Sweater weather takes on new meaning these days. Sure, chillier temperatures usher in cashmere, wool and alpaca but, increasingly, it's how you style your sweater beyond just, well, wearing it, that makes this autumn staple so interesting and versatile.
For a while now, jumpers have been doubling as scarves. But this past fashion month, we saw it return to the waist. It was on the runway.
And it was on the street, too. A key street style trend was styling a tied sweater askew on the waist.
On an evening look, as on the runway or tied around a slip dress, a sweater tied around the waist can relax a dressed-up look. The street style inspiration for day looks was endless, with jumpers worn around the waist for an intentional burst of colour, or worn through trousers-loops as a belt, or as scarves, still, but in monochromatic hues to match a corresponding knit.
Below, I outline six ways to style your jumper this season, from tonal monochromatic layering to bold injections of colour for belting, and a new take on how to wear your cardigan set (spoiler alert: it’s the chicest way to make peplum).
Wear your jumper as a belt
If you’re a uniform dresser that leans more minimal, this one’s for you. Grab your favourite fitted T-shirt and trousers or jeans that you wear on rotation, and go with a jumper that’s both lightweight and shrunken or cropped. This way, the arms of the sweater can slip easily into the belt loops on your trousers, and the bodice doesn’t overwhelm at the waist and keeps your silhouette streamlined.
Use your jumper as a monochromatic scarf
Add dimension to an otherwise muted look by layering your jumper over monochromatic tops. Focus on an unexpected hue like a soft pink and triple down: start with a T-shirt (I love this pink one from Uniqlo in the 'mini t-shirt' style), layered underneath a pink button-down shirt, and top it off with a pink jumper tied around your neck. Pro tip: pairing another texture, like an alpaca-blend, makes the mix that much more dynamic.
Cinch your slip dress with a jumper
Slip dresses and lace camisoles are still having a moment. Give these pieces more longevity, and pare them down via a sweater tied around the waist. Update your cocktail look by mixing a mini lace slip over tailored black trousers and cinch at the waist with a grey jumper. For a day-to-night look, wear an oversized white high V-neck sweater over a black slip dress with boots to the office and, for night, tie your jumper around your waist at an angle for a chic alternative to a belt.
Mix tonal textured jumpers together
Layering is always a good idea. Look for necklines that contrast and complement each other. With a collared polo neckline, pair a crewneck with character, either in an open-knit or gauzy-mesh variation.
Liven up your lightweight jacket
Add some playful flair to a transitional jacket with your jumper. Break up a denim on denim look with a red sweater tied around your neck or crossbody. Spruce up a brown leather jacket with a contrasting grey ribbed three-quarter T-shirt and a slightly darker grey crewneck sweater tied around the waist for some added character.
Use your cardigan set as a peplum
Take a classic cardigan set and modernise it by styling the sweater around your waist half-buttoned. Pair the top of your set with a contrasting pencil skirt, and add shape and extra volume by creating a peplum with the cardigan. Mix your sets and wear a different coloured top with another coloured cardigan around your waist.
