Sweater Trend Report - Winter 2010

There is nothing like a warm sweater on a cold winter day. It's like wrapping yourself in a blanket. The good news is this winter "Cozy Chic" is a look that will keep you warm and looking hot at the same time!

Think chunky knit and oversized sweaters. Now, here is the thing about this trend - chunky and oversized clothing can - well - make you look chunky and oversized. The idea is to look cozy AND chic. So it's not just about throwing an oversized sweater on. We don't want to hide your curves. We do want to maintain a long, lean silhouette by keeping proportional between your upper and lower halves. Let's talk trends and how to do this.
The oversized cowl neck sweater is one of my favorite trends. It looks fantastic on pear and straight shaped girls. Pear shaped girls, wear yours with boot cut or straight jeans and boots. Straight shaped girls, try a pencil skirt or leggings for an extremely chic look.

The sweater tunic is so comfortable and urban. Everyone can pull this look off - but be careful about what you wear on your lower half - too much volume will create too much you. Inverted triangle figures can get away with a full style but everyone else, beware. A belt is a great way to emphasize your curves. Without one you may look boxy. However, if you're tall and slim a tunic with leggings or skinny jeans will definitely work for you.

Oversized military sized cardigans are another potentially boxy looking style. I think they look very cute over a fitted turtle neck with skinny jeans or leggings and boots. I don't recommend this look for inverted triangle types because it will make you look top-heavy. Curvy girls add a belt so we can see that hourglass figure.
The sweater dress is a timeless classic which returns every year. In 2010 we're seeing this style in shorter lengths, as in the "mini sweater dress". This is a lot like the tunic - but long enough to be considered a dress. So, follow the same rules as you would when wearing a tunic sweater. Get your sweater dress in a dark color like black or charcoal. Add tights and tall boots for a very urban look. Straight and inverted triangle figures consider wearing over the knee boots with yours.

The wrap sweater is my all-time favorite because it is comfortable, versatile and looks great on everyone. Wear it by itself or over a turtleneck or t-shirt. Pair it with jeans, leggings or a skirt. Consider winterizing a sleeveless sheath dress with a wrap sweater. Tip - hands down the best wrap sweater is the DKNY "Cozy" which can be worn twelve different ways. Talk about versatile! You'll wear it forever.
Who knows? So now that everything is on sale, go stock up on something super cozy!

Shown above, the Kensie Scarf Front Cardigan.

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