Making cashmere sweaters more interesting - YouLookFab Forum

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Making cashmere sweaters more interesting

Keix

Veteran

I'm finally pulling out my cashmere sweaters for the season and suddenly find that they look frumpy. How can I wear them in more interesting ways, without going out and buying new sweaters? Difficulty: it won't be cold enough to wear a sweater + jacket in my climate for at least another month or so. The high is 68F today which qualifies as sweater weather in CA...

Today I tucked my charcoal gray v-neck sweater into mid-rise culottes, added a belt, and called it a day. But the neckline still feels off--I added a delicate necklace in brass which seemed to work better than silver. Scarf maybe?

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16 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

Anonymous

I think a necklace that is halfway between delicate and not, would be great.
I lee thinking of Janet's necklace that she wore in her most recent post about the cold shoulder top.

Keix

Veteran

Oh, thank you for the pointer Smittie! (Here's a link to Janet's post for anyone else who missed it: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....nd-some-kr ) Of course now I covet her off-the-shoulder top too, hehe. I don't have any necklaces like hers that are in between chunky and delicate, but I think I may need to find one.

Keix

Veteran

And for today, as I ran out the door I added a textured oatmeal crochet cowl from my crafting stash for warmth, and I actually like the texture much better than the necklace hidden underneath.

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Traci

Veteran

I like the scarf.

Do you have any sleeveless shells with interesting necklines to layer under the sweater so the neckline peeks out? Sleeved blouses work too, but may add too much warmth.

Style Fan

Veteran

I like the look of the crochet scarf with the cashmere sweater and then with the necklace. A little bit of maximal is happening. I also like Traci's idea of something peeking out at the neckline.
A simple cashmere sweater is a great backdrop for scarves and necklaces. I am a big fan of them.

Chris987

Veteran

I too am trying to find a more interesting way to wear V-neck sweaters, of all fabrications, so I'm following this with interest. Scarves are one obvious choice but I'm sometimes a little tired of them. Maybe I'm just tired of the ones I have . Traci I tried just what you suggested - a sleeveless shell with an interesting neckline under a V-neck sweater. Pic below. The top is a black/white print with a wide black band along the neckline, under the dark red sweater. I find it's tricky to find a shell that works, because the shell neckline has to be really high to show under the vneck sweater.

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Anonymous

One of the reasons I really like cashmere sweater is because they are so subtle. They allow everything else to shine (shoes, purses, pants). I think Angie defines this type of garment as an essential.

Chris987

Veteran

Totally agree with you Sterling. My red sweater above is merino wool, which is another "essential" in my book, and strangely can be less itchy than cashmere.

bj1111

Veteran

@KL--love the crochet scarf as a "necklace". have you thought about a leather jacket as a topper? or a gilet/vest? how about a button up shirt with a ruffled (piecrust) collar or a pussy bow underneath?

how about a big pendant necklace? or a bunch of brooches grouped together (maximalism) or a brooch pinned to each sweater cuff (also maximalism if nonmatching, but more subtle than on the chest).

how about a neckerchief?

Angie

(website)

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BLING necklaces.

unfrumped

Veteran

I like Chris's top peeking out.

Also The Directice wears a lot of silk scarves just under the collar, perking out. Not sure that would be consider a fresh look but it is s great way to adjust neckline depth and add interesting color of pattern in small doses.
I wonder also if the small silk scarf tied jauntily at the neck is a trending look?

tulle

Veteran

Ah, KL, I was hoping you were going to tell me! I have a large box of cashmere sweaters, mostly garden variety, in colors I love, but yes, sometimes a bit frumpy. I never seem to find big blingy necklaces that feel right on me, but I have a collection of vintage brooches that come in handy: a v-neck sweater over a buttoned-up boy shirt with a chunky old brooch at the neck is one of my favorite cold-weather looks, great with jeans or baggy trousers, layered under a jacket. I prefer my crew-neck sweaters very plain, unadorned, or with a lightweight cotton, silk, or pashmina scarf loosely wrapped. I have seen some very pretty, delicate necklaces made of multiple strands of leather or chain, often with little beads or charms, that fill up a bare v-neck in a way that looks new, and after buying an old basket of hand-crocheted and tatted lace, I'm thinking about lacy collars for the darker color crew-necks.

Keix

Veteran

So many great ideas! I definitely plan to experiment with scarves and blingy necklaces, although I don't have too many of the latter due to weight and metal allergies. I need to find some vintage brooches too!

I don't currently own any shells with interesting necklines or collars, otherwise I'd give that a shot. In my climate, layering a long-sleeve shirt underneath or a leather jacket on top would be more like deep winter attire. I decided the R&B gilet was too impractical because my arms get cold, but it'd be perfect for this type of 60's weather... ah well, there will always be something else great.

JAileen

Veteran

I developed a nickel allergy recently. I found a company on Etsy that make nickel free sterling necklaces. They are not maximal, however. I guess if you layered several minimal necklaces they might look maximal.

catgirl

Veteran

Agree! And then some my necklaces caused wear or pilling or left a mark. I wish there were more interesting winter tops to be found!

rachylou

Veteran

Vnecks, scoop, and/or crew?