This time of year is tough to get dressed for because some days are cold and sunny, other days are warm and rainy. A waffle-knit thermal is ideal to take on this level of unpredictability. It's essentially engineered to insulate while remaining breathable and adding a shot of texture to any outfit. But we're not just talking about thermals anymore. The fabric has graduated from a simple layering piece into other silhouettes like pants, slippers, robes and overshirts. Of course, this is typically a fall fabric, but a wide range of brands today are repurposing it to be a year-round staple. The key is to find a relaxed shape or to even size up—waffle material is surprisingly light and sits comfortably on the skin, as long as it's not itchy like wool.

One standout piece that uses the fabric in a fresh way is a cardigan. The casual cover looks great in the summertime over a T-shirt or can be layered with a denim shirt on cooler days. There are also a few waffle accessories, from hats that keep your head warm and dry to some chic house slippers that will keep your toes warm but not sweaty. However you style those grid-like ridges is up to you, but we've picked over a dozen to point you in the right direction.