Alpine Chic: How to Wear This Winter Trend
December 11, 2014
The next few months are all about staying warm. Embrace the heavier knits that are filling up the stores this winter season. Layering up and looking sophisticated in the latest sweater trends has never been this easy or looked this good.
Just in time for the holidays the stores and online shopping are a mix of graphic print sweaters, mixed stitch knits and ski-inspired pieces. Even if you never actually hit the slopes you can buy some, keep the cold at bay, and work a color-block look or two with these statement making sweaters.
How to Wear
To conquer the Alpine Chic look you have to remember a few simple rules.
- If the knit is heavy you need to keep the other fabrics (including the under layers) light. Think a sweet georgette dress in a flowing fabric under the cardigan, vest or scarf. Now is the perfect time to maximize your closet and use summer’s sundresses. Camisoles and lingerie-like dresses can pull it all together.
- Remember to balance out the look. A thick or bulky piece like a graphic or chunky crewneck sweater needs a slim pair of pants or some other narrow bottom. Layer opaque tights with a pencil skirt and ankle boots. Skinny jeans or straight leg pants work well too.
- Keep it simple. Don’t wear baggy bottoms or sweats with these oversized items. That creates a sloppy silhouette. Fitted is best. Add a blazer, sleek boots, or simple flats for polish. You shouldn’t look like an Awkward Family Photo about to happen just because you put on an Alpine-inspired cowlneck. Say no to clunky boots or thick-soled shoes.
- Muted tones are your best friend when picking out one of these thick pieces. Look for a sweater or scarf in a dark or neutral tone. Avoid bright colors like yellow, vibrant red or orange. Electric is not a friend of this trend. Gray, white, navy, black and burgundy or deep greens are always winners.
An Added Touch
So the key to staying modern and not looking like you just trekked in from the Alps is to keep everything but the sweater in a low profile. Done! Your accessories should contribute as follows:
- Work a stacked heel in an ankle boot or pump into the look. This applies to over the knee boots as well. It keeps the outfit pulled together.
- You can totally add a layer of faux fur like a vest or snood (scarf) if you have a simple neckline.
- Punch up the ensemble with a richer color. If the sweater is creams and black, a gray or other neutral tone feel free to add a hint of army green or a toned down jewel tone.
