Talk to me about sweaters and cardigans, please.

Ann in New England

As I try to refresh my style (ha, I have none to refresh), I realize that I rely heavily on sweaters, and that I don't know what is dated and what is still in style -- AND how to not look frumpy when wearing sweaters. So my specific questions:
1. I have a cashmere problem. Namely, I have 8 v-neck and crewneck cashmere pullovers, all of the same style. Black, gray, taupe, havy, camel, wine, red, and periwinkle. I'm putting an example of the style, below, stolen from the Macy's website. How do I "defrump" these? My winter uniform is dress pants and one of these sweaters. I usually don't wear a button down under them, rather I'll wear a tank or cami that doesn't show or just peeks out of the top of the v. I do have two pencil skirts that I like to wear with these and a pair of boots, and I'm OK with that combination, but the sweaters seem so frumpy with pants. (though now that I think of it, my pants could also be the problem. The only silhouette I have are standard boot cut dress pants.
2. Waterfall cardigans, yea or nay? I have several.
Anything else "sweater" I should know?
Thanks.

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11 years ago

Dressing

13 replies

Latest reply was from unfrumped

cjh

(website)

Veteran

In and of itself, that is not a frumpy sweater. It is classic to the max, and can easily go any direction you wish: classic-classic, preppy, trend or frump. HA.
Usually the key to defrumping is the combination in an outfit - are your shoes fresh and polished (even if you need to wear flats or comfort shoes)? Are your garments fuzz-free, not stretched out or threadbare, and clean?
What about fit? If you are a classic person, classic fit is great! Too tight is usually not, too baggy is probably leaning towards frump. Somehow each person has her own definition of how tight or loose is "too."
Accessories can make or break - update with the current trend in jewelry shapes and avoid old tarnished or broken things, add a bit of new color interest in a scarf, under layer or bracelet, choose a new belt, add animal print if it's "the thing", a bright fashionable bag will perk up the look.
Last but not least (Angie would say first, I am sure), pay attention to your hair and eyeglasses and makeup. Update frequently, don't skimp on maintenance and you will always look confident and respectable.
Try on relentlessly and photograph yourself - one of the best ways to be sure you look your best everyday.
Good luck and have fun!

11 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I agree that is a classic style and I think it should be paired with sharp, tailored pieces, or something slightly edgy (like leather, which is prob why you like it with skirts and boots.)

If you are thinking of buying new sweaters, I will add that I find pure cashmere in classic shapes to be sometimes difficult despite its comfort and luxuriousness. Basically, it's so soft it can veer into shapeless and too fuzzy looking, so it is not "sharp" by itself. For this kind of basic, classic piece I prefer a silk/cashmere blend, which has a bit of sheen and looks more polished. I prefer my pure cashmere in more chunky knits, or in arty, drapy styles.

As for waterfall cardigans, I think the very ornate, ruffled type looks a bit dated, but the cleaner ones with straight lines are still good. cocoon cardis are also quite current, I think.

Eta: with your pullover and trousers, maybe try semi tucking and adding a nice looking belt? I bet that will add some structure.

11 years ago

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I would call that more of a FFBO for me in winter - v-neck sweater with jeans, booties and maybe a bracelet or necklace. It the sweater isn't long I may wear a belt and semi-tuck slightly. I feel my best in simple outfits like that - but the sweater for me needs to be fluid, not fitted at all. I culled many sweaters earlier this year due to them being just a little fitted. That look doesn't work for me right now.

11 years ago

Ann in New England

Active Member

Thanks. cjh makes excellent points -- all areas where I need to pay attention. I don't know what's on trend with jewelry (yet), as I don't really wear or have any. And my new eyeglasses are in and I'm picking them up this week!
Diana, I'm not planning on buying new sweaters -- I have a ton. But I will keep your thoughts about cashmere in mind. I got sucked into a great after-Christmas sale last year, which is why I have 8 cashmere pullovers. They were from Macy's, and I don't think the quality is super high, so as they need replacement, I'll look for a higher quality blend.
Alas, no tucking or semi-tucking for me. I have a lower belly issue from childbirth that is a problem even at my lowest weight (extra skin). I always always cover that area.
Texstyle, seems like you have it figured out. Hope I get there sometime soon!
Thanks, all, for your replies.

11 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

It's the fit of the sweater that will make it look a WHOLE lot more current. So yes - a sweater like that can look frumpy. Especially without a back up of modern classics or trendy pieces.

We'll need to see how the sweater fits if you can manage a photo. You are after a fluid fit with good drape. Otherwise these sweaters will probably look more current with skirts.

11 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

This is a current fit of V-neck sweater:

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....nd-peacoat

11 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Angie has spoken - what else is to add here?
I agree that the best way is to see one of those on you. It all depends on the fit on you. If the sweater is fitted and on the shorter side then it may look dated. Bootcut trousers are very classic and nto trendy bottoms so it stands to a reason that you may not feel fab in this combination. What about your footwear? I found that this should be one of the first updates required for the style - sometimes current and on trend footwear is all what is required to take the outfit from frumpy to fab.

11 years ago

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

It sounds like you have a great start but are bored... Changing the pants style would be a way to add some spice. Layering a jacket or vest might work as well. Accessories like necklaces of varying lengths or scarves might work. Time to play in stores and see if anything sets of a spark.

11 years ago

Zibbets

Veteran

If you willing to try a buttondown shirt underneath, an unexpected pattern/color, untucked or semi-tucked could make it look more current.

11 years ago

susanm

Active Member

I agree a collared and buttoned up shirt might and I would also try a semi-tuck in front maybe with a belt. But you don't want too much going on: for example belt, necklace, and more.

11 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Oh, I know exactly what you mean. Esp. with trousers and button downs.

So... all my cashmere sweaters have always come from Scotland. I don't know. There was a shop. My dad would take me to it. Anyways, so yesterday I'm browsing cashmere sweaters from Scotland on the web... and man, I have to say they looked dumpy. Baggy. Baggy is out. Drapey is in. Drapey is totally different from baggy. Now I don't know what to do. I don't know if I'd feel safe getting a sweater from somewhere else. I'm a creature of habit.

Not that I look good in things that preppy. Other thoughts: my very preppy cousins/aunties/uncles all always wear woven shirts and turtlenecks under their v-neck jumpers. To me that *is* the nattiest way to wear them. I personally feel like a no-neck wearing them that way, looking extra dumpy. I'm wondering if a mandarin collar would help me look better, a more avant garde/architectural button down underneath.

I feel like the Olsen twins could solve this problem.

11 years ago

Ann in New England

Active Member

I think I'm going to wear them with skirts and boots, and otherwise demote them to weekend wear with jeans. They just don't work with the pants I own. Maybe if I buy the J Crew pants that you are all gaga about (though not in red) I'll try again, but until then, it's jeans only.

11 years ago

unfrumped

Veteran

I could have written your post!
Same experience--tailored sweater ( but yes, I have sized up one or sometimes 2 sizes from how the stock photo may look--say in Talbots or AT --can work with pencil skirts but can look like just too much classic with pants, especially very typical work trousers. For example, I have bought the Talbot's Audrey sweater in several strategic colors but still have to be careful as they "need" something else to jazz them up.

What helps: boots with the trousers; sometimes contrasting or unexpected color, sleek or trim; also pants that are more updated, such as are tapered and scrunched over loafer (ankle pants would work but are problematic for me in winter). Possibly interesting jewelry.

Lesson 1 I learned (stll learning): Experiment with what types of footwear seem to elevate basic pants. Depends on season. Keep updating in those directions.

Lesson 2 I learned: don't overbuy in one style or silhouette.Wear fewer, but more modern, tops This year I specifically added a few high-low, some cocoon, sweaters, fluid to slightly oversized; merino hi-low; curved or shirttail hems. These are giving an updated look and the not-straight bottom is good for pear shape. I tried to resist duplicatiing even some of those--I am assuming that some time next year or the next, I may want a different look.

Note to self has been: sweaters over pants are workhorses for me in winter, but need to be updated; pants can be updated but are inherently harder for me to use too many styles since fit and proportion is just more problematic; tops are easier to update/trend. Sweaters should not be simply fast-fashion, but also may not all be 5-year items.

11 years ago

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