STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

Avoiding Outdatedness

Kelly · Hermes

do you have an example of a sweater that does that?

Kitty · Hermes

I think I'm confused...

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

I just liked the picture; that's why I threw it in with my question. Sorry for the confusion.

I guess I just don't love sweaters and need to be better at updating (and probably upgrading) my collection. I'm thinking of how some of them just don't lay right on me. I'll have to take a look for some pics.

littlebean · Kate Spade

Do you have a friend that has great style? I think the best way to eliminate wardrobe items that may be past their prime (or that may have never even had a prime!) is with a friend with a discriminating eye that can encourage you to purge your closet.

erin · Chanel

i had a sweater like that in 9th grade! no advice, though.

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

I had a sweater like that too long ago. Mine was aqua.

Any way, to answer your question, I think the best way is to buy natural fiber sweaters. They seem to last longer in better shape that others. And, I'd stick with more classic styles. I have sweaters I've had since high school which are in great condition and are still wearable because they are so simple.

I agree about having a friend help with a closet purge. My friend and I do that to help the other get rid of clothes we have an unexplained attachment to. It helps a lot.

jj · Kate Spade

I could be totally wrong, but this is what I do:

-I think that most sweaters today are designed to be fitted instead of big and baggy like that v neck. If that same style sweater was on a girl and was fitted, it would look cute and quirky, like ralph lauren instead of an 80's throwback.

-I like the slouchy, boyfriend sweaters that are "in" now, but I would only get one in a really thin knit. I wouldn't want to look bulky when I wanted be slouchy. I think there's a big difference.

boobaby · Kate Spade

Just watch people, read magazines, etc. I was going through my closet awhile ago and I found this gorgeous brown v-neck from JCrew that was still in perfect condition. I bought it maybe 8 years earlier. I tried it on, excited about my rediscovery. The sweater didn't reach the top of my jeans. So obviously it was dated because pants clearly had a higher rise then. I donated it, because it just didn't work.

AllieGurl · Marc Jacobs

Sweaters can be totally current, its all in the overall look.

Bulky sweater - skinny jeans & high heels

Loose swater - belt it

boyfriend sweater - wear with a mini and tall boots

Mitz · BCBG

That picture totally cracks me up. I also had a sweater like that in early high school...I think it was from the Gap.

sydney · Kate Spade

Unusual details help

Suasoria · Chanel

I think I'm similar to you - I love cardigans but otherwise I don't buy or wear very many sweaters. (Being in SoCal doesn't help, though I'm cold when the temp is below 65.) However, I'm very particular about cardigans. They have to be crewneck, long sleeves, not ribbed or cabled, and so on. I've found that this style is the most classic.

Pullovers usually bug me. If I want that look, I'll button my cardigan.

To add my 2 cents to Boobaby's example, as you fill in the blanks (this sweater is too ____, short, fuzzy, high-necked, etc.) you'll hopefully determine what to look for.

It's true that natural fibers hold up best, but even cashmere and wool can pill. I have the best luck with silk and cotton. I never buy acrylic unless I intend to discard it after one season.

Thin knit is also good advice. Bulkiness isn't flattering or comfortable.

And extreme anything is a no-no - no extreme embellishments, no puffy sleeves, etc.

"Boring" classics are easy to repurpose. Sometimes you can update a look with a different layer.

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

Great examples and suggestions! Thank you. I guess I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed because I gave away most of my sweaters and haven't bought any new ones in several seasons.