Best Fall Plus Size Sweaters


The best thing about Fall to me is sweaters! Sweaters don’t just have to be for warmth; they can also be very fashionable. I did a little online shopping and I found a few stores like Lane Bryant, Avenue and Old Navy, that had a wide selection of options in styles, colors and prices. Below are some selections that I think will work for any body type and aren’t too trendy so these could last you awhile.

Long Sweater

These can be worn as an outerwear piece or in the dead of winter, as a layering piece. Since this sweater is black, adding a pop of color underneath would be great. If you want to dress it up, I would suggest wearing a sequined top underneath the sweater. I would pair this sweater with a slim bottom such as leggings or a long pencil skirt.

Toggle Sweater Coat (Plus Size), lanebryant.com, $89.95
Toggle Sweater Coat (Plus Size), lanebryant.com, $89.95

Long Draped Lapel Cardigan, avenue.com, $74
Long Draped Lapel Cardigan, avenue.com, $74

Trendy sweater

Colorblocking is a huge trend we have seen over the past few seasons and it'd look great for fall and winter too. Colorblocking sweaters can add just the right amount of color and trendiness without being over the top. If sequins, stripes, and layering aren’t for you, colorblocking may have the same affect on your overall look.

Colorblock V-Neck Sweater (Plus Size), landbryant.com, $54.95
Colorblock V-Neck Sweater (Plus Size), landbryant.com, $54.95

Animal print has became a neutral classic. With this sweater, you don’t have to sacrifice style for warmth. I would so love this sweater with dark denim or black slacks.

Women’s Plus Long-Sleeved Cardis, oldnavy.com, $36.94
Women’s Plus Long-Sleeved Cardis, oldnavy.com, $36.94

Figure Flattering Sweaters

This is a really cute long sweater; there are exposed seams which add a funky look. What makes the sweater so flattering is on the back, there is a middle exposed seam and a seam on both sides of the sweater which acts as a princess seaming and makes the sweater figure flattering. This sweater is going on my wishlist of something I want to buy this fall!

Exposed Seam Cardigan (Plus Size), lanebryant.com, $64.95
Exposed Seam Cardigan (Plus Size), lanebryant.com, $64.95

Turtlenecks don’t always work for plus size women but the look can be achieved with a cowl neck sweater. This particular cowl neck is flattering because it is longer than traditional ones. Why is this important? The longer neck opens up the face more and is more flattering and you also won't feel like you are suffocating.

Cowl Neck Sweater (Plus Size), lanebryant.com, $59.95
Cowl Neck Sweater (Plus Size), lanebryant.com, $59.95

Open Front Cardigan

Open front cardigans are flattering because they create two lines down the torso which is slimming. The sweaters are also easy to wear so if you get hot easily you won’t have to bother with buttons or pulling the sweater over your head. This is another sweater that would look great with a slimmer bottom such as leggings or skinny jeans and paired with tall boots.

Women's Plus Asymmetrical Open-Front Cardis, oldnavy.com, $36.94
Women's Plus Asymmetrical Open-Front Cardis, oldnavy.com, $36.94

Women's Plus Long Open-Front Sweaters, oldnavy.com, $48 (sale)
Women's Plus Long Open-Front Sweaters, oldnavy.com, $48 (sale)

The Perfect Cozy Sweater


Cozy sweater
Courtesy: Pinterest

Does anybody else out there feel significantly cozier just looking at this picture? I actually do. I want my fall to look just like this. The key element in this cozy style is the sweater (although the chunky knit scarf definitely doesn't hurt at all). If you're going to strive for this comfy cool-weather style, you're going to need the perfect sweater.

Blue Round Neck Long Sleeve Striped Loose Sweater, sheinside.com, $31
Blue Round Neck Long Sleeve Striped Loose Sweater, sheinside.com, $31

This sweater from SheInside comes in a few different colors, all in this fun pattern. Patterns are awesome for making statements with your outfits and they create a focal point in your ensemble. If you're planning on accessorizing or if patterns are too busy for your taste, try something in a solid color!

Beige Round Neck Broken Stripe Cable Sweater, sheinside.com, $32
Beige Round Neck Broken Stripe Cable Sweater, sheinside.com, $32

I personally think a beige, loose-fitting sweater is the epitomy of coziness. When I see a sweater like this one (also from SheInside), I immediately want to be curled up in some blankets with a mug of something warm.

The sweaters featured in this article get bonus points from me for being so affordable. Best of luck to all finding your perfect fall sweater!

 

Cozy Retro Lodge Sweaters


I was sipping a comforting cup of hot chocolate, as I lounged out on a sofa right in front the fireplace in my university's coffee shop. It was nice to escape from the dreary winter cold that mixed terribly with the downpour of rain that currently pounded the roof of the building. Unfortunately, I had not carried an umbrella around, so I welcomed the warmth of the fire even more as I let my shivering, drenched body dry. As I warmed up a little, I looked at the fireplace a little more closely. How long had it been since I had actually sat in front of a fireplace? Quite a long time. I began to imagine cute wooden cabins that held close-knit families inside. There would be steaming loaves of bread, scrumptious soups, and the most delicious apple pie as a whole family sat around the dinner table. Afterwards, the whole family would sit around the roaring, welcoming fireplace as the mother read a story out loud. These thoughts continued on and on until I got stuck on one image. The image of retro lodge sweaters kept invading my thoughts. I kept on seeing every family member going about their ways in these lodge sweaters that I got more and more attached to as my thoughts continued. As the rain finally subsided outside and I made my way back to my dorm, I knew that I wanted to share with all of you, a little of the warmth and comfort I had found in the thought of these sweaters and hopefully let you all experience that same warmth and comfort with these retro lodge sweaters.

1970s Sweater Blue Tribal Southwest Print sold by gogovintage, etsy.com, $45
1970s Sweater Blue Tribal Southwest Print sold by gogovintage, etsy.com, $45

1950s Zip-Up Ski Lodge Cardigan sold by mydrawingnumberone, etsy.com, $46
1950s Zip-Up Ski Lodge Cardigan sold by mydrawingnumberone, etsy.com, $46

New Year, New Outerwear


It’s well into the month of January which means you might already be feeling the winter style blues.  Usually by this time of year, I’ve exhausted all of the possible cardigan-boot combos in my closet. But luckily, I have another style resource at my disposal. And that is (drum roll please) my little brother’s closet.

If you look past the gym Ts and basketball shorts, you can find some style gems in the men’s wear department.  My go-to pieces during the colder months are sweaters, which can usually weather the changing trends (and temperatures!).  The men’s section can be counted on for a plethora of classic styles like stripes and argyles.

Red and white sweater
Courtesy: lelestyle.com

A pattern or a bit of color adds some much needed life into the winter uniform of brown and grey.

lelestyle.com
Courtesy: lelestyle.com

When buying (or borrowing from a male sibling) make sure tops are not too big in the shoulders so you don't get lost in all that fabric.  Usually a small from the men’s section will give you the right fit.  If you’re more petite like me, a large or extra large from the boy’s section will do.  And bonus -- the boy’s section is cheaper! I recommend J. Crew and Brook’s Brothers.

otton and Wool Mixed Argyle Cardigan, brooksbrothers.com
Cotton and Wool Mixed Argyle Cardigan, brooksbrothers.com, $168

V-neck styles are a little more feminine than a standard crew neck and button-up Vs are great for layering.

Elle France December '11 (Karolina Kurkova)
Courtesy: Elle France December '11 (Karolina Kurkova)

A belt will also add more shape to this style.  To pull the look together, accessorize with a pair of colored tights or thigh high boots.

Red tights
Courtesy: Melissa Roberts

As a lazy college student, the oversized sweater is perfect for my lifestyle. It makes an effortlessness outfit that’s perfect to throw on when I’m running late for class.  And it’s always an added bonus when I can find a style for the Boston winter that’s cute AND warm.

The Fisherman Sweater: Winter's Coziest Addition To Your Closet


You guys, I am super duper cold right now. I realized yesterday, it's January! It's January! Oh my goodness! I started a new job at the end of August, and somehow from then until now it became winter, and now I wake up every morning trying to figure out how to wear as many sweaters and scarves as I can without looking like that crazy cat hag lady on The Simpsons. Don't worry though, I've found the most stylist of solutions--the Fisherman Sweater.

Let's start with what's awesome about the Fisherman Sweater: level 20 coziness, on trend for winter, plus you can wear it with dresses, jeans, and cords alike.

There are so many options!

alexa chung for madewell aimee fisherman-knit sweater
Alexa Chung for Madewell Aimee Fisherman-Knit Sweater, madewell.com, $99.99 (sale)

This one is part of the Alexa Chung for Madewell Collection. Wear it with pastel hued cords and finish the look with a brightly colored scarf and patent oxfords or loafers.

J. Crew men's Cotton cable sweater
J. Crew Men's Cotton Cable Sweater, jcrew.com, $108

Yeah so this is a men's sweater, but it's also insanely crazy comfortable because...taaa daaa...it's 100% cotton! Buy an extra small and embrace the oversized number. Pair with a chambray shirt or cotton button down underneath, tucked into a floral or jewel toned midi skirt.

J. Crew Women's Fisherman sweater
J. Crew Fisherman Sweater, jcrew.com, $98

This one is on sale! Score! Also it comes in an array of winter appropriate hues; perfect for pairing with trousers and booties or pumps for a classic look to take out to dinner or to an interview.

Lyle & Scott Fishermans Rib Shawl Neck Cardigan
Lyle & Scott Fishermans Rib Shawl Neck Cardigan, asos.com, $149.99

Fisherman sweater turned cardi, which gives it just a few more versatility points than a traditional crewneck option. In addition thanks to Asos, it's the cheapest option. If I still had classes to get to I'd, be so comfortable and snuggly warm.

Murphy of Ireland Lumber Cardigan Sweater
Lumber Cardigan Sweater, murphyofireland.com, $129

The real deal classic fisherman sweater, imported from Ireland, and another cardigan option. Balance the bulkiness with skinnies and combat boots. Or go for the most classic of options:

Definitive Aran Ladies Sweater (Cable Stitch)
Definitive Aran Ladies Sweater, murphyofireland.com, $119