What are your sweater essentials?

Peri

I'm not finding sweaters that interest me so far, and I've realized that I'm expecting everything to be a very exciting statement item. I wonder if there are a few essentials that would make my closet work better. For instance, I just bought a red "kimono" style sweater from JJill and now I realize I don't have anything to wear under it, and that may be the thing it needs to work.

For example, my black pullover is a fluid asymmetric EF tunic...statement shape if not color. Not something that could easily go under other things to help them work. I don't need to layer a lot where I live, but maybe I need a few essentials.

What are yours and why do they work for you? Bonus points for Finds or links cause I'm lazy and you all know how much I loooooove shopping!

10 years ago

General

33 replies

Latest reply was from J.J.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

In general I prefer v-neck tops but with sweaters I make an exception and have some crewnecks because they're warmer. I've got v-neck sweaters with different depths of neckline; some I have to layer under and some I can but don't have to. Those are my two basic silhouettes; I don't go crazy with weird shapes in sweaters because as you say it makes it harder to layer. That's not to say that you can't take that approach if you like it; Una lives in a cold place and wears funky tunics and ponchos all the time. (I also have a couple turtlenecks in case of super-cold weather or travel, and I generally wear them with something else because it's not my best shape.)

Then there's my cardigan collection but I think you're talking about stand-alone sweaters for the most part.

10 years ago

Joy

Veteran

I a small busted so look better in higher necklines than V necks... Crew and turtlenecks and some high scoop necks. My basics are tanks or sleeveless shells...cotton from Target and silk from Eileen Fisher (when on sale), some turtlenecks, and basic crew neck cashmere pullovers (Halogen and other basics). I use these mostly in neutrals like black and white, chocolate brown, blush/nude, and greys. Metallic is one I want but haven't found yet. Today it is nearly 60F degrees. I am wearing a cotton black tank under a light grey long-sleeved tee with a low neck.

10 years ago

kkards

Veteran

My essentials are really pretty basic. I always have a cream sweater-- a light weight one for spring/fall and a wool one for winter. Because I know in a pinch, I can wear it with almost anything. This year, I update the silhouette to a more fluid fit (1st find, it's more fluid on me then the model). I also like to have basic navy and black pullovers, similar to the 2nd and 3rd finds, I personally like both crew necks and vnecks. Few of my sweaters are "statement" piece, but the most important thing I've learned since joining YLF, is to make sure that I'm updating my basics periodically to keep the cut/fit current.

Nordstrom

Vince Mini Cable Sweater

$285.00 $113.98

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Gap

V-neck raglan sweater

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J.Crew

Cambridge cable crewneck sweater

$88.00

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10 years ago

Sal

Veteran

Not many!!

I have a black poloneck, a grey merino, grey long tunic and a charcoal merino/possum wrap cardigan (mostly loungewear).

In an ideal world I would add in a cream cowl neck and a denim blue merino. 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.

I do have about three statement pieces to add into this area (orange cardigan, cream open knit, black sequin sweater).

10 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

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.

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.

Speaking of the breton stripe, I find it useful to have at least one patterned sweater in my closet.

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.

Gap

Merino turtleneck sweater

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L.L.Bean

French Sailor's Shirt, Three-Quarter-Sleeve Boatneck

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10 years ago

shedev

Veteran

My essentials are the long sleeve tees I use under my sweaters or toppers. I do have two basic sweaters, a black and a cream. Most of my sweaters are statement pieces worn as a top layer.

10 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

For me, it changes every few years. The last two years, the following have been essentials :

V neck cashmere ( black and grey )
V neck merion t ( black and grey )

These are my version of the winter T. I love accessories and jackets so these really hold everything else together. And I can layer colorful camis underneath for some interest and warmth. I also wear vests over these sweaters. My wardrobe couldn't function without these.

This year I added color :

Navy and cranberry from J Crew, merino wool V neck https://www.jcrew.com/womens_c...../B2802.jsp

Navy and rich courant from Macy's, v neck cashmerehttp://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....#038;Categ

Again, I wear them like t shirts. They are super easy to throw on, easy to layer over and under for warmth, and look good no matter what I am running around doing.

10 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

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.

Nordstrom

Halogen Embellished Sweatshirt

$58.00 $19.89

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10 years ago

Style Fan

Veteran

I am trying to change my tried and true style of dressing for winter. I wore a long sleeved T shirt or cuddle duds and a cashmere cardigan for years. This worked for me until the cardigans grew into a shape that I could not wear. I tried on many long cardigans and felt like Maude or like I was wearing a bathrobe.

Then I changed gears and decided to try sweaters that were boxy and cropped. Underneath I wear a long sleeved T shirt (J Crew) or cuddle duds. If it works I wear a cami. I could wear a button down shirt but I don't like that look on me.

Over the boxy sweaters I might wear a light weight down vest. I have seen this look on some FAB women in Montreal and I like it.

My essentials are now cashmere cardigans (short), pullover boxy sweaters, long sleeved T shirts and cuddle duds. I have one pullover statement sweater.

10 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

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.

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.

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.

Nordstrom

Quinn 'Teresa' Cashmere Cable Knit Turtleneck Tunic

$368.00 $183.98

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Nordstrom

White + Warren Curved Hem Cashmere Scrunch Neck Sweater

$333.00 $199.80

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Nordstrom

Rag & Bone 'Bianca' Rib Knit Sweater

$255.00 $152.97

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Gap

Merino turtleneck sweater

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10 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Mine are the Joie Tambrel asymmetric tunics - you have that too, yes?

10 years ago

ma342

Active Member

Here are some of mine. I also really like the merino/cashmere cardigans from Woolovers.

L.L.Bean

Vintage Cable Turtleneck

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L.L.Bean

Women's Double L Cotton Sweater, Splitneck Pullover

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Target

Chunky Cable Pullover Sweater - Merona

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UNIQLO

Women Lambswool Blend V Neck Sweater

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UNIQLO

Women Extra Fine Merino V Neck Sweater

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10 years ago

Marley

Veteran

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.

10 years ago

Ms. Loathsome

Active Member

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.

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