Selecting the right sweater coat
November 2nd, 2007Sweater coats are not at the top of my list because they can look sloppy, robe-like and generally unflattering. But I understand their cozy, comfy and ultra-casual appeal. If you don’t feel the cold as much as I do, then the right weight of sweater coat might make an ideal cover-up for milder outside temperatures. It’s also a nice item to wear when it’s a dash chilly indoors.
Finding a flattering sweater coat is all in the cut:
- Keep it A-line. Not all welts taper, but the ones that do are harder to wear.
- Keep it tailored on the torso and fitted at the shoulders.
- Keep the gauge of the knit fine or semi-chunky because few people look good in chunky knits.
- Don’t go too long in the length unless you’re tall (above the knee is best).
- Make sure that the belt loops are correctly positioned if the style is belted (adjust the position of the belt if necessary).
- Watch that patch pockets on the hip area don’t add unnecessary bulk.
The right sweater coat is an appropriate addition to your wardrobe if there’s a boho element to your style. I personally prefer real coats with a bit more structure, but horses for courses. It’s fab that there’s something for everyone.
Unbelted styles tend to look less like robes and are certainly my preference this season. Add a little volume to the sleeve (like the style on the left) and you’ve got yourself a funky little casual look.
November 2nd, 2007 at 8:24 am
Ok, I’m DROOLING over that white sweater in the middle! *sigh* A gal with kids can dream…
November 2nd, 2007 at 6:32 pm
Perhaps a gal with kids can make a dream come true…the cream sweater coat is available in brown and black too.
November 3rd, 2007 at 12:45 pm
I live in New England and I think sweater coats make alot of sense. Not so much for an outdoor jacket (though they will keep you warm in the early part of autumn), but more of an extra layer to keep warm indoors. I think it’s more ideal than a structured jacket (like a blazer), because it’s stretchy and gives as I move, it’s machine washable, and the length hides alot of bumps and lumps.
Three years ago, I bought a simple brown sweater coat to take on a trip to the West Coast. I like to pack as light as possible and specifically bought it for its ability to be worn in multiple scenarios. It was perfect for traveling on an airplane, worked like a bathrobe at my guest’s home when I wasn’t comfortable being seen in my jammies, and it kept me warm outside when the damp San Francisco chill took over the night. It was definately the most versatile item I brought, and it’s still the one piece I grab for over and over again. It’s my constant travel companion.
Now that I think about it…I should buy a few more!
November 4th, 2007 at 9:06 am
These are super thoughts Nicole. Wearing a sweater coat indoors would be how I would get the most use out of my sweater coat (even though I don’t own one yet). I rather fancy the look of the unbelted styles with voluminous sleeves and am thinking about adding an item like that to my shopping list.
December 21st, 2007 at 9:14 am
[…] If you prefer longer length knits, keep them tailored and the length just above crotch point. If you go tunic length, stick to sweater coat guidelines. […]
December 21st, 2007 at 9:14 am
[…] If you prefer longer length knits, keep them tailored and the length just above crotch point. If you go tunic length, stick to sweater coat guidelines. […]