A warm welcome: It's the season for sweaters

Comfort seekers: This is your season. Chunky, oversized knits and snuggly cowl-necks are everywhere. Wrap yourself in textured wool or cashmere cardigans, dresses, and sweater coats in jewel tones and you'll be fashion forward all fall. But it's not about bulk. Today's sweaters aren't throwbacks to Clair Huxtable's woolly, '80s fashion disasters. Choose a shapely knit that cinches or ties at the waist (Nanette Lepore's plum sweater coat is a gorgeous example) and belt long turtlenecks. Or opt for a more architectural oversized sweater. Marc Jacobs's artful wool top in gray is effortless and sophisticated. Melyssa Byrd, whose Davis Square boutique Black & Blues has several nubby knits from Free People in stock, recommends pairing larger sweaters with skinny leggings or jeans. "If you're going big on top, you don't want anything distracting on the bottom," she said. So play with proportion - and sink into fall's chic and warm hand-knits. - COURTNEY HOLLANDS