by Blake Herzog
We need to talk sweaters. Many people consider getting to wear them one of the best things about autumn and winter, so it’s time to celebrate the cozy embrace of stylish knitwear.
It’s pretty hard to go wrong with choosing a sweater as long as it suits you and your figure; here are a few of the hottest styles expected to warm our hearts and souls over the next several months. q
Sweater vests — The ultimate transitional garment between summer and fall may have had strong associations with grandpas and preppy young snobs, but they’ve undergone a revival over the last couple of years as a standalone summer staple easily parlayed into layered looks for shuffling through crunchy leaves and assembling your Thanksgiving menu.
They can even extend into wintertime as a fresh indoor look under overcoats.
Turtlenecks — Many influencers and prognosticators are crowning this age-tested fashion as the must-have for 2022 for their timeless elegance and understated sexiness, whether they’re fitted or oversized.
Ladies and gents alike look amazing in these, although full turtlenecks take on more of an air of formality when included in a man’s ensemble. Mock turtlenecks are a more laid-back option that offers the same warmth and versatility.
Button-up cardigans — This term may sound a bit redundant, but all a sweater has to do to be a cardigan is to open in the front, whether or not there are any fasteners incorporated into the design.
Many have zippers while others have smaller buttons that don’t really hold anything together, but this year eye-catching buttons are turning heads, whether they’re on cute cropped cardigans or full-length versions with stronger winter cred.
Plush sweater — There always will be room in your closet for at least one silky soft and fuzzy number that makes you feel as if you’re cuddled in a cloud of warmth that lets you float from room to room on the stormiest and chilliest of days.
This fall some designers are turning up the fuzz to 11 for an extra ounce of fun or going glam with sequins, pearl accents and crystals, making you shimmer like an ice queen!
Crocheted sweaters — Crochet has taken on extra cachet as cottagecore continues to influence fashion in ways large and small and we discover the versatility of this homespun style. The looser weave of these pieces lets you create multicolored outfits through layering and surprisingly sexy looks if you eschew some of the strata.
It’s a great project if you’ve already picked up the craft, but there are plenty of adorable pieces for purchase.
Graphics — Graphics on sweaters are bringing pops of color to these often-conservative garments (they need to keep you cozy, after all). Abstract blocks of color, vivid landscapes, animal prints and more are being rendered with spectacular detail by constantly advancing technology.
More artisanal creations incorporate lace stitching, super-textured yarns, distressed seams and vibrant intarsia (inlaid) patterns can perk up moods and conversations on the darkest days.
