September 15, 2014
One of the joys of having all of our core basics covered in our wardrobes is that, if a trend happens along that holds some interest and appeal, we can give it a try! This year, sweatshirts with some sort of enhancement seem to be everywhere. I’ve seen jeweled, beaded, embroidered, textured, and printed ones – some of them very beautiful. These can be worn with nice trousers and good-quality leather shoes on casual Friday in most offices.
However, be careful, because some of these sweatshirts, while very lovely, are BLINDINGLY expensive. Happily, there are also very similar products available at more reasonable prices. Just check to be sure that your new purchase is put together reasonably well, and isn’t manufactured somewhere with abysmal safety records.
These are a few budget-busters. But if I were made of money, I’d have numbers three, four and six boxed up and shipped over tomorrow – sweatshirts suit my “Bolshoi drop-out/la garconne” wardrobe to a T!
Houndstooth short-sleeved Theory, black quilted – Neil Barrett, black and white – Mother of Pearl, floral – Roberto Cavalli, butterfly print – Valentino, architecture print – Carven
These are in many ways similar to the sweatshirts show above, but at a fraction of the cost. At least two of these look, to my eye, as if they could easily compete with their high-priced siblings.
Grey cable knit – Dorothy Perkins, navy dotted – White Stuff, grey striped – Steven Alan, black floral – Morgan, grey abstract – Wood Wood, black white floral sweatshirt – ChicNova
Are there any other current trends we should examine? Let me know!
love,
Janice
That Carven print is beautiful. I don't own a single print item–perhaps I'm too timid (?).
Other trends to explore:
-dark red
-denim skirts
-midi skirts
-skirts with sneakers (so difficult)
-white on white dressing
Dark red would be my top pick as I'm anxious to have you do my fall shopping for me! ;)
Define sweatshirt for me, will you? I always thought of them as casual cotton tops with a banded finish at the sleeves, neck and hip.
I'd say a little bit thicker. In German, a pullover.
Bookbutterfly
I saw a grown woman in a sweatshirt and sneakers ensemble on a plane recently. She looked expensively dressed but a bit weird, as if she was trying to dress like her
son.
I wore fashion sweatshirts in the late 70s and that's going to do me. But I do enjoy wearing the Converse sneaker lookalike trend. (Mine are Eccos and very comfortable.)
I agree that this fashion trend in not for everyone. No matter how disguised or gussied up, a sweatshirt is still a sweatshirt.
I bought a grey/black print sweatshirt in July and I have used it frequently for early morning walks or evening boat rides. I could even wear it with a denim skirt and tights in the fall.
I love the floral ones and would like to add one to my closet! Unfortunately crew necks aren't working for me lately so I will have to be on the lookout for a different neckline.
I've never found sweatshirt material flattering. It never has any drape to it so once it goes over the bust it falls straight down giving the impression of a stomach as big as the chest. So a big pass to this.
I have to agree with you on this. It creates a square, where I am trying to have a slight taper to waist… If there was one with colour-blocking to give the illusion of a waist, I could go with sweatshirts.
Bookbutterfly
I agree as well. I always thought sweatshirts were a bit bulky and unflattering. I used to wear them back in the 90's. Don't think I'll be going back.
Most of the sweatshirts shown aren't bulky…if you look outside the athletic department you can find more flattering and yet comfy sweatshirts. Ah……yes so cozy on a chilly day!
I love the new lightweight sweatshirts. They're softer, thinner, with more drape than the old bulky, mannish ones. I don't like a crew neck, so I look for those with a jewel or open neckline. French terry is one of the materials I've seen. Love this trend!
I recently found your website and enjoy it. However I now have a request. I am going on a cruise to the Adriatic at the end of the month. I am planning a travel wardrobe using black and khaki/light tan as my neutrals and turquoise and peach as accents and would love to see a wardrobe of your interpretation of these colors. Thank you.
Just returned from Italy and saw several hip people wearing harem pants. They might fall into the "what are they thinking?" Category but maybe for tropical cruise wear, they have some merit. My friend said everyone on a cruise in Thailand last year wore them because they were so comfortable in the heat.
Your sweater combos are great, but would like to see some warm weather…cruise wear…wardrobes! Thanks.love your work!
Ooh I do like the look of the expensive versions. In comparison, the cheaper ones just look limp and sad (except the black one with multi-coloured florals which I'd definitely have in my wardrobe).