Traditional style cashmere sweaters - what to do? - YouLookFab Forum

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Traditional style cashmere sweaters - what to do?

Janet

(website)

Veteran

At the risk of being confusing, I am attaching a couple of the same pictures to this post that I took earlier today for feedback on the AG Nikki jeans. This time, I'm posting about the sweater I have on in those pictures.

I have two sweaters like this -- very traditional semi-fitted V-neck cashmere sweaters that are a few years old. This one is an eggplant color, and the other is a muted teal. They fit me well and are probably conventionally flattering to the eye, but I know they're not the most current silhouette. Even though these were not expensive at all for cashmere, I am reluctant to get rid of them, even though I am not reaching for them much these days.

What do yo think about this type of sweater in the context of my style? How can I wear them in a modern way? Do you think they are worth keeping? What have you done with similar items since looser, longer fits are trending?

Thanks in advance!

PS. Just an FYI - this sweater is partially tucked in front to show the fit of the jeans. It is not really that short.

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Dressing

23 replies

Latest reply was from

Thistle

Veteran

I guess I am not sure why you think they aren't the most current silhoutte? (Maybe I am out of it?) I saw this silhouette in cashmere a lot this season. It seems more of a classic than a trend.

But, I think you have a more rock and roll style than modern classic. As such, I am not sure these really do fit your style persona even if they aren't dated. Might be time to tunr them into lougewear (how indulgent is cashemere loungewear?!?)

What about a faux tuck with them with a sassy belt? Or perhaps layered over or under a trendier layer? What about with leather?

E

Veteran

What about layering a vest over them? Or one of your motos? That could add some edge!

My cold weather pj capsule includes 2 cashmere sweaters: they're wonderful to sleep in if you don't keep your house that warm. Very breathable and comfy!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

It's true that this cut reads as fairly classic, but I would think it would work great paired with a moto, jeans, and boots. It's a beautiful sweater that does look terrific on you. You could also wear it with fluid wide leg trousers or with a (gasp) skirt -- but again, that might be fighting against your style persona.

Joyce B

Veteran

I think they are very nice sweaters that you can wear with a skirt or with pants or jeans like in the picture.
I'd say keep them.

K. Period.

Veteran

I agree they are very classic and I like the look of them on you. I wish I had good ideas to share with you. I have several nice v neck sweaters like yours that I like too much to give away, but don't feel current enough in to wear. My fingers are crossed that Angie will rescue us with some styling suggestions!

Anonymous

This sweater looks so good on you, too good to let go. I like Suz's suggestion of wearing it with tough pieces like moto jackets, jeans and boots/ booties. Maybe leather/part leather/faux leather pants or skirts?

Greyscale

Veteran

Do you wear skirts at all? I could picture the purple one worn with a wool mini or pencil skirt, in a deep blue or a slightly different purple, for a very J Crew look. Or with a leather skirt.

What about a sort of rocker-ish scarf on top of it? Like a McQueen skull scarf?

I think they're classic, regardless. There's always a place for a fitted but not skintight sweater. Though I know what you mean - I almost bought a sweater like this for this season and decided on a looser, baggier sweater. But the loose one will feel dated in a while and the classic v-neck has staying power.

Diana

Veteran

I know where you are coming from. A few years ago, sweaters and tees in this shape were my go-to and now they don't feel quite right to me either. Not dated, but also maybe a little too classic for us. However, I could see these working well in a semi-tuck (hides the shorter length) with BF jeans or other slouchy bottoms. I think the looser pants update the look. Maybe a moto on top.

rachylou

Veteran

No good ideas here... I have the same trouble. E's suggestion of a vest pricks my interest, but I wonder if the classic fit is too short for what I have in mind...

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

Did you see my recent pink outfit? My hot pink cashmere sweater is a similar style. If the cashmere is still in good shape then I'd keep them.

ironkurtin

Veteran

I LOVE THEM. Look at how vavoomy you are! Keep keep keep! These are classic basics that can underpin other looks!

Aziraphale

Veteran

I wouldn't toss them yet. How about wearing them under a current blazer or jacket? Or putting a white shirt underneath, turning the shirt cuffs back over the sweater sleeves (roll or scrunch) and leaving the shirt hem hanging out them bottom?

gryffin

Veteran

Janet, don't you think there is a place for nice basics? The sweater is a gorgeous color and looks wonderful with your coloring. Also can you wear it back to front? I love a v in back. Also what about all your lovely jackets? Don't they need, at least some of them, a more fitted underlayer. Only you know what feels right but I've had a black crew cashmere and it always comes to the rescue although it's as classic as can be....just a thought

MsMaven

Veteran

Keep! Gorgeous color, good fit. If they are good quality then save them forever. I know what you mean--I have several V necks too and they do seem a bit blah, but when it gets cold and windy and yucky, I wear them.

shiny

Veteran

Try layering underneath with a simple white crew neck tee shirt, in loose long baggy modern shape. Do the half tuck with the tee, add a belt, see what happens. This is what I've been doing lately. I don't know why but it seems to work. Maybe because it is along the same concept as adding a structured topper over a loose flowing forgivable top?

But no, do not give away your cashmere if it's still in great shape (and assuming you have the storage space). Everything cycles. You'll want it again.

Trust me. I am still kicking myself for donating two amazing thick cashmere sweaters I'd owned for years and that still looked great, just because they were too short... now I realize they were perfect skirt length. D'oh! And it sucks because cashmere quality since then has gone downhill.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I have the same issue with some 'classic' shape cardis that look just like this when I button them all the way up. I'm still wearing them, but with some trepidation. I do like the idea of layering a funky jacket over it and using it as a backdrop layer. Or maybe pair it with leather - skirt or pants?

Peri

Veteran

I've had this feeling too, and ended up purging most of my sweaters with this shape, in favor of the longer and looser with no band style that I am liking now. But here's the big difference...mine were worn out and not such great quality. I would hesitate to get rid of those. I think you've gotten some good ideas and I bet you can find a great way to wear them.

Ariadne

Veteran

So many great ideas in this thread! I especially like the idea of wearing them under your many fantastic jackets, or in the ways Greyscale suggested. Have you tried them with any of your slouchy pants? And I can't remember, but do you have any of the VC tube skirts? I could see them worn with one of those plus an edgy scarf or a moto.

From what I can tell, these fit similarly to the BR merino v-neck sweaters that were an Angie Pick this year. Great foundation pieces.

Catnip

Veteran

I'm following this closely because I have a large drawer full of sweaters like this. I know they're not trendy, but they are a beautiful fabric and are very comfortable. And they're warm.

There are very few outfits in which every piece is trendy and/or outstanding, and these sweaters are good basics. You might think f them as a basic cotton or merino sweater, just warmer.

Catnip

Veteran

I'm following this closely because I have a large drawer full of sweaters like this. I know they're not trendy, but they are a beautiful fabric and are very comfortable. And they're warm.

There are very few outfits in which every piece is trendy and/or outstanding, and these sweaters are good basics. You might think of them as a basic cotton or merino sweater, just warmer.

Scarlet

Veteran

If you aren't crying for space I would keep those sweaters. They are classic and flattering.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for all the great ideas, everyone! So many to ponder and try.

Thistle, you're absolutely right that these are classic. I think we've been so awash in looser, longer sweater shapes for the last year or so that these seem a bit at odds with current trends, but I think the key for me lies in mixing these with trendier pieces.

Greyscale, I keep coming back to your idea of an edgier scarf. It made me realize that my scarf selections tend to be more on the "pretty" side. Or geometric prints. Maybe I should keep an eye out for edgier scarf prints! I just purged a few old scarves that don't seem like me anymore, so maybe there's room for a fun new one.

I love the suggestions for layering with moto jackets, etc. This type of sweater was such a uniform piece for me a few years ago that I sometimes have trouble seeing it in a fresher light. Thanks for nudging me out of that, everyone. I recently saw a beautiful cobalt blue sweater like this and was drawn to it, but didn't investigate further because it didn't seem "edgy" enough. But not every piece in my wardrobe has to be edgy, right?

Scarlet, I will definitely keep this one at the very least. I discovered this morning that the green one has a tiny moth hole in the sleeve. I'm wearing it around the house today instead of my usual hoodie. It's still wearable and I'll probably keep it anyway. If I scrunch and turn up the sleeve, the hole is not visible. I reluctantly gave away a nice heathered turquoise sweater like this last year (it was JCrew from years ago) because it had a faint stain on the front that defied cleaning. I still think about that sweater. I guess that gives me a sign that this style is not something I should abandon.

Anonymous

DEFINITELY worth keeping.