There was a time when we hated wearing sweaters because they would ruin our fancy outfit, but not any more. Knitted sweaters have got a cool makeover and have become a style statement of the season. Sweaters, cardigans, knitted sweatshirts, pullovers and cropped knitted tops aren’t just a way to save you from the cold weather, they can actually transform your outfit and make you look like a million bucks. All you need to do is put a little effort into styling it the right way and pick the perfect accessories to make your look perfectly Instagrammable. During the colder months, you can rely on these woolly wonders to enhance your fashion quotient and add a lot of comfort to your everyday look. From layering, to wearing oversized sweaters, and sweater dresses, they are a perfect winter wear. Sneha Gujral, a Delhi-based stylist who feels that while the capital's climate (in winter) gives them ample scope to experiment with woollen pieces, she believes that fashionistas living in cities like Pune where the mercury doesn’t dip too low, can also add sweaters as statements to amp up their look.
PAIR IT RIGHT
“Sweaters have made a comeback and it is amazing to see how stylish they’ve become. If you have been wary of wearing leggings all this year, now is the time to do it as oversized sweaters allow you to create a glamorous look when paired with printed leggings or yoga pants worn with ankle-length boots,” suggests Gujral who insists that if you have a thing for baggy outfits, you must flaunt plain sweaters in neutral shades so that you can work with a lot of accessories and makeup. “Never hesitate to wear a knitted sweater to a party. All you have to do is pick a long embellished one which you can literally pair with anything — short denim shorts, mini skirts, and leggings. Wear chunky jewellery and opt for smoky eyes and bright lips and you are ready to rock a Christmas party,” advises Gujral.
For those looking for a more glamorous look, leather is the perfect way to add more grunge and oomph to their appearance. “If you own a thick knitted sweater or a cardigan and are unsure how to style it, then leather bottoms are your definite answer. No matter what colour of sweater you are wearing, you can always pair it with a pair of black leather pants or a skirt. To create more drama, go for leather heels and tons of mascara on your eyes. However, avoid wearing a black sweater with a black leather pants or skirt as the combination will make you look older and Gothic,” advises Deblina Chatterjee, a Kolkata-based designer who owns the label Lina’s.
Denims and woollens never fail to impress, hence one of the safest ways to create a great winter look is to team up denim items with knitted sweaters for a more casual look. Says Chatterjee, “The only rule to keep in mind is that if your sweater is heavy, your denims should be skinny and cropped till ankle. However, if you like fitted sweaters or sweatshirts, go for flared denims or long denim skirts and complete the look with bright coloured shoes and bags. Distressed denims teamed up with every kind of knits are a sure-shot way of grabbing eyeballs.”
LAYER IT UP
Winters and layering go hand in hand. It is one of the most favourite winter fashion tricks. If you want to have fun with the sweaters, you own and create interesting looks. Fashion experts suggest that layering with knitted sweaters works wonder for all body types. “This street-style fashion trick lets you flaunt your summer tops, tank tops and even crop tops without making you feel the chill in the air. You can wear a sleeveless sweater over a simple top and accessorise with a scarf. To create a more retro look, you can wear it over a pair of bell bottom denims. Crop can be styled by layering with cardigans for a more comfortable look,” suggests Chatterjee.
If you are one of those who love the feminine look and want to create the same with woollens, knitted long sweaters or sweater dresses are here to spoil you for choices. “Throw on a long over-sized sweater and belt it up near the waist to give it a dressy look. If the mercury is dipping, you can further upgrade it by wearing a jacket or a stole. Strappy sandals, gladiator shoes or even boots will compliment your look,” says Gujral.
