Statement sweater K/R - YouLookFab Forum

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Statement sweater K/R

Carole

Veteran

I picked up a couple sweaters this weekend at Ann Taylor (my new favorite store). They were having a sweater sale on select sweaters for $49.50 this weekend! I had spotted this graphic zip sweater when I was shopping there last but thought I'd wait for a sale...didn't have to wait too long:)

1) I really need a few sweaters and have nothing like these. The graphic sweater seems like a statement to me, am I right? Its sort of asymmetrical with a side zipper for fun. I've paired it with the tunic but not sure if this works....I could see wearing this with skinny cream, red or regular denim, ponte knit pants, even a pencil skirt! Usually a little apprehensive with patterns especially up top, but because it's graphic and the pattern goes diagonally I think it's a possibility...what do you think?

2) I wore this today so I guess it's already decided I'm keeping this one..,it's hard to tell from the photo but is a chunky knit in a dark steel gray color!

What cha think?

Honesty appreciated!

Thanks ladies

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24 replies

Latest reply was from unfrumped

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I love the second one very much. Enough to be tempted to go in search of it online.
I really like the first one in principle and I am usually a sucker for B&W prints but I am finding something about the diagonal to the shoulder doesn't read quite right to me. I've been reading a style book so indulge my obsession...you appear to have fairly low contrast coloring and the sweater is very high contrast. I wonder if that is what it is.

It looks nice and the fit is very good and it has a lot of visual interest so it is probably just me.

Carole

Veteran

Dianthus, thanks for your honest feedback. The graphic sweater is a little out of my comfort zone but I love the length, and colors of the graphic pattern, I don't think it would would be flattering at all on me if the pattern ran horizontally (I'm very broad shouldered and usually that just accentuates it more, maybe it still does with it diagonally and I just had Rose color glasses on!

The second sweater was an additional 60% off the sales price so that was a bargain at $28!

unfrumped

Veteran

Yay on #2--I think that is one I tried and maybe wanted it in petite so I could size up but not be too long. If so is a cozy wool blend. The light colors in this sweater shed but the gray did not seem to.
Uncertain about the graphic but not just the design--would you consider sizing up for less fitted? Though I sympathize and acknowledge that sometimes the next size goes overboard.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

It might just be the way you're standing but it looks like the sweater is pulling a little across the front, at the shoulder. I like the pattern, though! The other one is very nice on, but less striking.

Carole

Veteran

Thanks unfrumped and ummilia! I think I need to take better photos....these prob don't do the graphic sweater justice. I already sized up and it's plenty big. Maybe it's just not flattering enough! Hmmm

kellygirl

Veteran

More love for the second sweater! I think the first one is fun too.

Anonymous

Sorry - more love for the second sweater from me too. There is something wrong with the diagonal that the pattern is taking - and I can't put my finger on it. Like it should be running the other way, or the zip should be on the other side. I keep looking at it, and something is not right. Actually the more I look at it I think a pattern like this should not be on a diagonal, period. It's not a sharp enough angle to make it look intentional.

I would have probably picked this one up too in a store - I like all the elements: the side zip, black and white pattern etc...but...

krishnidoux

Veteran

Honest honest... 2 is a keeper, not 1.
1's print is too bold, too large.
2 is cute and the absolute definition of "chunky" in a good way. Yes for this one, it's one I predict you could be wearing a lot.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Sorry Carole, I can tell you love the graphic sweater. I suspect you are right and the pose has you angled in a way that doesn't bring out the best in the print. Perhaps take a few more pics that are more straight on and see if that helps. OR if you totally love it, ignore all the naysayers and wear it and enjoy it.

Carole

Veteran

Kelly, Lisa and Krishna!!! Thank you thank you for your honesty:) glad the second one is a winner! Yay

Dianthus, your too sweet for chiming back in, maybe the reason it looks weird is me!!! I have never felt I looked good in something so bold...so that's probably it. This might work on a more petite person, that I am not! I might try to take better pictures to know for sure, but it might be that this just isn't going to work for me...and that's ok..,who needs a statement sweater, anyway!

catgirl

Veteran

2 is a keeper.

1 is throwing me off - it makes it look like you're leaning. It has all the elements I love (asymmetry, quirky print, loose fit) but maybe the print is too trompe l'oeil?

Kristin L

Veteran

#2 is definitely a keeper. I'm sorry, but I think something looks a bit off with #1. I wonder if it may not be laying right because of the button down, which is problem I deal with sometimes. If you're going to try it again, maybe try a t-shirt or a cami underneath.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Hmm. I actually like #1 quite a lot. I like it less layered over the shirt but I wonder if that is just your pose. I like it a lot on its own, styled as you styled it.

Carole

Veteran

Thanks, Una and Kl- I'm going to take some more photos just to make sure...I had such high hopes, but maybe I'm delusional!

Suz- it helps to know someone might see a little of what I saw in this sweater:) stay tuned for more pictures! Thank you

Karie

(website)

Veteran

I like them both. I especially like #1 partially unzipped and with the white shirt underneath.

jackiec

Veteran

Hmm. I actually like them both. #1 is really fun. I'm not so good about fit, but I really do think it looks fun.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I much prefer #1 to #2. I am a HUGE spanner on the forum today - perhaps there is something in the air? (Aha. I read that some actually prefer #1 too).

I like #2, as well, Carole. But #1 is a lot more fashionable, fun and makes a bigger statement.

greycat6

Veteran

I like them both!

I tried on #1 in the store. For me, #1 was very off-putting on the hanger and out of my comfort zone for straight lines and order. However, in motion the sweater is a lot of fun! It just works! You carry it off very well with your strong shoulder line and slender figure. Well done!

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

I like them both. For some reason, I would like to see the first one in an intentionally oversized fit, although that might not work, as it may not be designed that way. I do like it on you in this more classic fit as well though.

rabbit

Veteran

I really like #1, it's unique and quirky, I see it as a classic pattern tilted on it's side. Like Cocolion I'm wondering if you had a chance to try a size up and whether that worked. #2 looks fine on you too.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Love both sweaters. I agree that #1 is high contrast and your coloring will make lower contrast quite harmonious on you --- but then, high contrast can give that "statement" look when you want to be bold. It would be interesting with grey or white bottoms.

The grey sweater is lovely, definitely keep it. Now, that is the one I would have trouble wearing, because I'm your opposite -- darker hair, higher contrast. Greys and mid-tone neutrals look far better on you!

BTW: The pattern in #1 would likely swamp a true petite. I think the scale of the pattern works well for you -- the diagonal makes it more unexpected, but that can be a good thing. Imagine the same pattern in grey and white -- like a Nordic sweater -- the lower contrast would be harmonious with your coloring but less bold.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

OK, I just saw this and read the first few responses (haven't finished the thread yet), but I have to chime in and say I really, really like the first sweater! The second is great too, but I think a girl needs some statement sweaters too, and #1 is terrific. I don't see the issues that the others are mentioning -- I figured it's just a combination of pose/position in mirror and the asymmetrical cut of the sweater. I hope you keep it.

ETA: Now I just saw that Angie is also a fan! Yay!

Carole

Veteran

We'll what fun to wake up and find some love for the first sweater.

Angie, a big hug and thank you! I guess I'm not totally off track after all.

Karie, Jackie, thanks for the thumbs up!

Greycat, the diagonal striping is what I really liked best about the sweater...wasn't sure if it was flattering on me, but that's what makes it unique and fun.

Cocolion and rabbit...the sweater is more classic fitting, longer which works nicely for me. It may not look like it but it is very roomy..any bigger and I think it would look sloppy.

Beth Ann...good points about the high contrast...hadn't really thought about that...I'm usually drawn to more muted colors but there is something classic about black and white patterns that I'm drawn to.

Janet...thanks! That's what I was thinking, too! Sweaters can start looking all the same....I guess that's what I like about this...it's different and bold! My poses are not the best..I do better with a real camera but I have yet to find it after our move.

unfrumped

Veteran

I do understand some of the issues with static photos. While it can really help to see the photo, and notice things we'd miss in "the mirror", it also doesn't capture movement or pattern issues as well. I've notice that with the roomier sweaters or tops or even pants because part of the value of fluidity is in drape and movement--in a still photo it can just look big or sloppy.
I think I prefer #1 by itself to let the asymmetry of the pattern speak without competition from the shirt, but it works with shirt too so you would have that option.