I can't say that everyone has a cable sweater in their closet, but if I have one, I'm thinking that most people do. Confined to fewer than average choices in color due to my requirement for petite clothing, as well as fewer than average choices in sweaters due to my severe allergy to wool, I ended up with this dark green cotton cable knit sweater from one of my favorite stores, Lands End. I love Lands End, but I don't totally love the dark pine green color on me. Most of my clothes are in the red family - red, pink, purple or black and white and gray. But I'm here to offer fashion advice, so here's how to make a cable sweater work!
The first thing I need to say is that I have been told by stylists to never wear a cable sweater. I am short and a bit round, with all my curves hanging out in front. Cables attract attention and add bulk. Some schools of thought say that patterns detract from a large bust; however, the curvy lines of a cable sweater can also travel out of place in an unflattering way. My sister, a true fashionista (check out her Instagram at rutilatedquartz), tells me that you have to wear what you like, and to stop worrying about rules and bad advice. Let's go with that, although we're still going to make an effort to look slim and trim and well put together.
Here is the cable sweater with basic skinny jeans (Old Navy) and flats (Lucky Brand). Notice that my hair is down, which adds bulk.
In order to slim down the sweater, you can add a longish pendant necklace, as I did in the main photo above, OR you can add a cross body bag, making sure it is long enough to rest loosely over the sweater. I've chosen a gold quilted bag, below. I also put my hair back in a low pony tail to reduce bulk. Finally, I added a contrasting pale mint tank underneath to throw the focus off my middle. Small changes that make a big impact. What do you think?
You may notice something on my shoulder. I'm wearing a sparkly gecko brooch, and here is a closeup. A brooch is a great way to draw attention away from trouble spots. This one was a gift from my husband. He gave me another one 30 or so years ago, so this was an anniversary gecko.
Here are the two looks side by side. Is that the same woman? LOL
Go ahead and experiment with your cable sweaters and see what you come up with!
We all have to get dressed every day anyway (or do we...it's a pandemic) so we may as well have a little fun!
-Karen