The Sweater Set

Hark! September!  Are you a bit panicked about it, like I am?  Three consecutive days of dreary clouds and cold winds were sending shivers up my spine.  I made two pots of peppermint tea and proceeded to swaddle myself in a snuggly blanket to combat the chills.  How odd that one week, I’m sweltering with a fan on full blast only to trade it in the following week for a space heater.

My preference is for an ideal Fall:  sunshine topped with the sounds of blowing trees, kicking up harvest hued leaves with my suede slouchy boots and wrapped in a cozy knit sweater.  I think September is the BEST time to transition your wardrobe by picking up a handful of new sweaters.  You can always go for the traditional cable-knit option, but here are a few shapes and looks that I would like to persuade you to consider…

Alice Ritter Wool Cape: Dolman sleeves are so underrated.

The Cape – I think the cape is a fancy shape, often worn by Blair Waldorf.  Why not give it a go in a sweater?  While the cape is not for everyone (batwing effect), the key is to balance out the volume with a silhouette that is slender on the bottom (leggings or skinny jeans).   

Elizabeth & James Kyra Belted Cardi

Cardigan, Belted – I love a good belted cardigan.  Cinching a sweater with a leather belt emphasizes a smaller waist.  Also looks quite fetching layered with a pretty floral dress.  Use a skinnier belt for a lightweight cardigan and use a heavier belt for a denser knit.

Double love: Belted & braided, Forever 21 Braided Herringbone Sweater

 Sweater Vest - Sweater vests are a tricky lot.  How do you wear a sweater vest properly?  They look great with a very fitted turtleneck or a 3/4 sleeve cotton jersey top.  If you choose a longer sweater vest, ensure it doesn’t overwhelm your frame (generally should hit no lower than mid-thigh).  I also adore the shrunken versions in a pullover or tiny button up paired with a blouse – very Ali MacGraw in Love Story.   

Call of the Wild: Oasis Knitted Poncho

Poncho, Channelling Pocahontas – I haven’t worn one in a few years but my spider senses tell me that I should get back on that bandwagon.  The most versatile are thinly knit in a neutral colour.  I quite adore this icy blue-grey shade.  Now if the poncho opens up to wrap, that is called a ruana (add to your fashion terminology).

If this barrage of sweaters has piqued your interest in learning the age-old craft of knitting, you can always take a beginner’s workshop at The Knit Cafe (1050 Queen St. West).  I am still knitting the same blue scarf as part of my 2009 New Year’s resolution.  Be forewarned, you can get sucked into a knitting vortex (3 hours go by and you’ve only completely 5 rows of knitting) without realizing until your hand cramps.

Meditate during your knit & purl at The Knit Cafe. Photo courtesy BlogTO