Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Sweaters are definitely IN, and they’re available in more styles and patterns than you could wish for!
I’ve always been partial to sweaters for fashionable and, of course, functional reasons. My mom was a knitter and I grew up with a keen appreciation of her beautiful handiwork. I also benefited from the adorable outfits she made me until I was 7. (I guess she only liked smaller, quick-to-finish projects.)
Knitting is an art and a skill that I never mastered. Drawing, sculpting and painting were my specialties, but so was style. I’ve always appreciated knitted textiles for their enduring, stylish legacy.
Gorgeous yarns and the seemingly endless patterns and textures continue to mesmerize me. Through the years, when I spotted a beautiful “hand knit,” it was generally pricey but often worth the purchase. In the '70s, there were some famous English designers, whose sweaters became collector’s items.
Today, sweaters styles run the gamut because of a highly evolved industry that can affect any look with sophisticated machinery ... even a “hand knit” look.
In working on my new sequel to “Forever Cool” (Random House/Clarkson Potter, May ’09), I am delighted to show an array of sweater styles on a variety of bodies. Sweaters are terrific because they offer a non-constructed layer, as opposed to a constructed jacket. Eight out of ten women have “rounded” body types (“apples” and “pears”) that don’t easily conform to tailored garments, in which they would look box-y or overwhelmed. Sweaters are the perfect antidotes.
You can choose from the essential and basic turtleneck, twin sets, sweater coats, and interesting cardigan/shawl combos. They come long to camouflage and elongate the body, or extremely short to show off a beautiful torso.
Consider buying basics first in neutral tones (black, cream, beige, brown, camel, grey shades) then acquire some specialty “fashion” looks, again in neutrals to mix-and-match. Many of today’s trendier looks may well become tomorrow’s classics.
You’ll find this way of dressing useful - from jeans and cords casual combos to business suit alternatives and into the evening.
Begin your collection of lightweight cashmeres or Merino wools, then move to heavier weight knits for layering. Go for the best quality you can afford.
My favorite knits are from J. Crew for a reasonable price point to higher-end lines such as TSE.
Enjoy this “cool” classic style for the cooler weather ahead.
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