Okay, so there’s a little hype around the headline for this article! Just so you know, I’m not suggesting you won’t be stylish in last fall’s sweaters…or even the ones from the year before! However, I do think it’s important to evaluate every part of your wardrobe, including your fall sweaters, to make sure it’s up to date, in great condition, it fits, and suggests your style recipe.

Stores and online sites do a good job of showing sweaters with jeans, but how do you wear sweaters professionally? You want to be warm in your office this winter, right? Read on for the kinds of sweaters you can wear in business casual and business professional settings along with some ideas for polished work outfits including sweaters!

First, the sweater you wear to the office is NOT the same sweater you wear to curl up in front of the fireplace. It can be slightly oversized, but not too comfy or slouchy looking. You want to look like you want to be at work.

Next, smooth, refined knits aren’t your only choice for looking professional, but steer clear of overly chunky sweaters with rugged details.

And lastly, I’d recommend avoiding Fair Isle knits and anything too preppy. (And you know, I’m not the biggest fan of cable knits, just sayin’…)

Oops, one more “rule”… be careful your older sweaters aren’t too fuzzy. Almost impossible with cashmere, but rayon and acrylic sweaters can get “pilly” and old looking really quickly. (It’s a big reason I dry clean sweaters.)

Oh my gosh, that’s a lot of don’ts! Sorry about that. I told you it’s a little tricky! It seems like I’ve crossed all the fun sweaters off your list, but seriously there are a ton of choices.

• Consider a lightweight, ribbed, maxi cardigan with an envelope skirt and boots.
• A tunic sweater with slim pants.
• Wrapped sweaters paired flared skirts create a classic, hourglass silhouette!
• I love the idea of a pair of high waisted trousers with a blouse tucked in and a poncho (not too folkloric for work, please.)
• Especially with high waisted pants and skirts, cropped sweaters (a.k.a. no flesh showing) are a fresh look this season.
• The more smooth and monochromatic an outfit can look, the more professional. I’m not crazy about old school sweater sets, but a modern cardigan with a similar hued underpinning (i.e. shell, tank top, blouse) is a great look!
• While not right for a lot of women, lightweight ribbed, fitted turtlenecks are back! They work with almost all bottoms, either tucked or left out. Look for the best quality you can find! And for the most updated look, be sure to pair this look with edgy accessories.
• Slightly oversized V-neck sweaters are also on the comeback. (Yay, V-necks!) They work wonderfully with a variety of bottoms, but I especially like the vibe of one worn partially tucked into a pencil skirt. Somewhat slouchy V-neck cardigans are also fresh with skirts!

Of course, these are just a few ideas. I encourage you to first edit and review your “sweater wardrobe” at home; and then scout out a new style or two to freshen your look. If the thought of editing and shopping sounds like more than you have time for or want to take on this fall, contact me  and we can discuss how I can help you.

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