CHUNKY KNIT SWEATERS TO KEEP YOU WARM AND COZY THIS WINTER

Chunky knit sweaters look stylish and chic this winter.  The key to wearing this item is to pair it with thin pieces so the over-all look is more slimming.  Skinny jeans or cord's look great as do leggings with a longer sweater.  Layer a chunky knit cardigan with a thin cashmere sweater underneath which leads your eye to think slimming but snuggly.  A great statement necklace or earrings completes the look.

Textured knits and bright bold colors and metallics are big for the season!

This Free People knit sweater pairs well with large gold accessories.  Winter white pants, leather leggings, or navy blue cord's pair well with it. $98

Soft pink is a luscioius color for winter.  Pair it with silver metallic jeans or go bold with chocolate or black.  A cropped jacket and boots complete this look.  Hinge Scalloped Pointelle Sweater, $88

This Frenchi Sheer Pointelle Sweater pairs well with denim for the weekends or dress it up with textured leggings and boots.  A waist length or cropped jacket and a long necklace complete the look.  Beige, Black, Blush, Dark Grey $44

Pair this Free People Knit Sweater with a silver metallic tank top underneath.  Black velvet jeans or a printed metallic denim complete the look.  $108

This BCBGMaxAzria Hunter Cabled Poncho Sweater looks great with deep chocolate brown.  Try leather leggings or corduroy slim pants and heeled boots.  A pencil skirt is a great option for work.  Large metallic watch and earrings complete the look.  $149

Metallics: The perfect addition to any look this season.  Look dressy and done up but stay warm.  Wear to brunch, shopping, dinner on the town, or any event.  A metallic sweater is a must have this season!

Lucky Brand "Macey" Metallic Sweater, $99

Michael Kors Foiled Fisherman Knit Sweater, $150 (regular or petite's)

Here's to looking cozy and chic this season!

XOXO,

Divine Style DC

Sleeve Style for 2012

Just as the fit and fabric change for tops and dresses, so do the sleeve styles.  Check out the latest sleeve trends and how to wear them.

There are 6 types of sleeves:

Kimono:  Loose, wide sleeves that hit anywhere from short to wrist length.  This voluminous sleeve borrows its look from Japanese wardrobe where the wearer's age and marital status were indicated through sleeve length (young unmarried women wore the longest sleeves.  The best way to wear this voluminous style as a dress or a top is belted to bring in a waistline.  Designers who do this style:  Michael Kors, Trina Turk.

Fit Tip:  Best for medium to small busted women.  Women who are bottom heavy this works well for as the belted look and kimono sleeves draw attention away from the bottom.

Trina Turk, $90.90, Nordstrom's

Flutter Sleeve:  This sleeve detail is distinguished by a ruffle effect, with a sheer, soft fabric that drapes into a fluid ruffle at the should, adding softness and romance.  Designers who do this style:  Ark & Co., Esprit.

Fit Tip:  A flutter sleeve can work for every body type, but is best avoided by petites as it can look too young and girly.

Z Spoke Silk Flutter Sleeve Blouse

Lantern Sleeve:  The lantern sleeve is a full, gathered sleeve attached to a drop-shouldered garment; it can be either a long or short sleeve.  It is seen on everything from jackets to dresses.  Designers who do this style:  Badgley Mischka, Eileen Fischer.

Fit tip:  Great for camouflaging flabby upper arms.  Best on narrow shoulders/slim upper body types (wide shoulders, full busts are just emphasized by this voluminous sleeve.

                                                                            Ark & Co Flare and Tier Sleeve Dress, $84

 

Balloon Sleeve:  A very full sleeve-usually 3/4 length or longer-that has a banded bottom.  Designers who do this style:  Giambattista valli, Diane von Furstenberg, Shoshana, Roberto Cavalli, Lanvin.

Fit Tip:  Adds softness to a small upper body and draws the eye away from a thick waist or any lower body problem areas.  Not ideal for larger busted women as the sleeve competes with your chest.

Nabi, $88.20

Bell Sleeve:  This look can be seen everywhere.  By far one of the most popular.  A full sleeve that is gathered at the shoulder and open at the cuff.  Designers who do this style:  Free People, Hinge, Hyde.

Fit Tip:  One of the easiest of the dramatic sleeves to wear, the bell sleeve--especially if done in a soft, flowing fabric--adds controlled fullness that is flattering to most body types.

The Addison Story Bell Sleeve Top, Saks Fifth Avenue, $172

 

Free People Gypsy Lace Dress, $128                          Betsey Johnson Solid Charmeuse Bambi Tunic, $348

  

Flutter Sleeve or Poncho Sleeve:  Straight fabric from shoulders to waist running down the arm.  Designers who do this style:  Ark & Co, 

Fit Tip:  This style can fit all body types.  Best on medium breasted women.  Great to emphasize shoulders and lower arms.

Ark & Co. Chiffon Flutter Sleeve Blouse, $59           BCBG Janelle Cropped Silk Poncho Blouse, $188