When it comes to the majority of our wardrobe (tops, blazers, skirts and pants), we usually want these items to be pretty simple. Of course they can have some fun style elements like a kick pleat in the back of a skirt or a twist on blouse, but too much detail and it makes them hard to mix 'n match.
However, sweaters are the exception to this rule.
Pierre and I - he is helping me write my blog post. :)
Normally we can jazz up outfits with fun shoes and accessories, but in the winter, it's hard to wear necklace or bracelets with most sweaters. And, shoes are a fun option, but boots are expensive and not as easy to change up as flats or sandals (and boots take up a lot of room in a closet!)
This is why I think sweaters should have some detail or embellishment. They are the exception to the rule!
Details don't have to be over-the-top, sometimes a unique color is all you need to bring some style to your winter wardrobe! The marigold sweater is MaxMara, the grey sweater is from BCBG and the black sweater with the zipper down the back is from the brand, only mine, which I bought at Nordstrom.
Once you have the basics* in place, start keeping your eye out for some fun sweaters you could add to perk up your winter wardrobe. Not all sweaters have to have jewels on them, but a fun neckline, an asymmetrical hem, or some detail like zippers would be a good addition.
* For the basics, I would suggest a black, off-white and either a gray or navy sweater. I also think it's a good idea to have a sweater in a pop of color like raspberry, emerald green, purple... whatever color you like!
Sweaters should have some shape to them (boxy is never a good look), and try to keep them above the hips. And, don't think you have to have a turtleneck as your basic - for someone with a large chest, this is the worst option. Instead, try sweaters with an open neckline like scoop, v or even a small cowlneck.
Lastly, sweaters are one of the items where I would spend a bit more money. I don't really want to wear acrylic or acetate close to my neck and skin for a majority of the year (why can't summer be longer than winter for those of us in the Midwest??! :).
And, a sweater in wool or cashmere always seems to last a lot longer than most of my tops and other wardrobe items (even jeans!).
So when shopping for sweaters, hold out for something in a reliable fabric, a great color, or a cool design. You're get a lot more joy and use out of something like that versus a tissue-thin sweater that will need to be replaced next year!
And, don't forget that you can save some money and wash your sweaters at home!
Do you invest in sweaters? Where do you like to spend your money when shopping for your wardrobe?