Where are all the sweaters?

Two questions about sweaters! Glib Gurl says:

Would you mind doing a post about sweaters?  They are my absolute favorite article of clothing but I have to say that I'm really disappointed with what I'm seeing this season... I'm hoping you can mine out some diamonds!

And then Veronica said:

OK, so it's gotten a bit chilly in the South. Well, chilly by our standards. I'm having my engagement photo session super soon and have been looking for a snuggly sweater to pair with a nice pair of cords or jeans. I've had no luck. Where are the great sweaters this season -- you know the ones that flaunt what God gave you up top while camouflaging mid-section flaws? Maybe I'm morphing into a bridezilla, but everything seems old lady-ish and bland...

There's a reason why I haven't done a post just about sweaters yet - I'm not feelin' it. I've looked high and low and nothing is knocking me on my ass with sweatery goodness.

I've bought three sweaters this season:

• A black cashmere sweater from QVC that I got on sale for $30 (ok, that was a good deal and for that, we do the dance of joy).
• A swingy (but only mildly so) cardigan from Target. It looks like this one but in purple and it most definitely is not a "coat." It's cute, though.
• A cable knit hoodie from Old Navy that's really comfy but also a size too big. I was too lazy to return it so I just wear it at home.
  

So if I've only found three sweaters that I feel are worth spending my money on, there's a PROBLEM. Maybe I'm being too picky? And I just want to point something out - the more you type the word "sweater," the more you realize that it has the word sweat in it. That's weird.

Anyway, it seems like Veronica up there is in need of a sweater right now, so I'll pull myself together and offer these suggestions.

Old Navy Metallic Yoked Sweater in Coffee Grounds
I like that this sweater has the rib knit around the bust area and then is smooth over the torso. The neckline is perfect for a nice necklace. I can't tell how metallic it is but I'm guessing it's subtle enough for casual wear.

Old Navy Puff-Sleeve V-Neck Sweater in Crimson Red
I know, the sleeves. But the more I look at this sweater, the more I like it. The sleeve isn't super puffy and adds just a little something that I think could really work if you're not very broad shouldered.

Avenue Classic Cable Knit Sweater
This sweater from Avenue is the most basic of basic but it's on sale for $20 and comes in a whole range of pretty colors. It's a nice piece for layering and can be paired with trendier items for an updated look.

Torrid Grey 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan
This cardigan probably isn't very warm or fuzzy but I like the style and color. I tend to go for lighter knits unless it's really, seriously cold. It'd be cute layered over a deep purple or red cami.

I'd also suggest checking the sweater sections at J.Jill, Talbots, JC Penney and Nordstrom. It seems like a lot of retailers are focusing more on jackets this season but sweaters are still out there. It is a little disappointing that the trendy looks aren't translating as readily to knits. Maybe we'll see more as we move into the season?

Comments

[Lyndsey]

I absolutely love this cashmere sweater from Old Navy. I think it has everything you asked for, Veronica.

http://www.oldnavy.com/browse/product.do?cid=5635&pid=526438&scid=526438002

[Glib Gurl]

Thanks for the post! Okay, so it's not just me who thinks that this season's sweaters are just not up to par . . . I did find a few gems during a recent shopping spree. I blogged about it (with pictures!) here - http://glibgurl.blogspot.com/2007/11/if-i-had-husband-hed-kill-me.html.