No sweat

I love sweaters. No profoundness in that, but I really do. There’s something to be said about an oversized piece of clothing that’s as shapeless as it is comfortable; it being the anti-statement to all the body hugging is just another plus. The sweater’s new versatility (or what we’ve made of it) takes it out of the stereotypical “grandma dressing” to new levels of now-ness. It has become an alternative staple, a must-have basic of sorts: easy to wear, non-wrinkle, and as cozy as a cup of steaming hot chocolate. Obviously, I’m on the team. Here are the season’s pairings that you need to be wearing now, done formula way so you’d know what to add or subtract from your current wardrobe equation. What with the onset of the ‘ber’ months and all, sweater dressing has never been so weather appropriate.

Street photos from elle.com. thesartorialist, facehunter and fashiontoast.

I blog at stylesamurai.blogspot.com.

Color Block Graphic + Base

Céline, always the directional minimalist, came out with these TDF (to-die-for!) pullovers that look heritage-retro-vintage, with clean linear patterns and earthy color palettes. While the retail brands may still be coming out with their own versions, street style setters have gone on ahead with their own color experimentations: mustard + rust + white or pink + red orange + white.

Sweater + Oversized Button-Down

Giambattista Valli has his finger on the pulse. While his version may lie more on the luxurious side, with a high shine finish of expensive material, he has the coordinate catered to the young and the young at heart. An oversized shirt, stolen from your boyfriend or the ones that you have heaps of can double as a mini-dress. And while we’re at it, mini-dresses can be reworked into flirty skirts once a sweater is layered over them.

Sweater + Pencil Skirt

The midi is the hottest thing that you can probably invest in right now, but the problem is, it’s a trifle unforgiving. Having one in the wrong length (it ranges from the knee, below the knee, and mid calf) for your body type and you’ll have illusions of squat legs, short torsos and basically awkward proportions. The safest length would be one that falls right on the knee. Take notes from Givenchy: with the collection’s slim and form fitting pencil skirts, it’s a balanced contrast for the volume on the upper half.

Sweater + Maxi

My personal favorite. Actually, the sweater goes with any bottom. That’s the great thing about it. It goes with shorts, a midi and a full maxi. Grunge will have a strong influence when you’re doing this formula, so it would be safe to say that boots can be factored in. However, as you can see in the street photos, heels give it a dressier vibe.

Sweater + Slouch

This would be the newest pairing among all. If the rule of proportions is to be followed, then volume should be juxtaposed with something streamlined. But then, who follows the rules now anyway? A sweater paired with slouchy tailored trousers has its particular brand of inflated symmetry also, giving off a fashionable and effortless vibe. A key point to remember is try to keep within the color range. That way, the volume on volume is contained by a monochromatic visual. Add a pop of color by way of bright accessories.