This popular post on ways to wear a sweater was originally written in 2018 and has been updated with fresh, new picks and styles. Enjoy, darling!
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It’s sweater weather and this Chicago girl knows how to bundle up. And, darlings, we’re going to have to face the facts, we have a couple more months of winter. Spring never arrives quite as quickly as we would hope and we spend our days wishing for the sun and ensuring we’re properly moisturizing our dry, winter skin. This means a lot more time to wear cozy knits. Big sweaters and knits were very popular this fall and winter, but they really are a look that seems to be evergreen. The problem with winter never exiting exactly when we would like it to is our warmest clothes get a lot of use and could start to feel stale.
Our clothes are tied to our memories and if you’re like me, you’re ready to go out and make some new one. So, if you are getting bored with your current wardrobe and in the market for new knits (or if you have some of these pieces and would just like some input on how to style them) I have some ideas for you.
Way #1 to Wear a Sweater: Sweater Dress
This might be one of the most “trendy” outfit ideas I have for cozy knits. Everyone is jumping on the “duster” length sweater dress and I agree it’s a great trend that really isn’t all that trendy — oversized sweaters will always be in! A longer length sweater or sweater dress is a classic look so I wouldn’t be worried about not being able to wear a new longer sweater in the future. Even though I adore tall boots I would pair this look with black dress pants or skinny jeans (if you’re into that) and booties to kick up that “trendy” feel.
Way #2 to Wear a Sweater: Sweater Vest or Long Cardigan
Sweater vests are underrated in my opinion, dear readers. Adding a crisp white blouse or collared shirt under a sleeveless sweater or vest is an easy way to dress up a knit look. Try this pairing with a v-neck sweater or even a crew neck sweater as well for a clean, classic look.
#3 Way to Wear a Sweater: Cape or Poncho Style
I adore the fun colors of this knit cape, but I also just think a cape look breaks up the monotony of the sweater style. How many sweaters do you have in your closet? How many fun knit capes? Precisely!
I think this look also offers some versatility. If it’s an open cape then you can remove it for a completely different look in the same evening ( it’s also easy to remove if you get too warm). You can also get the cape “look” while still wearing a fairly traditional sweater so that if you don’t want the hassle of a removable accessory you don’t have to worry.
There are so many ways to wear these capes that they probably already pair with many skirts and pants in your wardrobe! You can choose a sleeker look or even something more in the style of a chunky oversized sweater cape. For this you could go with either knee high boots or booties.
Fun and Casual: From Oversized Sweaters to Prints with Pizzazz
I love my fitted sweater with a sweet print with my favorite vintage jeans. Look for a relaxed fit with a high waist and a showy detail like decorative buttons or a stylish belt and slacks. Be on the lookout for fair isle or a bright solid color sweater to add some pizzazz to this dreary time of year. For a relaxed occasion, look for a heavier knit of an oversized sweater.
It’s easy to pair with denim (skinny jeans or bootcut), but if you choose a longer sweater you can even opt for thicker leggings. Or, if you really want to go wild, wear a slouchy sweater with faux leather leggings. It’s a look that you can run errands in that is also nice enough to grab a casual dinner out in.
So, darling, how do you wear your sweaters and spice up your looks when you get bored in the winter? Have you already added any of these pieces to your closet? Let us know in the comments!
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Hi There,
Love your insight and recommendations! Would you reference the items you are wearing, too?
Thank You!
The Blue duster: Carolina Herrara. The multi-colored cape: Sonja Riekel.Warmly, Honey
Great article. Who designed the grey duster you are wearing two ways? Love the look.
Carolina Herrara. Thank you for the compliment. Warmly, Honey
Always inspiring! From powerful emotions to simple sweaters. You have us covered. Thank you Honey!
Love what you wrote. Very good. Warmly, Honey
Love your comment. Warmly, Honey
Look how cheery bright colours appear and in this dreary weather I hate to look at more black or grey. Keep the vibrant colours coming! Thanks! Judi
You are very welcome, Judi. Have a nice day. Warmly, Honey
Glad you like the cheery bright colors. I will try and keep brightness coming. Warmly, Honey
I just LOVE your looks, your fashion philosophy, and your positive attitude! I’m new to your website, and SO happy that I “discovered” you!
It’s so great to find a friend that has the same love for looking great! I’m 70, and feel that we can look great at any age!
I have a few “statement” things as well……red lip color, silver hoop earrings, silver gray short spunky hair style, black (I love black), and a completed outfit from head to toe! I feel confidant when i step out my door, and really enjoy the compliments!
Have a great day, my new friend!
Pooh, I love long sweater dresses, vests and ponchos, too! Effortless style and so cozy! Now I just need to resurrect my old colorful 80s knit legwarmers to wear with my new sweater dress to add more color and warmth to my lower legs! Boots are out for me due to lymphedema and lipoedema leg swelling, but knits expand! Smiles to you for a warm wearing on a blustery winter’s day!
I love your writing!!!! So impactful in your descriptions. Where do you buy colorful knit leg warmers? I would like some. I think I will Google!!! Happy 2024! Warmly, Honey
Thank you honey you look so amazing Have you any tips for plus size jumpers At least the sun is shinning today in uk Have a lovely day Dawn
Happy 2024 from the USA! I would Google Plus Size Jumpers and clothes. I bet you will find something! I don’t order on line so I don’t have anything in my arsenal of wisdom in that area. Let me know what you find and if you order. Warmly, Honey
I have been receiving your Honey Good emails for a long time and enjoy reading them. I admire the way you live life with fullness, excitement and zest. However, this article really bothered me. The articles of clothing you included were ridiculously expensive. While these items may be in your price range I am wondering if they are in the majority of your readerships?
I don’t live in a big city. I live in the beautiful piney woods of East Texas. I, too, live a life of fullness, excitement, and zest which doesn’t require wearing $1,000.00 sweaters!
Dear Melissa, Thank you for reaching out to me. I wish I lived part time in a beautiful piney woody area because I am a nature lover and I love alone time. I don’t know the financial situations of my readers. There is no way for me to know. Therefore, I try and reach out to satisfy all financial groups.Please bear with me. I really try and do my best. Happy 2024. Wishing you good health and personal contentment. And, thank you for enjoying most of my stories. I think you will enjoy the ones coming up. Warmly, Honey