Poll Post: The Chunky Sweater

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Ah, the chunky sweater. My favorite thing to wear in the fall. It's perfect for this time of year for so many reasons. In my opinion, it's because it keeps you warm without the need for a jacket. This closet staple comes in all different knits, lengths, and cuts, so it can go with way more than just skinnies and Converses. Read on to find out how the chunky sweater can work wonders for your wardrobe.

So, let's talk about these guys. Chunky knits don't highlight the shape of your body, so if you wear a style that's too long, it can make you look ten pounds heavier or give you an awkward shape. Either way, not so great. Unless it has an oversized fit, which looks great with tight pants or leggings, go for styles that hit at the hip (at least at the front; hi-lo hems dip lower in the back). 

Now that we've figured out the correct fit of the sweater, it's time to discuss how to style it in an ensemble. Balance its relaxed fit with a bottom that's fitted at your waist/hips. It can flare out towards the bottom, like skater skirts and boot-cut jeans, or can just be skinny all the way. Yeah, leggings work, but like I said before, usually only for oversized cuts. 

Let's take a look at the different cuts there are to choose from.

1) Regular Fit

ASOS Sweater in Chunky Check, $71.19, asos.com

This cut is meant for everyone. It skims your shape but doesn't hug or accentuate anything.  The sleeves end just past or at the wrists while the hemline goes just past the hips. This classic cut can be paired with almost all bottoms; I wouldn't recommend long skirts or anything with volume at the hips, like harem pants. Pairing these together would make you look shapeless and would generally make for an awkward ensemble. Instead, wear a bottom that's fitted through the thighs, like boot-cut jeans, or one that clearly emphasizes your waist, like a skater skirt. 

You might think that sticking to classic silhouettes ensures a boring ensemble, but it's actually an advantage. Since the fits aren't that interesting, you can play around with the material and details of each piece. I added a cropped leg and leather to my pant and grounded the outfit with an unexpected shoe. The eyelets and the white croc-embossed material modernize the brogue while bringing out the white in the sweater. Do I get bonus points for monochrome? And white shoes?

Style with:

Leather Pants
Helmut Lang, $955, helmutlang.com

White Patent Brogues
River Island, $50, riverisland.com

2) Hi-Lo Hem

Nasty Gal Make a Fuzz Sweater, $88, nastygal.com

Hi-lo sweaters are the perfect mix between regular and cropped sweaters. I'd recommend these if you want the crop-sweater-look but don't like the idea of baring half your stomach when you pair it with leggings. The hi-lo sweater looks great with the same bottoms as the regular fit plus high-waisted bottoms since you can show it off up front. They also work well with skirts of any length. Once again, it's super important that whatever bottom you choose isn't billowy at the waist. (Notice the fitted skirt in the picture above.) 

Style with:

Lime Pencil Skirt
Blumarine, $282 (on sale), stylebop.com

Druzy Ring
Andara, $110, maxandchloe.com

Lucite Heels
Jeffrey Campbell, $130, nastygal.com

3) Cropped

New Look Chunky Floral Intarsia Sweater, $44.48, asos.com

The chunky crop sweater is so cool because you can really get creative with it. You can wear any bottom with it as long as they're high waisted, and in my humble opinion, not leggings. What you can do, though, is rock it with an old-timey midi skirt that shows off your waist along with the crop's shorter hem. (See below.) Any skirt will work, really, but if you want to be adventurous try a structured style like a peplum skirt or a pleated maxi skirt. As for pants, high-waisted skinnies look awesome with crops. The same goes for any other high waisted pants that are fitted through the thigh.

Style with:

Pleated Midi Skirt
A.W.A.K.E., $470, modaoperandi.com 

Red Ankle Booties
BP by Nordstrom, $99.95, nordstrom.com

Crystal Bangle
Miu Miu, $450, net-a-porter.com

The chunky sweater will always be a fall essential. They're cozy, cute, and fun to style, as I'm sure you've learned from above. What are your thoughts? Comment and email me at leatherandrouge@gmail.com.