Sweaters: a fall and winter wardrobe staple for the majority of collegiettes. As the temperatures continue to drop, collegiettes everywhere will flock to their favorite stores to ensure their sweater collection is on point for the chilly months ahead.
But with the multitude of different types of sweaters out there, it’s sometimes difficult to know what will look best on your body.
No matter what body type you have, check out our guide with advice from Colin McDonald, celebrity/fashion stylist and commentator, to find the perfect sweater for you.
Large-chested
Many girls with larger busts think all sweaters will only emphasize this already noticeable part of their bodies. However, thinner sweaters made of lighter materials are a great exception to this rule.
“Stick with thin or lightweight sweaters like cashmere or cotton as bulkier types of sweaters will just add to your large chest,” says McDonald. “If you’re looking to disguise the girls and not show them off, an unstructured style sweater will do the trick.”
Unstructured doesn’t mean that you should look for sweaters that are completely loose, only that you should try to find ones that are loose enough to drape in a flattering manner so that nothing pulls. You don’t want anything that will tightly cling. Try to find pieces with belts or low buttons to avoid tugging across your chest.
Also, look for sweaters with scooped necklines rather than high or plunging ones to deemphasize your bust even more.
Try one of these stylish options:
Oversized Shell Button Rust Red Cardigan, ROMWE, $49.99
Deer Distressed Mint Jumper, ROMWE, $33.35
Pink Tie Belt Longline Cardigan, Fashion Union, $24
Apple-shaped
For apple-shaped figures, those with a rounder middle, you want pieces that work to make shoulders and waist appear narrower while accentuating your legs and chest. Longer tunic-length cardigans that skim your figure and don’t cling are great for doing just this. Stay away from chunky knits and anything else that’s going to add volume. V-necks are great for drawing attention to your chest and away from your shoulders. Sweaters with dark colors and small patterns are also good choices.
Chain Trimmed Open Cardigan, Forever 21, $29.80
BP. V-Neck Cardigan, Nordstrom, $42.50
Classic Longline Cardigan, Forever 21, $18.50
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Muscular arms and broad shoulders
Lighter fabrics are great for this body type too. It’s also best to choose sweaters that draw attention to the center of your body rather than outwards to the arm and shoulder area. You want to try to find pieces with roomy sleeves and deep necklines – think v-neck and scoop. Avoid boat neck and crew neck styles. Longer sweaters will also make your shoulders appear narrower.
“Again, stick to lightweight fabric sweaters as bulkier ones will add to your broad shoulders,” explains McDonald. “Stay away from any style sweaters that are fitted around the shoulder and arm hole – think kimono or batwing style. Opt for a v-neck sweater as it draws the eye away from the shoulders. Avoid any detailing like epaulets [the ornamental shoulder strip that’s found on a lot of military-style pieces].”
Here are a fashionable few that will do the trick:
Batwing-Sleeve Knit Cardigan, YesStyle, $36
Kimono-Sleeve Cable-Knit Sweater, YesStyle, $58
Beige Golman Sleeve Beading Skull Hollow Out Jumper, SheInside, $49.28
Straight/Boyish
If you have a very straight figure without a lot of curves, you want sweaters that will give your body more volume. Chunky pieces (think cable knits) or those with ruching, ruffles or pleats near the bust will work to make you appear curvier than normal. Sweaters with horizontal stripes will also give you a less narrow appearance.
Debbie Chunky Cable Lurex V-Neck Sweater, boohoo.com, $40
Long-Sleeve Striped Crew-Neck, Macy’s, $25.99
Ruffle Cardi Sweater, Victoria’s Secret, $22.99
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Hourglass
Again, think light, but with this shape it’s best to choose clingier material to accent your great proportions. Try fitted sweater that fall right below the hips, belted sweaters, or cardigans with a wrap-front. But stay away from oversized or chunky pieces, and anything with roomy sleeves.
“Think lightweight sweaters as they will hug your curves beautifully. Stay away from an unstructured shape as it will take away from your curves. To really accentuate, choose a wrap or accessorize with a belt,” says McDonald.
Pippa Chiffon Waterfall Cardigan, boohoo.com, $36
Lucca Couture Metallic Icicle Sweater, Urban Outfitters, $59
Stone Stripe Belted Cardigan, Fashion Union, $40
Pear-shaped
“Choose a sweater with a bulkier neckline or detailing by the shoulders or sleeves to balance out your figure,” explains McDonald.
For this body shape, you want pieces that draw attention to the top half of your torso rather than the wider bottom. Look for structured sweaters that accent your neck and shoulders.
“I’m pear-shaped, so I look somewhat boxy when I pair baggy sweaters with jeans,” says Hannah Orenstein, HC Contributing Writer and a sophomore at New York University. “Instead, I like to wear slightly fitted sweaters with either an A-line skirt or a pair of skinny jeans.”
Long-Sleeve Cowl-Neck, Macy’s, $49
Studded Collar and Cuff Sweater, Forever 21, $22.80
Glamorous Stud Shoulder Jumper, Bank Fashion, $56
What’s your favorite style sweater to wear? Leave a comment!