If you’d like to express yourself authentically this winter, look no further—this guide will help you find the perfect sweater to match your unique aesthetic.
Sweaters are a timeless wardrobe staple that effortlessly combines comfort and style. They are the perfect choice for winter. From dark academia burgundy cable knits to Y2K neon chunky knits, sweaters offer something for everyone, allowing you to express and embrace your individuality.
In addition, sweaters come in many different materials, with not every material being as long-lasting and valuable. Gen Z has been placing additional focus on sustainability in sweater shopping and choosing high-quality, ethical brands. With that in mind, we can be more deliberate in shopping for sweaters that align with both our style and concern for the planet. Let’s dive into the world of sweaters and find your perfect match!
Dark Academia
Dark Academia is an aesthetic of substantive beauty, of ancient libraries, classic novels, and a scholarly atmosphere. Add in a bit of melancholy and romanticism, and this aesthetic is perfect if you’re feeling reflective this winter.
The perfect sweaters for this aesthetic include argyle or checkered sweaters that just scream sophistication. Or cable-knit sweaters in deep, rich hues of burgundy, charcoal, and forest green.
Style tips include layering, with collared white shirts underneath and long coats on top. Add dress pants or a pleated skirt and maybe a tie to go the extra step. Timeless details adorn the sweaters and outfits of the lifelong student.
Cottagecore
Cottagecore is the ultimate aesthetic for a slow, cozy, harmonious winter, emphasizing living close to nature. Think soft, muted pastel colors like cream, beige, sage green, dusty pink, and other earthy tones. Flowy knit sweaters in delicate textures like crochet and careful embroidery create an ethereal look. Pair these sweaters with vintage skirts for the complete nature-loving vibe. Bonus if the outfit contains floral patterns!
Coquette
The Coquette aesthetic is all about playful, romantic details, like lace, ruffles, and bows. Sweaters in this style include such details and are often soft and lightweight. Look for pastel colors like blush pink and baby blue. Coquette-inspired sweaters often go nicely with tights and skirts. Accessorize with dainty jewellery, a headband, and a matching purse for a sweet look.
Vanilla Girl
The Vanilla Girl aesthetic is the epitome of minimalistic elegance, focused on a simple yet polished vibe. Sweaters in this aesthetic are typically in neutral tones like ivory, beige, and off-white. They can be styled with accessories like simple gold jewellery, clean denim, and solid scarves. The overall look is serene and effortlessly chic.
Old Money
The Old Money aesthetic is all about a sophisticated color palette and classic, luxurious materials. The color palette mainly includes ivory, navy blue, emerald green, and maroon. Sweaters for this aesthetic include cable-knit sweaters and feature materials like cashmere and fine wool. They can be paired with trousers, a collared white shirt underneath, camel coats, elegant jewellery, and simple leather accessories. Top it all off with a subtle fragrance! Less is more with this aesthetic, and it’s perfect to look put together effortlessly.
Y2K Revival
The Y2K aesthetic takes us back to the early 2000s, filled with bold colors and quirky patterns. Sweaters in this aesthetic often feature bright neon colors, chunky knits, and fun designs like checkerboards and smiley faces.
Think oversized graphic sweater paired with low-rise jeans and chunky sneakers. This aesthetic is all about making a statement with vibrant pieces.
Sustainability in Sweater Shopping
When buying sweaters, looking for high-quality materials not only increases longevity but also helps reduce your environmental footprint. Sustainable sweaters are typically made from natural, eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and non-mulesed wool, as well as recycled materials. To ensure the sweaters you buy are high-quality and sustainable, pay attention to the materials used, the texture of the sweater, and the sustainability practices of the brand you are purchasing from.
Opt for brands that prioritize ethical production, including sustainable manufacturing processes and materials and fair labour practices. Some of these brands include Patagonia, Everlane, and Reformation. In addition, consider shopping second-hand; thrift stores and online platforms like Depop offer gently used sweaters that help reduce the demand for new production, benefiting the planet.
Avoiding fast fashion is essential to building a sustainable wardrobe. Trendy pieces can be tempting, but they often come at a cost to both the planet and the workers involved in producing the clothing. Rather than buying cheap, disposable sweaters that quickly lose their shape or fade in color, invest in versatile, high-quality pieces that truly match your style and are long-lasting. Make sure your fashion choices align with your ethical values!
How Will You Choose to Cozy Up This Winter?
Whether you prefer the pink and lacy sweaters of the Coquette aesthetic or the classic emerald green Old Money cable knits, your sweater choices can be a powerful form of self-expression. Even better, with so many options to choose from, there’s no need to settle for just one look! You can also mix and match different aesthetics to craft a wardrobe that feels the most authentic.
Above all, remember that fashion isn’t just about looking good but about feeling confident and comfortable in the clothes you wear and making choices that reflect your values. Embrace the creativity that comes with playing with different aesthetics while also making responsible decisions about sustainability and ethical fashion. Cozy up your way this winter!
Check out more fashion-related articles here: “Winter-Ready Looks Inspired by the OG Fashion Diva Rachel Green,” “Get Cozy With Our Fall Fashion Guide,” “European Summer Lookbook.”
