I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with sweaters. On the one hand, I hate being cold. But on the other hand, I hate looking like the Michelin Man. Fortunately, I don’t believe in compromising when it comes to style. There’s no reason we can’t have the coziness of a sweater while also looking cute. Here, simple strategies that will help you style this cool-weather essential in a way that’s chic and practical.
Show Some Shape & Skin
I know this sounds kind of intuitive, but one of the reasons that a sweater can be unflattering is because it’s bulky and shapeless, so adding shape can help a lot. An open neckline, like a V or a scoop, pushing up the sleeves, or trying a waist-length style can all help add balance and prevent the look from being too boxy.
Balance Bulky & Sleek
An elegant outfit is always about balance, so balancing bulky or oversized elements with sleeker ones can make the look more proportional and harmonious, and therefore more flattering.
Style it as part of an outfit
Unlike a dress, we can’t just throw a sweater on and expect it to look good. In order for it to look it’s best, it needs to be styled as part of a chic overall look. Here, 3 outfit combinations with sweaters and how to elevate them.
Sweater + Jeans
A sweater with jeans is a very basic outfit formula that can also be a little boring. How to elevate it? Make each of the pieces beautiful and add chic accessories.
Sweater + Jacket
A sweater layered under a jacket (not an outerwear jacket, but a fashion-y jacket) is a great way to both add interest and shape to the outfit. A cropped jacket is especially useful for defining the waist without belting, tucking, or tying.
Sweater + Skirt
A skirt adds femininity and style to even the most basic sweater. Try a cropped sweater to create a waistline, and experiment with proportions.
Advanced Sweater Styling
Once you’ve mastered the simplish outfits above, try one of these next-level sweater styling techniques.
Over A Shirt
Layering a sweater over a shirt looks simple, but there are definitely factors to consider, including bulk, length, etc. A sleek fitted cami worn between the layers keeps the look streamlined.
Tie It Up
From the basic waist tie, to the slightly more advanced but still pretty simple styles, a tie is an easy way to add flattery and interest.
Over A Dress
The trick with this look is to layer without losing the waistline. Tying the sweater, knotting a hair tie and tucking it under, belting and blousing the sweater over, and choosing a cropped sweater style are all ways to pull this look off successfully.
What do you think of these sweater styling techniques? And what’s your biggest challenge when it comes to styling sweaters? Let me know in the comments!
Nada Manley says
Thank you so much Susan! I hear this a LOT! My cousin is 5’1″ and she said she struggles so much. 4 inches is HUGE. It can make the difference between something looking frumpy and fitting well. Wear what you want and wear it with pride! You will look beautiful in clothes that fit you properly. Like you, most oversized styles (and I try a LOT) just swallow me up and make me look like I borrowed someone else’s ill fitting clothes lol. With your height keep it simple and streamlined. And YES to the narrow belts for sure! I so appreciate the comment!
Susan King says
Hi Nada, I love yr utube channel. I am 5 ft zero inches, size small, hour glass,short waisted, long legs for height, long blonde hair,and 68 yrs, and do pilates. my biggest struggle with sweaters is the bulk and length. cropped is best as belted or tucking adds too much bulk . i think skinny to narrow belts work best. I carefully ordered six above knee
sweater dresses . I did my measurements and i am longer from elbow to wrist and knee to ankle. I try midi dresses but short looks best. Fitted everything looks best but i feel awkward with all the curves and sexy vibe which everyone comments on and i am not trying to look sexy at all. most blazers and anything with too much volume looks fat and frumpy and too much width. laughing, i get annoyed with five foot four people calling themselves petite because they do not get it. Those four inches are alot !