Fuzzy logic

Quirky and unusual sweaters, including Prada's infamous turtlenecks from a recent collection, can transform the simplest outfits to major style statements, if worn right. Style mavens show you how

Fuzzy logic

Sonam Kapoor

There’s a thin line between avant-garde and a faux pas in the world of fashion, as Italian luxury fashion brand Prada recently found out. Their Spring Summer/2021 edit features a turtleneck sweater embellished with cut-outs (or holes). Although Prada’s design may come across as befuddling to the lay observer, those in the know explain that ‘ugly sweaters’ have come a long way from being a silly Christmas tradition and have now become a wardrobe staple of sorts, used by wearers to express their individuality as well as their experimental outlook towards the act of dressing up. Bollywood celebrities such as Sonam Kapoor have also embraced the trend. Kapoor recently posted an ensemble featuring a sweater from the brand Bhaane.

Sonam Babani

“Sweater-wearers have more choices today than ever before, in terms of both fabric and design. While statement-making slogans and whimsical designs are more popular with edgier dressers, sweaters are also surprisingly multi-functional if picked carefully and paired correctly,” points out Greeshma Thampi, an image consultant.

Kamakshi Sharma

Pair it right

Sana Khan, co-founder of Bombay Closet Cleanse, a thrift store that stocks and sells quirky sweaters, suggests pairing these with short skater or a tennis skirt and thigh-high boots. Accessorise this look with a fanny pack. “Layer your sweaters with a crisp white shirt underneath. Add high-waist wide leg pants and sneakers for a casual-chic look. Oversized sweaters can be worn as dresses — add a belt to cinch in the waist. Wear this look with neutral boots and a scarf. For a more dramatic and fashion-forward look, pair the sweater with an A-line midi skirt, logo belt and a statement bag,” she suggests.

Indu Srimal and Regina King in Prada. Pics courtesy/Instagram

Comfort and fit

Mumbai’s humid and muggy weather can make it difficult to comfortably sport traditional woollen sweaters, notes Thampi. She suggests wearing open cardigan-styles with buttons and choosing worsted wool, which is thinner and smoother. “With oversized clothing, only go one or two sizes up from your natural size. If you are petite, avoid wearing very large prints; this, combined with an oversized silhouette, will overwhelm you. Further, wearing the same colour on your lower half can visually elongate your legs,” she adds. When wearing oversized sweaters, make sure that all other elements and accessories are smaller in proportion so that they are not competing for attention.

Greeshma Thamp and Sana Khan

Make it yours

Longer sweaters work well with pear-shaped bodies, while cropped knits look great on petite frames, says fashion influencer Sonam Babani. You could DIY a sweater-inspired garment by retaining only the sleeves of the sweater and attaching these to a tank top or a crop top, she suggests. Fashion blogger Indu Srimal is partial to the boat-neck style, while Kamakshi Sharma, a marketing professional, layers her sweaters with a denim jacket to play with textures and tone down busier prints.

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