If there’s one thing we hope stays from the coronavirus pandemic, it’s the impact it’s had on fashion. In fact, there’s never been a time in our recent history where casual wear reigned supreme more than now. Even as we head towards winter and the holiday season, much of this “chill” vibe continues to stay with us—and one trend we’re especially keen on is oversized sweaters.
The drop shoulders, the baggy silhouettes, and the heavier weight knit is all the rage right now. Not only are they super cozy and generous on the waistline, since they hang nice and loose on the body, and provide much-needed comfort throughout the winter months, but they are all over fashion runways, according to Maggie Greene, stylist and CEO of Maggie Greene Style.
One of the perks of this trend is that it comes in all shapes and sizes. An oversized sweater could be long or short, v-neck or crew, off-the-shoulder or turtleneck, etc.—but one thing they all have in common is that they are loose and roomy, notes Lana Blanc, stylist and personal shopper. “After spending almost two years in sweatpants and tie-dye hoodies, the last thing anyone wants to do is put on a tight crew neck sweater, enter the oversized sweater, so this oversized trend has been welcomed with open arms,” she says.
10 Stylish And Snug Sweaters Under $100
What to look for when shopping for oversized sweaters
Here are some of the key features stylists recommend seeking in oversized sweaters.
Chunky knits
When a sweater is described using the word “chunky,” it is usually made from a thick fiber, explains Greene. “Larger yarns and fibers create looser, more open weaves, whereas smaller fibers can create closer, tighter weaves,” she says. “Chunky knits are great for comfort and warmth so you get the best of both worlds.”
Natural fibers
Natural fibers are those that come from natural sources, such as cotton or Merino wool. These, Greene explains, are not only environmentally friendly, but are also more gentle on the skin. “They provide more breathability than synthetics like polyester and acrylic, which can come in handy during the cooler months of the year or whenever a person is active and engaged in movement,” she says.
Warm colors
For on-trend oversized sweaters, Greene suggests reaching for warm color palettes like mahogany, creamy winter white, rusty oranges and mossy green. “When summer ends in the fashion world, most of the bold and bright colors fade away and are replaced with warmer, more organic tones mimicking the fall palette in nature: falling leaves, dried out blooms, and decay,” she says.
Flattering proportions
“Even with an oversized piece there are sizes and styles that will look the best on your specific shape,” says Rebecca Rowe, designer for Rebecca Rowe: Capsule Creator. “Having the sweater hem end above your knee if you’re petite or the sleeve hem end at your wrist are a couple of examples of finding an oversized piece that ‘fits’ you.”
Ready to shop oversized sweaters for winter 2021-2022? Scroll on to see which ones the fashion pros are loving right now.
Embrace the Season Blush Color Block Turtleneck Sweater ($54; lulus.com)
You can always count on Lulus to have affordable and on-trend styles for the season, and their selection of oversized sweaters is something to be admired. We love this color-block sweater that has a loose fit even when you select your usual size. It’s slouchy and ribbed in all the right places and is as soft on the inside as it is on the outside.
Free People Swim Too Deep Turtleneck Sweater ($128; nordstrom.com)
Free People is notorious for making oversized look elegant and on-trend, and this roomy sweater is no exception. “It has the right amount of volume, comes in two divine colors and the funnel neck adds an extra layer of oversized to the whole look,” says style coach, Kim Hancher.
Nanshuka Raw Turtleneck Cable Knit Sweater ($776; intermixonline.com)
Celebrity stylist Tijana Ibrahimovic loves this beautiful blush sweater for more than just its appealing color. She also loves the turtleneck, cable knit texture and wide-bell sleeves. It’s made using a blend of wool and baby alpaca cables and can even be purchased with a matching pair of cable-knit pants to complete the look.
ASOS DESIGN oversized sweater with V neck in stripe ($43; asos.com)
If you’re looking for an oversized sweater with a pop of color, this is a great buy for the wintertime. Ibrahimovic is also a fan of the V-neck, which she says complements any figure more than any other shape color. “Paired with cool accessories and colorful sneakers you get a memorable look!” she says.
Anine Bing Sydney Sweater ($299; bloomingdales.com)
Blanc loves everything about this sweater—the color, the fit, the weight, and the ribbed knit detail. “It’s just oversized enough to be cozy and cute, without overpowering you and it goes with just about everything from jeans to leggings,” she says.
Nap Plush Cashmere Rib-Knit Cardigan ($158; naploungewear.com)
This cashmere cardigan is as comfortable as it looks and at a fairly affordable rate, considering how much material is actually used. “This is perfect for jeans, leggings or to use as a robe over your pajamas. I love the extra large sleeves and openings at the cuff, and the fact that it has pockets, and comes in many colors,” Hancher adds.
Ganni Soft Wool Knit Cardigan ($325; shopbop.com)
“This Ganni cardigan is perfect for anyone who wants to hop on the oversized sweater trend while remaining incredibly chic,” says Blanc. “It’s just oversized enough to make a statement, but simple enough to live in your closet way beyond the life of said trend and is also easy to style and match your current wardrobe.”
Free People Peaches Tunic ($148; nordstrom.com)
The bagginess of this sweater is sweatshirt level, but it has the classiness and put-togetherness of a sweater that could be dressed up or dressed down. In fact, Hancher says you can wear this with jeans, pleather leggings or athleisure wear, making it an incredibly versatile addition to your wardrobe. She especially loves the dropped shoulder and varying lengths in the back.
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