What would life be like without sweaters ? When the most obvious answer would be “chilly,” but the role that the sweater plays in our daily lives is not limited to insulation. In fact, you could argue that without sweaters, dressing for everyday occasions would be a lot more complicated.
The sweater is the very definition of something you can “pull on in a hurry.” Whether your agenda consists of a run to the grocery store or that big job interview, a closet well-stocked with sweaters will make dressing for the day that much easier. In case you need any more convincing that sweaters work for every occasion, consider the scenarios below.
Sweaters for the errand run
Maybe you’re finished with your day. Or perhaps you haven’t even started getting ready yet. Either way, you’re at home in a simple top and a pair of women jeans or jeggings when you realize that the recipe you’re considering calls for one more egg than you have in the carton. You’ve got to run to the store, but don’t want to be slowed down by time spent getting ready.
The easiest fix is to throw on a quick sweater. An outfit as simple as leggings and a t-shirt gets a big upgrade when something as simple as a cardigan is layered over it. Alternatively, you could also slip easily into a tunic or a turtleneck.Without much effort at all, your outfit has a bit of structure–and your errand is underway.
Sweaters for the job interview
No matter how well-stocked your wardrobe may be, dressing for a job interview will always be a daunting task. And it’s particularly more daunting in a world where dress codes have become looser and less defined than ever before.
In our minds, this problem has one perfect solution: the turtleneck sweater. A fitted turtleneck sweater in a finer, lighter-weight fabric such as silk or a cotton-modal blend creates a sleek, polished look, and provides structure without being explicitly formal. It’s always better to be a little overdressed for an interview rather than walking in underdressed, so we’d recommend layering it under a blazer no matter the setting. But if you enter the office and find that every other employee is decked out in t-shirts and jeans, you can avoid looking stuffy by simply slipping out of the blazer and staying in your turtleneck.
The runner-up would have to be the classic pullover cardigan sweater that pairs very well with a collared shirt and allows the collar to lay nicely against the neckline. This shirt and sweatshirt combination has been around for decades, as well as the pullover vest and dress shirt look as they both present a very classy, traditional, and professional style. If you find yourself in a more casual work environment, you can just pull the sweater off to wear the collared shirt alone, which everyone knows can be worn with nearly every pair of bottoms whether it be denim, dress pants, khakis, or a skirt.
Sweaters for the ski weekend
Ski weekends are truly where the sweater shines. For mornings and afternoons spent on fresh powder, you can keep yourself warm with a turtleneck sweater made from performance fabric. Once the day’s skiing is done and the party congregates to the ski lodge, throw on a cashmere V-neck sweater or a cozy shawl collar cardigan and enjoy its warmth as you grip the handle of a hot chocolate mug or the end of a fondue stick. Even a cashmere front zip hoodie sweater can be warm and cozy when layered properly as you sit in front of a fireplace.
Sweaters for the holiday party
When it comes to holiday parties–and no, we aren’t talking about the ugly sweater variety–sweaters are a given. For a preppy look, layer a silk turtleneck under a hopsack blazer with brass buttons. Or get festive by wearing a pullover, tunic, or cardigan featuring a holiday-centric design. The best part about slipping on a cardigan is that you can wear your holiday-themed shirt underneath to give your outfit just enough holiday cheer without being draped in it. A crewneck sweater tastefully designed with just the right amount of snowflake(s) is also a great option for keeping it classy, especially if you’re not a fan of patterns on your clothing.
Sweaters for the day off
Sweaters rank among the coziest of everyday garments, and cozy clothing is a natural complement to a well-earned lazy day. Few things beat the feeling of settling into a shawl collar cardigan, a chunky cable knit, or even a sweater poncho and allowing the day to pass away as you huddle under a blanket and get caught up with a good book or the latest streaming sensation. When spending the day relaxing at home, oversized sweaters always feel the best. An oversized crew neck sweater over your favorite tank top or can be worn off the shoulder for a little at-home fashion style. A baggy hoodie with your favorite pair of sweats is one of the best feelings in the world. When you’re home you should be able to let loose and so should your sweaters.
Sweaters for date night
Date night sweaters are the perfect way to stay comfy and prepared. For example, movie theatres tend to be a little cool. By wearing your favorite knit cardigan, you can focus on the movie instead of catching the shivers — unless you’re looking for a reason to cuddle with your significant other to keep you warm. On the other hand, a fitted crew neck sweater is great for fall date nights since the weather isn’t drastically cold. Crewnecks are one of the most versatile tops that can be worn alone, layered with a chunky scarf, or layered underneath a lightweight jacket such as denim or a blazer. Because they pair so well with denim pants you can dress it down with a pair of trendy sneakers, keep it classy with a pair of flat mule shoes, or step the outfit up with a pair of over-the-knee boots or booties