My first thought was no to the argyles, but I like the idea of trying them under a jacket. I love the floral one and #3 and #12, but I do tend to like longer, looser sweaters.

I really like 4-9 and #11.

You don't like the argyles? Aw, #7 is my favorite here, although I like the b/w sweater a couple pix later too.

I have a special fondness for the argyles -- always have! My weird little shadow prep style coming out.

I have worn the blue argyle most recently with charcoal jeans, my white leather moto, and a cornflower blue scarf. I can see that working again. Or maybe play up the darker tones in the sweater by mixing it with blue jeans, charcoal jacket and black boots. I'll play around with it. I think Ive had that sweater for a decade (!) and it still looks good -- old Esprit knitwear FTW.

I used to layer those V-neck sweaters over crisp white button-front shirts, but I'm not feeling that look anymore. I have kept one of those shirts in my holding zone, but may let it go as I never seem to want to wear it.

Clearly I STILL have trouble letting go of items that seem "classic" -- my mom's programming is apparently hard to overcome.

Honestly, most of my sweaters do not spark joy, in the notable words of Marie Kondo. I guess I need to be more brutal with my stuff.

2 and 9 are my favourites, hands down. Followed by 7, 8, 11. I love the idea of hard-edge plus argyle and hope you do a lab post on styling those two sweaters. If 6 is sentimental I’d lean toward keeping it; colour is not the best on you but it’s fun. Maybe underneath a black jacket would be better? Of course, maybe three argyles is too much of one shadow style — is there one of those three that’s your favourite?

I have a bit of a stink-eye for the silhouette in #1 (too close to maternity wear for me), also for #5 because I don’t like plaids in knit fabrics (ridiculous, I know). So those get a thumbs down. 10 and 3 look a bit sloppy to me; I think your instinct to go for classic/fitted is dead-on. If they’re comfy perhaps they could be demoted to ranch wear? 12 is the only longer sweater that appeals to me here — the asymmetry gives it some interest and it’s nicely fitted. Oh, and #4 — on the fence on this one. It’s nice, I like the colour-blocking, does it have a zipper detail on the shoulder? I think it’s just the colour that doesn’t feel consistent with your style, or possibly it’s a smidge too warm/bright for your complexion.

Thanks for all the feedback!

One note, and it applies to this thread as well as others I've started: I apologize for not often replying specifically to each person, but need to explain that I am almost always looking at YLF on my phone, and it's near impossible to compose a reply and see others' comments at the same time. Please know that I read and take into consideration every single comment!

At least 8 sweaters this morning have found their way into either the sell/donate pile or the ranch pile. A lot of what's left is "on notice " -- I want to give it a season to see if they get worn, but if not, I'll be doing another editing session later on. You all have been really helpful!

You are sweet to explain your response style.

Even though the classic styles look great I totally get that you may be finding the sweater and button down combo less appealing now because I feel the same way, it just doesn't look the same as it did and it feels too bulky. I think some structure is really key, no more shapeless for me.

As a long term sporty type I'm finding I need to consciously try to add a little more feminine detailing than I once did to feel my most attractive.

You could try adding silkier blouses if you're ok with changing the very casual vibe of the sweaters a little.

I really like your description of the sweaters you'd like to find!

7, 9, 10 are the immediate keeps for me.

Keepers are 1-5 and 9-12. I get what you mean about argyles so keep the most favorite. 1 and 12 are basics which you can dress up with a scarf or a jacket for that minimal look.

I like 1 and 12 the best here because they are longer and less traditional looking than many of the others, which are shorter and boxier and more classic, which is a style I feel you have shifted away from, instead I think of fun details and hemlines for sweaters for you. Which is really abundant in the stores this season!

Janet -- I once wrote a post about the majority of my wardrobe not "sparking joy." But the truth of the matter is I need those clothes to put together ensembles that do spark joy on most days.

Sometimes it is a struggle to purge well preserved, classic pieces ... especially if they invoke some emotional response. If you have the room, perhaps you should consider keeping them over the 2017-2018 season and rethink them after you see if they were worn. If they are not worn this Winter, perhaps that will help your decision making process?

Time is short for me today, so I haven't read all the responses -- although I can see you've gotten thoughtful feedback.

I think a pair of luxe wide leg trousers could make the argyle sweaters sing --- also, a flounced pencil or button down skirt would make them seem modern-retro. Finally, you could give them a real sporty treatment -- fashion sneaks, etc.

As for silhouettes like #1 --- If a sweater is soft, and still in good condition, it could become a part of a lounge capsule!

Hmm, although I didn't intend to read other responses before replying, I can tell by skimming that my opinions are not the most popular. I without a doubt prefer #1, 9, 11 and 12.

I agree with Beth Ann on the skirts. Try a pencil skirt with the argyles. They fit you beautifully!

That's a lovely idea to try some sweaters with skirts, but I'm afraid that skews much too dressy for my life these days. I barely even own any skirts anymore (well, there are some unworn and a size too small in my holding zone, which should probably go). I do have a faded denim pencil skirt, which might be fun with tall boots, so maybe I'll try that.

I was thinking about this post because while we have quite different styles I think we share the following:

- Hourglass shapes making unstructured shapes a bit hit and miss (some work but some are definitely unflattering on me)
- A love for long lines and not too much going on but some detail and statement pieces.
- living casual lives with lots of socialising requiring good looks but not too dressy..... We aren't needing corporate looks or black tie looks but lots of smart casual looks.
- wanting to look current without wanting to look totally at the height of the latest trends

You definitely have a cooler wardrobe than me and I love your style so hope you don't mind me seeing the similarities.

10 years ago I wore fitted tees, v neck merinos with jackets and cardigans my pants or shorts or skirts - but I don't feel quite as confident doing so now as I am older. Over recent years draped tops and long tops and tunics have been trending, which have involved different layering strategies - for me often layering under with cami's and over with coats.

So anyway with structure returning I think simple tailored tops will feature more in my closet, worn under a jacket, and getting the interest through accessories (shoes/jewelry) or maybe pattern. I am thinking for summer vee or boat neck woven fabrics and for winter it is harder as fine gauge knit wear is needed for me to layer.

I could see some of these fitted styles working in this instance - the argyles and a couple of others. I am also slowly building my ïndoor jacket collection - so I can keep them on. I do not need any more "statement" tops - I need some supporting acts that work with my statement jackets and a great pendant or fab boots. I worked out last spring that I had good jackets and good tops but very few of them worked together.....

I don't know if that helps or not....but it helped me.