Although I am a sun worshipper at heart, I welcome fall fashion with open arms. The change in seasons is a practical opportunity to shop ‘til you drop, and with all of the fresh looks in sweaters this year, it will be hard to contain your credit cards. You can keep your wardrobe from looking as grey as a winter day by making sure you spread your sweater style across these key trends. Don’t worry, guys; you can be stylish in sweaters, too!
Playful Prints
The latest trend in fall fashion is a refreshing break from the norm. Bold prints in bright colors are here to stay, and icons are popping up in all shapes and sizes. Ward off the winter blues and lift the spirits of those around you with these fun novelties. Aztec prints look great in bright colors, and on a chunky sweater the look is organic and effortless. From hearts and dots to the entire animal kingdom, icon sweaters will be in ample supply. You certainly don’t need to go overboard on this trend, but it does provide an intriguing addition to an otherwise flat fall palette.
Jolt Icon Sweater, $24, Vf Outlet, 2nd Floor Blue Building, 801 Hill Ave., Wyomissing. 610.378.0408, vfoutlet.com
Desigual Aztec Print Sweater, $199, MIXX Boutique, 637 Penn Ave., West Reading. 610.373.2249, mixxboutique.com
Trendy Textures
Sweaters are synonymous with comfort; cuddling up in front of a fire with a hot cup of cocoa comes to mind. That is why the feel of the sweater is arguably more significant than the look. It doesn’t get much better than this 100 percent wool cable sweater, the epitome of All-American style a la Ralph Lauren. Paired with jeans and riding boots, this weekend look is a classic that anyone can pull off. The new texture in town is eyelash; it is snuggly soft and looks great in fashion silhouettes like this waffle stitch pullover. The yarn mixing elevates the look and will prove you are a fashion plate to be admired.
Jolt Eyelash Sweater, $24, Vf Outlet, 2nd Floor Blue Building, 801 Hill Ave., Wyomissing. 610.378.0408, vfoutlet.com
Wool Cable Sweater, $4, Goodwill, 602 E. Lancaster Ave., Shillington. 610.777.5250, yourgoodwill.org
Cozy Cardigans
Cardigans are back and better than ever, and since Mother Nature has been keeping us guessing lately, you will want to keep this style within arm’s reach all year long. Styles are offered in a plethora of shapes and sizes, and designers are stepping up with details that make each one unique. The open stitch on this cocoon cozy makes it perfect for layering, and the olive and tan stripe combo covers a key color story for this season. For a more traditional look, a classic open cardigan is a no-brainer – the crochet back makes it both feminine and fashionable.
Charcoal Open Cardigan, $4, Goodwill, 602 E. Lancaster Ave., Shillington. 610.777.5250, yourgoodwill.org
Pink Rose Cocoon Cardigan, $17, Vf Outlet, 2nd Floor Blue Building, 801 Hill Ave., Wyomissing. 610.378.0408, vfoutlet.com
Modern Men
When you step out in your new sweater style, don’t leave your man out in the cold. These trends translate to men’s style, too. For him, the most important element is comfort, a sweater that can be worn over a dress shirt in the office or out to dinner with friends. Pullover styles are best in a lighter weight that allows for layering, and a thin stripe gives a modern look to a classic style. For the contemporary man, this full-zip cardigan can be worn for both work and play, and the multicolored mixed print lifts the neutral base into the fashion zone.
Nautica Stripe Sweater, $29.99, Vf Outlet, 2nd Floor Blue Building, 801 Hill Ave., Wyomissing. 610.378.0408, vfoutlet.com
Desigual Full-Zip Sweater, $120, MIXX Boutique, 637 Penn Ave., West Reading. 610.373.2249, mixxboutique.com
BY AMANDA ACUNA | PHOTOS BY TANIA COLAMARINO, AMA PHOTOGRAPHY