sweater b**ches

If these vintage short sleeved sweater besties could talk they would say, you can’t sit with us. Think you can’t pull off a sweater this retro? Not true. You absolutely can.

First, let’s talk about wearability. We know that vintage clothing can have some crazy cuts (were we really shaped that differently??), and thus, sometimes lack the comfort of today’s clothes. However, a sweater, of all vintage clothing types, is one of the easiest to wear. Unlike a lot of vintage clothing, sweaters typically always have some elasticity to them.

Also, have you noticed what a great year sweaters are having? While a sweater never really goes out of style, they have been featured in high fashion blogs, runways, and store fronts as part of the casual wear wave. Even major trend setters like Olivia Polermo are rocking sweaters for big events like, um, her wedding.

That said, you can’t just throw on a Gap v neck and declare yourself a fashionista. So here are some tips on how to make a sweater look like a statement rather than a response to the chilly weather.

First find a unique sweater. Pick a bold color, interesting shape or material, crazy print, whatever you are drawn to. If shopping vintage, be sure to check the comfort. Few things are worse than being stuck in an itchy sweater all day. I have definitely broken out into hives whilst modeling a vintage sweater for Helen at Goodwill (see what we do for you?!?) Needless to say we tossed that one back into the discount bin from where it came from.

Next, check for damage such as missing buttons, stains, remnants of a moth attack, fabric pulls, etc. We typically reject pieces that require major repairs. However, the one type of damage that doesn’t scare us off is pilling. Which also happens to be the most common.

During one day of hunting we ran across this oversized bright mango sweater. We fell in love with her vibrant color, the cool and plentiful buttons, and the exaggerated shape. The problem? She looked like she had been tied to a bumper for last 10 years. I’m talking pills large enough for sports. We hemmed and hawed over whether to take her home and in the end we went for it. We’re so happy we did. After some spa time at the cleaners and some intense TLC with a sweater shaver (a great tool to invest in!), she’s as fresh as ever. Truly a one of a kind piece which just happens to be available in our Fall 2014 Tradesy closet.

Ok so now you have your sweater of choice; how should you wear it?  There are a few approaches…

1) If it’s a statement sweater like big orange over here, keep everything else clean. We chose to pair it with medium wash skinny jeans, modern stud earrings, and funky flat boots. This look is interesting without trying too hard.

2) To up the style factor, pair your sweater with something you would NOT typically wear with a sweater. Think opposites.

If you are drawn to grandpa sweaters try with super skinny dark jeans or a leather mini and some fierce pointed toe heels.  If you like sequined or bedazzled sweaters, try with boyfriend or distressed jeans and ballet slippers.

Not into statement sweaters? That’s ok too. We took a note from Olivia’s effortless and monochromatic approach, and put our Alicat in a slouchy vintage sweater and a sequin knee length Club Monaco skirt. The result is chic and easy – perfect for events where the dress is a bit ambiguous such as a company holiday party. You will look and feel appropriately dressed whether people are in cocktail dresses or jeans.

Just keep the styling simple, and remember the trick is juxtaposition…bitches.

 

 

 

Image credits: Dustin Johnston Photography (top, right), Twitter/TheRealOliviaP, The Hunt Shop