https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:56:24 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials/page/2#post-1405325 Thu, 04 Dec 2014 16:29:55 +0000 J.J. 1405325@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For an 'essential' basic sweater, e.g. something to wear under a jacket (topper? new to the site and learning the terminology! ;)), what shape is modern, current, but good for pears? &nbsp;Should I stick with colors similar to my jeans or pants, and not worry about the length? &nbsp;Lots of cute sweaters, but they all seem to be short enough that they cut across right above my hips, making me look super wide. &nbsp;I love bright colors (I'm pale, and they make me look more awake and alive), but I don't know how to do the layering to make it work. &nbsp;Thanks! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials/page/2#post-1403298 Sat, 29 Nov 2014 05:49:25 +0000 rachylou 1403298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I live in sweaters but how strange, I find it hard to say what my essentials are. I stay away from v-necks. The draft and not my best look. I always need a sweater coat and chunky sweaters. I'm liking architectural drapey sweaters right now but they tend to be thin, so I've got to have thermals underneath. I've got some cropped sweaters. I stay away from things that stop at the waist... I'm short waisted so that tends to be frumpifying... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials/page/2#post-1403099 Thu, 27 Nov 2014 21:32:44 +0000 Peri 1403099@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nice, Annabelle! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials/page/2#post-1403085 Thu, 27 Nov 2014 19:42:03 +0000 annabelle 1403085@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I saw this sweater in the Anthropologie catalog, and I thought of you, Peri, with your penchant for creative layering and your quest for not-so-basic basics.<br />xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1403045 Thu, 27 Nov 2014 15:43:40 +0000 Peri 1403045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, <b>DEB</b>...Share! How do brands rank as far as cashmere quality? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1403036 Thu, 27 Nov 2014 12:27:04 +0000 Deb 1403036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cashmere, cashmere and more cashmere. Crew neck, V neck, turtle necks, cables, ribs and plain. In a variety of neutrals plus navy and red. The better the quality the better..... they're unsurpassable for warmth and endurance. Absolutely love them! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1402988 Thu, 27 Nov 2014 03:32:17 +0000 annabelle 1402988@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I live in Seattle, and we could wear sweaters of one kind or another, 50 weeks of the year. I prefer tops that are not necessarily "statement" pieces, but stand alone pieces. I.e., I am not so creative with jewelry, scarves or layering, so I like a simple piece that speaks for itself and not need a lot of ornamentation beyond the sweater itself.</p> <p>Seeing your lovely red sweater and how great you look in it, you might be looking more for a statement color than for the sweater itself to be all bells and whistles. </p> <p>If I find a cotton, cashmere, or silk blend textured basic, I buy it. (And I'm a small wardrobe person.) I have a Vince textured two-tone knit in cream, a Vince lightweight big cashmere ivory colored pullover and a Rebecca Taylor crew neck cotton sweater in greys. I try to find a new collared cashmere cardigan each year for indoors warmth, assuming each one might last five years on rotation. A couple patterned sweatshirts, like ALC or Rebecca Taylor or T by Alexander Wang. A few cashmere pullover crew neck sweaters, including a grey with a skull print and a cropped dark grey raw edged from Shopbop. Tania has been inspirational lately, and I'm thinking of adding another cropped sweater to layer. </p> <p>These finds are from my shopbop wishlist (SALE, Darlings!) And there's a cardigan from Barney's that I'm still figuring out how to wear.</p> <p>Today I saw a young woman in a loose weave handknit sweater that inspired me. With the handknit and the loose, and the quality of the yarn, it was a standalone piece - not bulky - with skinny jeans and knee highs peeking above her boots. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1402943 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 23:07:24 +0000 Peri 1402943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, thanks for the all replies everyone!</p> <p>And <b>Marley,&nbsp;</b>yeah, I know the whole thing is subjective and confusing, like everything else. When Angie first posted the essentials vs statements I didn't get why it mattered. Why not just "things I wear". But lately I've been noticing that in my quest to be sure everything has that little artistic difference that makes it appeal to me, maybe I'm missing a few items that would make others work. Like, I have some dramatics shapes in black tops, but now I see that the fit of my simple black pullover is sort of dated, and that if I had that element in a simple shape, maybe some other things that are orphans now&nbsp;would start working.</p> <p>It seems like almost universal essentials are plain black, white or navy pullovers in whatever neck style suits each person best. I'm putting those on my wish list of items to look for.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1402930 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 22:24:23 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1402930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One of my essential sweater shapes continues to be the round-necked ones that thimbelina is repulsed by (and I totally get it, thimbelina, but sometimes I just gotta wear one). These are only warm-weather sweaters for me, though--late, late spring through very early fall at best.</p> <p>I also still wear my long merino boyfriend cardigans, but I don't have a Find for them, because, well, maybe they're not really current anymore. </p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1402921 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 21:59:49 +0000 Aida 1402921@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Marley, yes that's right. <a href="http://youlookfab.com/2014/10/16/updating-your-wardrobe-essentials/" rel="nofollow">Here is one of Angie's posts</a> on the subject, with some good links to other posts. To quote the first paragraph:</p> <p><b>Wardrobe essentials</b>&nbsp;are<i> indispensable staples without which your wardrobe would not function</i>. They are not to be confused with <b>wardrobe basics</b>, which are items like underpants, bras, camisoles, shapewear, socks,<br /> sleepwear, loungewear, hosiery and thermals. Wardrobe essentials are<br /> usually very versatile, simple in design, and <i>current.</i> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1402880 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 20:02:24 +0000 Marley 1402880@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK - just to make sure I've got this straight: &nbsp;basics are like underwear, tanks for layering underneath things, socks, etc., right? &nbsp;And, essentials are the wardrobe items that are like the glue that holds our "style" together - things that we cannot do without - they are&nbsp;<i>essential</i> to make out style&nbsp;<i>our style</i>. &nbsp;Right? &nbsp;So, an essential sweater might be turtlenecks (if you have a long enough neck!) Or, for short-necked people like me - v-necks. &nbsp;Or, for someone else it could be tunic style sweaters. &nbsp;Someone else it could be cardigans. &nbsp;I ask, because reading the responses in this thread I started getting confused when some people referred to some of their sweaters as basics. &nbsp;I don't want to get stuck on semantics - but would someone please confirm or correct me in my definitions of basics vs essentials? &nbsp;Thank you! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1402856 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 19:01:14 +0000 Anonymous 1402856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To be honest, I'm sick and tired of sweaters. I had to replace a few this year, but I'm down to a bare minimum. Instead, I'm trying to wear multiple layers and let my personal style go in a different direction. Seems like they charge a lot of $ for something that snags or pills and is not that exciting to look at. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1402821 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 17:46:26 +0000 shiny 1402821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Pics of&nbsp;some of my "go to"&nbsp;sweaters this season, organized the VF way: three neutrals (black, gray, cream) and then accents (blue, cranberry, green). Organizing it this way really helps me make purchase decisions: if I want another black sweater, for example, it can't be a basic shape. It needs something different, like the sweater cardigan with leather panels, or the cascading cardigan.&nbsp;</p> <p>You can see I prefer V-necks although the rare boat neck or crew neck cut just so can work too. I currently have a handful of "modern" shaped sweaters that are loosely fitted except in the sleeves -- tighter fitting the sleeves, the more voluminous I can go in the body.&nbsp;</p> <p>I like cardigans of all types for the layering ease,&nbsp;to toss on over blouses or dresses, and peel off easily if it gets too hot.&nbsp;</p> <p>Because my business travel tends to take me to warmer regions, and also because I am getting hot flashes like you would not believe,&nbsp;I have been concentrating on sweaters that work for milder climates. I really love cashmere because I find it magically regulates my body temperature better than wool, and also because it's so light and packs up small.&nbsp;&nbsp;I have recently invested in some Vince cashmere sweaters for this reason. Last spring I added the ombre Vince sweater and it has held up amazingly well -- despite my frequently balling it up into my handbag and squishing it into my luggage. No pills, looks like new... worth every penny...&nbsp;</p> <p>I also like fine-gauge merino wool -- nothing feels better against the skin and it also does not add bulk to the figure while keeping me warm. BR makes the best merino wool sweaters so I stock up each season.&nbsp;</p> <p>I steer away from synthetic sweaters due to static cling issues.&nbsp;</p> <p>Not shown - I do have a few bulky sweaters. Not too many. For the coldest days. These are sweaters that I've owned for eons. I run hot so it has to get really cold to reach for these.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1402796 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 16:26:55 +0000 Alassë 1402796@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Cowl/loose turtleneck sweaters and scoop/v-neck cardigans&nbsp;in signature colours, a light neutral, and a dark neutral. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1402780 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 15:49:41 +0000 Elizabeth P 1402780@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Peri, when I saw your post, I thought "this will be easy" because I think we have very similar body types, and seem to look good in the same shape sweaters.&nbsp; But when I started pondering my "basic" sweaters, I realized I actually have a ton of statement ones, and not a lot of basics.&nbsp; This should not be news to me, as I had that lightbulb moment when Angie posted her essential vs basic post, but I hadn't realized quite how much.&nbsp; </p> <p>So I think I need to think more about this, and of course, follow this thread!</p> <p>But what I do know is that some of my basics are:<br />&nbsp;- lightweight black sweater that can be worn alone.&nbsp; This would be for work.&nbsp; Need a version for every season.<br />- chunkier black sweater for layering over button ups, or tees.&nbsp; I need one of these.<br />- lightweight navy sweater to wear alone<br />- navy chunky sweater.&nbsp; Recently got the one below.&nbsp; A simple, throw on over jeans sweater.<br />- white sweater that can be worn alone.&nbsp; This gets worn a ton, so needs to be one that is easy to wash.&nbsp; I have versions of this for every season.&nbsp; My current winter version is a chunky turtleneck.</p> <p>And that's all I can think of!&nbsp; Most of my sweaters are colourful, patterned, embellished, drapy, something....&nbsp; no wonder I have so many!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1402776 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 15:46:49 +0000 Jodi_73 1402776@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have fallen in love with these fitted sweaters from Express. They have<br /> a very low v-neck line, perfect for layering a contrast or tone on tone<br /> cami underneath.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1402760 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 14:56:46 +0000 Lisie Symons 1402760@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Coming from a tropical country,&nbsp;I didn't need sweaters till a few years ago, although I have had a couple for travel for absolutely&nbsp;<i>ages</i>. &nbsp;I love turtlenecks but most of them don't look great on me on account of me having no neck. &nbsp;So I stick with classic crewneck cashmere and wool sweaters, plus a couple of cosy chunky ones. &nbsp;I'm practical (or boring) that way. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1402752 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 14:35:45 +0000 AnnieMouse 1402752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Like Suz, I am a turtleneck girl - I love interesting cardigans and jackets, high-impact shoes, and so on. So I tend towards a very plain ribbed, fitted turtleneck as a base layer, so the other bits can shine. I have a stack of probably 20 - black, cream, bark, raspberry, violet, white, charcoal, gold, ecru, and so on - that I reach for incessantly to wear under a more "punchy" pullover or cardigan, or to offset my leopard print skinnies or whatnot.&nbsp;</p> <p>Something along <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/lauren-ralph-lauren-long-sleeve-turtleneck-sweater?ID=1725137&amp;CategoryID=260#fn=SWEATER_STYLE%3DTurtleneck%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D110%26ruleId%3D%26slotId%3D4">these </a>lines, or <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/inc-international-concepts-ribbed-knit-turtleneck-sweater?ID=1748643&amp;CategoryID=260&amp;LinkType=#fn=SWEATER_STYLE%3DTurtleneck%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D110%26ruleId%3D%26slotId%3D16">these</a>&nbsp;are what I find myself reaching for nonstop. Good luck!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1402709 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 07:06:15 +0000 thimblelina 1402709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've felt completely repulsed by those little round neck cardigans that have been everywhere for the past ten years in stacks of 'fun' colors &amp; prints. Ugh!! So all I've had is a v-neck black cashmere cardigan. And while I was doing active menopause pullovers scared me, but now they're okay again. I love the slouchy oversized cardigans and drapey pullovers that are all around now, so I'm stocking up. I got a dark red merino cardigan from JCtew and a colorblocked Vince pullover this fall. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1402701 Wed, 26 Nov 2014 06:24:06 +0000 Ms. Loathsome 1402701@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just realized the other week I barely have any sweaters! Skew toward jackets and coats. Good to read others' replies. I have a black cashmere v-neck pullover, a black cotton cardigan, and just recently bought a camel/grey colorblocked tunic sweater from Loft. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1401764 Mon, 24 Nov 2014 05:02:18 +0000 Marley 1401764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My sweater essentials are fine gauge v-neck or crew-neck fluid sweaters. The tanks, camis, or t-shirts that I wear underneath them are the basics. My sweater statements are my DVF animal print, my Equipment plaid print, and several assymetrical styles. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1401756 Mon, 24 Nov 2014 04:10:11 +0000 ma342 1401756@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Here are some of mine. I also really like the merino/cashmere cardigans from Woolovers. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1401747 Mon, 24 Nov 2014 03:35:56 +0000 catgirl 1401747@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mine are the Joie Tambrel asymmetric tunics - you have that too, yes? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1401735 Mon, 24 Nov 2014 03:20:15 +0000 Staysfit 1401735@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just wrote a long post detailing exactly what sweaters I still have after purging more than half of them. My pullovers are pretty much basics, long sleeve turtle necks and crews with a couple of boat necks and hoodies for good measure. My statements are the toppers, and I only have 4, well maybe 5. I have a lot of sweaters, 53 to be exact, but I live in a place where it's cold from October until May. I also tend to wear thin cotton or silk long sleeve tees under my sweaters for added warmth. I get super cold. I mean really cold, very easily.</p> <p>Here are some examples of sweaters similar to what I own. The three turtle necks are to show how you can have variety within a category using color, length, texture, shape, etc. Most of my long sleeve cashmere crews are the J Crew long sleeve cashmere tee. It's simple, and they come in fun colors. I have 13 of them at the moment. I had more in the past. </p> <p>Almost all my sweaters are solids. I add variety and fun using scarves, statement necklaces, shoes, boots, etc. that way I don't get tired of the sweater. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1401719 Mon, 24 Nov 2014 02:44:10 +0000 Style Fan 1401719@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am trying to change my tried and true style of dressing for winter.&nbsp; I wore a long sleeved T shirt or cuddle duds and a cashmere cardigan for years.&nbsp; This worked for me until the cardigans grew into a shape that I could not wear.&nbsp; I tried on many long cardigans and felt like Maude or like I was wearing a bathrobe.</p> <p>Then I changed gears and decided to try sweaters that were boxy and cropped.&nbsp; Underneath I wear a long sleeved T shirt (J Crew) or cuddle duds.&nbsp; If it works I wear a cami.&nbsp; I could wear a button down shirt but I don't like that look on me.</p> <p>Over the boxy sweaters I might wear a light weight down vest.&nbsp; I have seen this look on some&nbsp;FAB women in Montreal and I like it.</p> <p>My essentials are now cashmere cardigans (short), pullover boxy&nbsp;sweaters, long sleeved T shirts and cuddle duds.&nbsp; I have one pullover statement sweater.&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> <p></p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1401633 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 23:25:39 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1401633@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>BTW, I recently bought the below sequined top, which is more of a sweatshirt than a sweater per se, but I am seeing a lot of these embellished sweaters or sweatshirts with sequins or silk fabric or lace again this year. They might be a good option for statement sweaters that are nonetheless in a traditional silhouette that you can layer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1401628 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 23:09:14 +0000 Isabel 1401628@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For me, it changes every few years. &nbsp;The last two years, the following have been essentials :</p> <p>V neck cashmere &nbsp;( black and grey )<br />V neck merion t &nbsp;( black and grey )</p> <p>These are my version of the winter T. &nbsp; I love accessories and jackets so these really hold everything else together. &nbsp;And I can layer colorful camis underneath for some interest and warmth. I also wear vests over these sweaters. &nbsp;My wardrobe couldn't function without these.&nbsp;</p> <p>This year I added color :</p> <p>Navy and cranberry from J Crew, merino wool V neck &nbsp; &nbsp;<a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/sweaters/Pullover/PRDOVR~B2802/B2802.jsp">https://www.jcrew.com/womens_c...../B2802.jsp</a></p> <p>Navy and rich courant from Macy's, v neck cashmere<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/charter-club-cashmere-long-sleeve-v-neck-sweater?ID=1498201&amp;CategoryID=260">http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....#038;Categ</a></p> <p>Again, &nbsp;I wear them like t shirts. &nbsp;They are super easy to throw on, easy to layer over and under&nbsp;for warmth, and look good no matter what I am running around doing. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1401627 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 23:09:07 +0000 shedev 1401627@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My essentials are the long sleeve tees I use under my sweaters or toppers. I do have two basic sweaters,&nbsp;a black and a cream. Most of my sweaters are statement pieces worn as a top layer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1401621 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 22:48:36 +0000 Suz 1401621@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My essentials are turtlenecks. I have them in navy, light grey, charcoal, ivory, black. They work really well under jackets, and I love jackets. But I also wear them under cardigans and as pullovers (over shirts). As well as on their own as simple tops with a more statement pant or skirt.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also find my LL Bean breton stripe sweater an essential. It's more of a spring/ fall/ summer evening item for me, but I even pull it out from time to time in winter.&nbsp;</p> <p>Speaking of the breton stripe, I find it useful to have at least one patterned sweater in my closet.&nbsp;</p> <p>I also think a few cashmere crewnecks in happy colours are pretty near essential in my climate, as well as a merino sweater or two in a flattering style. But I might switch up the styles. I usually go for crew necks or boatnecks due to my own figure flattery issues.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/what-are-your-sweater-essentials#post-1401615 Sun, 23 Nov 2014 22:30:53 +0000 Sal 1401615@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not many!!</p> <p>I have a black poloneck, a grey merino, grey long tunic and a charcoal merino/possum wrap cardigan (mostly loungewear).</p> <p>In an ideal world I would add in a cream cowl neck and a denim blue merino. &nbsp;I was a little short in this area in winter as I had to retire a couple of pieces during the season as they wore out.</p> <p>I do have about three statement pieces to add into this area (orange cardigan, cream open knit, black sequin sweater). &nbsp;</p>