: Wear one on its own now, and slip it under a cardigan or jacket when the temperatures drop.

• Simple to style: Dress it up with trousers or down with jeans. They’re timeless, versatile, and go with just about everything.

• Year-round mileage: In wool, cotton, or linen blends, shells aren’t just for fall--they’ll work hard for you all year long.

A knitter’s dream

Shells are also wonderfully approachable projects:

• No sleeves to set in, so they knit up faster than a full pullover.

• A great place to practice fit and finishing details.

• Perfect canvas for showing off stitch patterns, yarn textures, or even colorwork.

If you’re easing into sweater knitting, a shell is confidence-building. If you’re a seasoned knitter, you can insert a cable, lace panel, or all over stitch pattern to make it your own.  As is, it's a quick, refreshing palate cleanser before diving into a more complex project. 

Our Autumn Edit shell options

I’ve curated a few fabulous shell designs for you to choose from. Each is stylish and wearable, and there are lots of yarn options for you.  Whether you want classic and clean or something with a touch of texture, there’s a shell here for you.

• Susan Shell - by Ginni Stein - Sabri II or Cumulus.  Link to Susan Shell Kits here

• Sabai Top by Caidree - Creative Linen or Hazy Summer Cotton, Summerlite dk

• Thea Top by Susan Muller - Handknit Cotton, DanDoh Linen, Creative Linen

• Blazer Top by Hinterm Stein in Paka Washi (sport at 25) or Cotton Glace or even Alpaca Classic

• The Keisha Shell by Ellen Lewis - in Softyak DK, Handknit Cotton, or Creative LInen

Start your Fall Capsule with confidence

The Autumn Edit is about creating six thoughtful pieces that will work hard in your wardrobe—three sweaters, two accessories, and one layering piece. With the Quadrangle Wrap already launched as our first accessory, it’s time to add the first sweater.

A shell is the perfect beginning. Easy to knit, easy to wear, endlessly useful. Tell me in the comments which one you choose!

Warmly,
Ellen