Sweater season is upon us, well at least here and for most of the country. I used to dislike winter, the cold weather, the lack of sunshine and especially the sea of black, red and grey color options in some of the stores….so to compensate I’ve tried to find ways to keep adding fun, colorful sweaters in my wardrobe, even during the winter months.
So move over black and grey sweaters, here are my top tips & picks on where you may find some great selection of colorful and classic sweaters to wear this winter.
MY STYLE: AEO orange sweater (sold out but available in black), black GAP maternity tank, black GAP maternity pants, BORN over the knee boots, necklace (old).
Tips on how to find the right sweater
1.The style that makes you look good
Which body type do you have?
-if you have long legs (then choose a tunic sweater or long cardigan since it will balance your body)
-if you have larger chest (then choose a V-neck sweater or a sweater with an open neckline)
-if you have a long torso/upper body (choose a crop style sweater that will create the illusion of longer legs and balance your body but add a thin layer underneath to hide your tummy) ***this is me, see photos for styling reference.
-if you have a long neck (then choose a turtleneck style sweaters)
-if you have a more weight in your midsection (then choose a sweater that has a ruffle hem, is drapy, flares out at the bottom, a wrap or in a small print)
-if you have broad shoulders (then choose a sweater with an open neckline… V-neck or scoop, with dolman sleeves…also referred as batwing sleeves or with details at the hem like a peplum or contrast color, or choose cardigans and avoid horizontal stripes on sweaters)
2. Get the right fabric content
One of the first thing I do before selecting any item of clothing is to read the fabric content. You will be amazed how much of a difference one fabric does to the shape of the garment, the durability, the color-fading, the softness and the usual wear and tear.
Here is a quick list to help you on your search based on the most common fabrics for winter sweaters.
- Cashmere: extremely warm, soft, lightweight and delicate and $$$ due to it’s high quality, difficult production process and limited quantities. It actually improves with wear if you choose to invest in a high quality cashmere.
***Please be careful when buying 100% cashmere as some labels might use a cheaper yarn to reduce the price. Also, some sweaters add 3-5% cashmere and will increase the price yet the amount is still too small to be worth it.
- Wool: itchy as it is a coarser wool but very warm
- Merino Wool: soft (less itchy then regular wool), lightweight, warm, a great layering piece
***Please note that cool shrinks, so follow the care instructions and NEVER EVER put it in the drayer but lay flat to dry.
- Acrylic: A synthetic warm and inexpensive fabric. ***Honestly I rarely buy acrylic clothing as it isn’t a breathable fiber and also clings. I prefer to buy natural fibers as often as possible.***
- Cotton: durable, lightweight and cool, a good layering piece
- Fleece: great for insulation, usually in a synthetic or cotton fabric, very soft
3. It’s all in the details
Details in sweaters as well as prints can make a boring sweater style look more playful, feminine, chic or overall more appealing for winter dressing. Most of the time, I will buy a basic sweater like grey or navy just because the zipper pull is in a bright orange or it has a colored zipper detail. This makes it more wearable without being to over the top.
Style Tip: Do not be afraid to think outside the box, the smallest detail (button, zipper color, patchwork, hood, print, flared hem, etc.) can change your outfit for the better. They can make a casual or everyday outfit look Oh So Good!
Here are some of my go-to stores when buying winter sweaters.
J.Crew (Mostly classic cuts but also others with fun details and trendy colors)
American Eagle Outfitters (I found a few fun, colorful and inexpensive sweaters)
Nordstrom (has the largest selection of sweaters in many colors & details at different price points)
Banana Republic (good for cashmere sweaters as well as classic sweaters with sleeve details)
Simons (has a good selection of textured cardigans and fun sweaters at different price points)
I hope these tips will help you find a Winter sweater!
****Please let me know in the below comment box of other good stores or brands which you’ve recently purchased of found a good winter sweater.
Color your style, color your food, color your life!
Christiane xxx