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A Knit Wardrobe

MsLuna

Veteran

I realized that probably 70% of my wardrobe consists of knits, except for some jackets (which still have a tiny bit of spandex in them), my 2 Portofino shirts and and all my jeans (all with spandex). I find knits not only flatter my body type (all that draping and ruching does wonders on a round abdomen), but it's also very comfortable and easy to move in.

Lately, comfort has become one of my primary style motivators yet I've been leaning towards a slightly more casual yet polished style. I am concerned that knits may make me look "cheap" or sloppy.

My first thought is to add more ponte in the wardrobe so that it adds structure and crispness. I own a few ponte dresses and they've proven to be wardrobe workhorses. I never had luck with ponte pants though since the knees and bum end up sagging. Jersey dresses have become workhorses for me as well, and so have jersey tops, though I'm prone to muffin tops so the fitted tops are limited to 1 pair of muffin-top-free jeans.

Any other suggestions on how to polish up a knit wardrobe?

Dressing

16 replies

Latest reply was from Suz

Kristin L

Veteran

Have you thought about higher waisted skirts with your fitted tops? I've been leaning towards skirts that hit at my natural waist for work because I feel like they don't accentuate my love handles.

carter

Veteran

Well-fitting denim? Jeans, skirt, jacket. Structured shoes...loafers, pumps. Belts. Bare arms or calves can also add structure. A statement cuff or necklace can also dress up a casual knit.

Aida

Veteran

I too have a LOT of knits, especially tops (9 months of the year is sweater-weather, where I live). The main key to making them work for me are to pair with enough structure; this usually means having at least one woven item along with refined or structured footwear, and a little bit of skin. So like, a soft drapey tee with woven skinnies and leather flats; or a big sweater with thick ponte pants and tall sleek leather boots; or a soft knit tank with a long cardigan, a woven fluid skirt, and slouchy short boots. Mixed media knits are also great, you get some of the softness and some of the refinery. Another key is that knits really do need to be replaced more often than most wovens to maintain an equivalent amount of "crispness". Those ponte pants that bag out at the knee after a season or two? Replace them earlier rather than later. Sweaters that stretch out after extensive washing? Replace every few seasons, or once they start showing obvious signs of wear (stretching, pilling, discoloration, etc.)

NDMom

Thanks for asking this question! I'm always wondering how to add structure to my knit wardrobe and am also trying to look more crisp and pull-together.

Aida...what a great response. I appreciate how you so clearly outlined how you add structure to your knits.

Carter....I appreciate your wisdom too! So succinct and easy to understand!

MsLuna

Veteran

@K: Yes!!!! In fact, I made a monochrome faux snakeskin high waisted ponte skirt a couple years ago which I wore until it pilled and stretched out! I'm going to have to remake that skirt in a more structured, better quality ponte again!

@carter: well-fitting denim is a struggle for me, but I've never given up searching. I'm sadly prone to extreme muffin top and saggy bum/knees. Denim is a huge part of my style, though so I'll never give up searching.

Ditto on the structured jacket. I wear them to work daily. Comfortable pumps - I have yet to find ones that don't aggravate my arthritis and bunions. Statement necklace: I love them

@Aida: thank you for the suggestions! For the most part, I practice what you've suggested! I wear structured jackets on a regular basis - I can't live without them! I struggle a little bit with ponte pants, though so I still need to search for a good pair. Very good to know that knits have a shorter shelf life!

Aubergine

Veteran

Just popping in to say I can so relate.

I feel like patterned knit things can look more polished than solids because you're looking at the pattern and not noticing the fabrication as much. I also think jewelry and shoes with a little structure can help, like Carter and Aida mentioned. And those stretchy elastic belts are great if they work with the outfit because they can add more structure without being uncomfortable. Replacing knits more often is something I need to be better at too.

Will be following this thread to see if others have more ideas!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Madam, I have met you in person and wow, you are so hard on yourself!

People, MsKatieKat is stunning, and I did not notice "muffin top" -- what I saw was her gorgeous skin, smile, eyes (and specs) and BOOTS!

When I'm working from home, comfort is imperative, and in winter that means knits, knits, and more knits. They do wear out faster than wovens. (Oops! Time to go shopping! What a shame.....)

Most of my outfits are very casual, given the context. But when I do need to be dressier, I often still rely on knits. My tricks for adding a bit of structure:

Ponte, as you suggested. Good quality. The Halogen seamed skirts from a few seasons ago were real winners. This year's version is not quite as fab, but it still very good.

Jackets -- you're a pro at that.

I have a few knit dresses that I sometimes layer over shirts.

Modern footwear.

Belts, bare skin, boots.

carter

Veteran

MKK, I totally get the muffin top. I found a formula that works for me...lower rise (on the hip bone), chunky belt and a semi-tuck. Poof! No more muffin top. Seriously. Surprised the heck out of me. I also have severe arthritis in the joint at the base of my big toe and a big honkin' bone spur. Have you tried Trotter's low-heeled pumps? Not the most stylish shoe on the block, but oh my, comfy as can be.

Joy

Veteran

I usually avoid knits because they don't last long, but needed to replace last year's NYDJ's Ponte pants. I got these at Chico's:
http://www.chicos.com/store/br.....ewAll=true=
They have worn like iron, although I don't feel fab wearing them, but that may be true of any knit pants. These are substantial and have jean styling. Mine did not shrink, but I always hang to dry. After a seasons fairly heavy wear, they are beginning to pill just a bit. It looks like they are on sale now. I sized up a half size for a fluid fit, but I think they stretch a bit on wearing and I probably should have stuck with my regular size.

MsLuna

Veteran

@Aubergine: I agree with you re: patterned knits!!! Most of my knits are patterned, and not only because they're flattering or polished, they're just much more fun!!! I also have one indispensable stretchy belt from Banana Republic that I wear over ponte dresses (both solid and prints) and under structured jackets. Oh and while we are in the topic of stretchy belts - have you tried obi sashes? I like the ones made of leather (I got mine at Rudsack here in Canada. I think etsy has a few good ones. If you're a pear, hourglass or a waisted IT, the obi will work on its own over dresses. I tend to wear mine the same way I wear my stretchy belts.

@Suz: Awwww you are too kind! I do tend to be a bit hard on myself though, so thanks for calling me out on that - it's a perfectionist tendency!

I'm going to need to look into the Halogen brand. I read about it a lot here. Can we get that brand in good ol' Canada?

Btw, Suz, you put so much polish on casual outfits! And to see your outfit in person was awesome!

... And one day, the boots will debut at YLF!!!!

@Carter: I wore that combination today! That's why I have my Portofino shirts around for that particular look: the semi-tuck on low rise! I'm amazed what wonders they do!

Yikes!!!! Severe arthritis! What sort of shoes do you wear? What brands work? Ugh... I have bone spurs and a bunion as well. Actually switching to thick, rigid soled flats alone helped with the pain for me.

I'm going to look into Trotters! Thanks for the recommendation! I'm still in search of a comfy heel and I've only had luck with round toed Miz Mooz boots so far.

Caro in Oz

Veteran

I can't remember who said it; Coco I think, "There is no style without comfort."
Couldn't agree more

rachylou

Veteran

I used to wear a lot of knit tops, when I lived and worked in the suburbs. I dressed them up wearing skirts and jackets. They were tops, tho, not tees.

cciele

Veteran

I'm like Aida -- finding that at least one woven piece with the knits helps with structure. Now I feel a bit sloppy if I wear all knits. So usually my woven is denim (shirt, pants, topper). Or it can be a topper -- jacket, blazer. Or it can even be leather!

Aubergine

Veteran

KatieKat, I forgot about obi belts! I have two I love and wear all the time.

Deborah

Veteran

Love that quote Caro.

A large amount of my wardrobe is knits. Like you I find it so comfortable and a bit of stretch is perfect for my figure. I think quality fabrics make a difference. I have ponte pants that look quite structured but I think it's because they are a good quality fabric. I agree with Aida, sometimes simply adding a structured garment ties the outfit together perfectly. Or footwear or even accessories.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Halogen is the Nordstrom brand so we can't really get them without going to the US, alas -- or paying the duty. But the prices are so reasonable (they always go on sale) that it's probably still a bargain, quite honestly. The quality of this house brand tends to be really high for the price and I haven't found anything comparable in Canada.