The 5 Sweaters I Can't Stop Wearing in The Test kitchen

and yes, it includes a knitted bell-sleeve that often get's caught in my meringue.

A test kitchen might not seem like the most practical place for a sweater, but I never shy away from a cozy knit. In the year and a half I’ve spent working in Food52’s kitchen, I’ve always had difficulty knowing how to dress—it never felt like a space where I could wear what I normally would to the office. Between running around the kitchen all day, mixing batters, cooking with oil splatters, and washing dishes, practicality tends to win over style. But at some point (especially once my role became more camera-facing), I decided to start wearing whatever I was in the mood to wear. Thankfully, and not to brag, I somehow have a remarkable ability to avoid spills—except for flour, which I never seem to avoid with my darker sweaters.

My sweater collection wasn’t always strong, but this year, thanks to countless TikTok style accounts, I built a lineup I could confidently wear on repeat. (**Not could, do.)

So, without further ado, here are my top five favorites—the ones I hope will last me for years. And if they don’t? I might just track down exact replicas. That’s how much I love them.

1. Zara High Collar Knit Sweater

It’s no coincidence this one tops my list. I’ll admit—I try to avoid shopping at Zara when I can, but sometimes they just get it right, and this sweater is one of those times. I wear it on its own or layered over a long white T-shirt, usually pairing it with baggier jeans and either my favorite heeled booties or Sambas, depending on the day. (Worth noting: once I’m in the kitchen, I almost always swap them for my Boston Birks.)