It is that time of year again, when temperatures are lower and stress levels higher. The arrival of autumn brings with it a great number of stylistically significant events, including formals, Halloween and, of course, sweater weather. There is one sweater in particular to which couture continues to return — for there is no style more chic, no color more universal and no fabric more cozy than the classic cream knit.
The Aran jumper, or fisherman’s sweater, originated off the west coast of Ireland in the late 19th century. Through the design of these pullovers, wives and daughters sought to provide comfort and protection for their loved ones out on the water — just as University students, caught adrift amidst a sea of schoolwork, can seek them out for the same support during the colder months.
Thankfully, there exist myriad points of sartorial reference for this sweater in television and film. The characters that have worn Aran jumpers, and worn them well, are a testament not only to their costume departments but to the films themselves, which can serve as both wardrobe and watchlist inspiration.
Florals for spring may be groundbreaking, but here’s a list of cream knit sweaters for fall that would make even Miranda Priestly give a slight nod of approval.
Steve McQueen, “The Thomas Crown Affair”
The fisherman sweater that started it all. With his patronage of the style as the eponymous protagonist in the 1968 crime caper “The Thomas Crown Affair,” Steve McQueen set off a resurgence of the Aran jumper that has lasted well into the 21st century. His chunky sweater has cable and braided stitching that perfectly fits the image of a suave and sophisticated master thief plotting his next move, both elevating the stylization of Crown and feeding into the stylistic persona of the “King of Cool” himself. Later on in the film, his co-star Faye Dunaway sports a matching pullover as the couple sits at a bonfire, proving that even in a game of cat and mouse, a good cream knit gets the cheese.
Chris Evans, “Knives Out”
Rian Johnson’s 2019 whodunit is commendable for many reasons, but none more well-known — at least in recent pop culture consciousness — than the sweater sported by Chris Evans’ character Ransom Drysdale in the third act of the film. His mildly moth-eaten jumper is tight but not tacky, with a color falling somewhere between eggshell and eggnog that fits perfectly with the family’s Gothic estate and the film’s genre origins. The layers of knit wool are an apt parallel to the layers of mystery at the center of the twisty and thrilling “Knives Out.” On more levels than one, Ransom is killing it.
Alexis Bledel, “Gilmore Girls”
Perhaps no one has worn this sweater better than Rory Gilmore in the pilot of the iconic early-2000s dramedy “Gilmore Girls.” The cable knit style she sports is a classic, with cuffed sleeves practically swallowing her in a style now colloquially known as a “boyfriend sweater.” In fact, it is this very sweater that she has on just before meeting the first of her three iconic boyfriends. Indeed, the criss-crossing chevron pattern on the front of her pullover much resembles the will they/won’t they dynamics between Rory and her potential love interests that remain strong through all the show’s seasons — and sweaters.
Sandra Hüller, “Anatomy of a Fall”
Whether or not she will be serving prison time, Sandra Hüller’s character — also named Sandra — in the 2023 Palme d’Or-winning French legal drama is certainly serving looks. Her mock-neck fisherman sweater is perfectly suited for domestic life in the French Alps — cozying up by the fire, taking the dog on a walk or listening to some 50 Cent, as the case may be. Indeed, “Anatomy of a Fall” is a movie overflowing with phenomenal sweaters, an appropriate fashion choice for a snowy chalet and, perhaps, an allegory to the impact of concealing one thing under another. Though her husband’s generosity may conceal something dirtier and meaner, there is nothing dirty about Sandra’s cream knit.
Billy Crystal, “When Harry Met Sally”
This iteration of the Aran sweater first appears in this iconic 90’s rom-com when the titular Harry, played by Billy Crystal, is struck by illness. Those felled by the frat flu this fall may relate, but fear not — a cream knit is the perfect prescription for any such situation, and indeed director Rob Reiner shows it to pair well with some Pepto Bismol. Billy Crystal’s Harry appears in a classic Aran jumper again later on in the film, paired with Meg Ryan’s Sally sporting a matching red one — a representation of the pair’s clearly perfect match and a clear sign of the piece's versatility and wearability. I’ll have what he’s having.
Adam Driver, “House of Gucci”
Fashion is a prerequisite of this lavish 2021 biographical drama chronicling the birth and breakdown of the Gucci dynasty. No look is worn better than this one by Maurizio Gucci, played by Adam Driver. This cream sweater, tucked classily into a pair of white salopettes, has all the tailoring and tenets of a traditional Aran jumper, but is also a standout on this list for its rolled turtleneck. Both as a still and as a set piece, this look is evidence of the luxurious lifestyle promoted by the eponymous House of Gucci — big knit energy.
Perhaps the weirdest and most out-of-place relationship in this film of relationships is that between Emilio Estevez’s Kirby and Andie MacDowell’s Dale. Though their acquaintance is less of a love affair and more of an unrequited pining, it all comes to a head in a final encounter set at a rustic ski lodge. The beautiful setting is only enhanced by Dale’s beautiful off-white pullover — Kirby, however, is dressed in a suit coming from a house party, and their mismatched attire further reaffirms the mismatch in their relationship. But even if this storyline aged like milk, its Aran jumper remains the cream of the crop.
Though film settings and fisherman styles may vary, there is consistency in the easy yet elegant elevation inspired by these pieces and their set pieces. Like the actors on screen, so should University students seek out this staple for any and all occasions they deem suitable. And just as these films span genres and generations, so can a classic Aran jumper be worn and loved across time periods and trend cycles, from 19th century Ireland to 21st century Charlottesville.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that “When Harry Met Sally” is directed by Nora Ephron. The director is Rob Reiner, and Ephron wrote the film. The article has been updated to reflect this change.
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