Knit One, Pearl Two for November

Shannon Cavanagh-Estrada of www.pitchpress.com on Saturday, October 31st, 2009

Okay class, lesson of the month: know your knits. And we aren’t talking about knit-wits Perez and Paris, but those cozy and warm, wintertime staples.

Knits!

I love knits. Granted I live in a mono-smog-season-climate, but I love knits nonetheless. For the most part they are fashion fool proof. Note the ‘for the most part’ I put in there. We’ll touch on the do’s and don’ts later.

Tweak Your Knit for a More Stylish Look

Knits are not only a necessity for most of you during the next few frigid months, but can be downright stylish when tweaked just a tad. The accessory du jour, the belt, which has been du jour for a couple of years now, looks fab when cinched over a one size too large turtleneck.

Boyfriend cardigan? Better when draped with pearls.

A slim pencil skirt (a wardrobe staple at this point if you’ve been reading these ever-important posts for more than a few months) with tall boots (picture just below the knee) and a roomy cowl neck are smokin’ hot on any shape and go from work to play.

fairisle Fair Isle sweaters are all the rage with celebs layering the N.E. staple over a grungy yet somehow chic flannel shirt. This may be a good place to segue into the quick do’s and don’ts of sweater swank.

Finding the Right Fit

As coveted as a look may be because it looks so so so cute on a celeb, that right there is your: red flag. Remember ladies (and gents if you are reading a blog posts on sweaters) that celebs are like supermodels: freaks of nature. And I mean that in the nicest way. Supermodels are tall, we’re talking just under 6’ barefooted. While celebs are miniatures sometimes just under 5’ (Mary Kate & Ashley, Stallone, need I say more). So the longwinded point is, what looks fabulous on one frame, doesn’t necessarily mean it’ll be flattering on all.

Don’t over bulk. Knits can be gnarly if you are trying to load too much on to your frame.
Pass it on if too small – As sad as it may be, if your dry cleaner shrinks your fave sweater and it now proudly produces your naval, pass it down, pass it along, pass it off.
Stay away from color blocking – you don’t want to look like a game of Twister in the dead of winter.