Back to School Shopping: 3 Must-Own Sweaters for Fall ’09
Continuing CF’s Back to School Shopping List, sweaters are another must-have for back to school. I don’t know about you, but when I think of fall fashion, I always think of layering – it’s warm enough that you don’t need a coat but cool enough that you do need sweaters, scarves, and the occasional fabulous jacket. Perfect layering weather. We’ll get to the scarves and jackets later, but today the focus is on sweaters.
Here are three hot sweaters you’ll want to own for fall ’09: expect to see these in all your favorite stores!
1. The Batwing Sweater
Natural Batwing Sleeve Jumper – Debenhams
Characterized by loose, flowy sleeves that flow from halfway down the body of a garment, the batwing shape is a huge trend for fall. Batwing-style tops are popular for fall, but batwing sweaters are the hottest way to wear this look.
Batwing sweaters are a fresh, fun take on your typical pullover, and they can be a really flattering choice for those who are smaller on top than they are on the bottom. If you are someone who naturally carries more weight on your bottom half, the extra volume up top from a batwing sweater will balance your body out and create a flattering silhouette. These sweaters look fabulous with skinny jeans for a simple and stylish everyday outfit.
2. The Destroyed Sweater
Jumper – TopShop
The incredible Alexander Wang first got us all obsessed with this trend last fall when he sent his coveted grunge sweater dress down the runway. Ever since, high-end retailers and discount shops alike have been stocking their own versions of his shredded knitwear. A destroyed sweater is a perfect piece for fall because it will keep you warm but not TOO warm, can be layered over your favorite tanks and skinny jeans, and will give you that effortlessly chic grunge look.
The sweater above is from TopShop, and I have to admit, I’d splurge on this exact sweater (guess I’m not the only one – after only a few days it’s now sold out in most sizes). While TopShop’s version is definitely pricey, other stores are creating more budget-friendly options based on the same idea. Keep an eye out for the Forever 21 version next!
3. The Cardigan
Basic Cardigan – Wet Seal
Forever a fashion staple, if you don’t own a cardigan, your wardrobe is severely lacking! They go with everything, layer over all your summer tanks, and add a chic polished look to any outfit while keeping you warm. They’re infinitely more stylish than your typical zip-up sweatshirt and have essentially the same functionality.
If you don’t have a cardigan in your wardrobe, there really isn’t any excuse not to. There are tons of reasonably-priced basic options at stores like Wet Seal, H&M, and American Eagle. If you can only afford one cardigan, get a basic black version – it will go with everything and can be worn everywhere – from class to the office and back again. Talk about a versatile piece!
Your Thoughts?
Which fall 2009 sweater is your favorite? Will you be wearing any of the above this season or sticking to jackets to stay warm? Have you noticed any budget-friendly versions of the sweaters I mentioned in stores yet? Talk, discuss, debate, whatever in the comments!
Posted on on August 10, 2009 / Filed Under: Shopping / Tags: Alexander Wang, Back to School Shopping, Fall 2009, Shopping, Sweaters, Tops, Topshop
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College Lifestyles
Those sweaters look so comfy! Can’t wait to wear them this fall :) That Wet Seal Cardigan is adorable and budget friendly too!
Maelynn
cardigans have grown on me. :)
i bought a few at forever 21′s sale! a basic black one and a navy one. seriously, they were like 4.99!
johnieemma
Love love love cardigans! I really like the flowy ones that are all over this season- super comfy and a little more fashion forward than the traditional version.
I don’t think I can afford to stock up on destroyed sweaters, but the other two…yes please!
alycia
Sadly, while I agree with your choices for #1 and #3, but I completely hate your choice for #2. I would never ever wear that.
Sorry, I know that sounds harsh, but if that’s a “must have” I’ll be out of style this fall, thanks.
alexa
I’ve been a HUGE fan of CF for awhile now and I’ve been anxiously waiting each installment of the Back to School Fashion series…I absolutely love the concepts and trends but I wish you could give us more affordable picks. I don’t think a lot of college kids can spend (without feeling guilty, at least) over 50 dollars on a single sweater or top.
Aside from that, you’re doing a great job! Please keep these installments coming!
Mani
I hate to sound harsh too, but I have to agree with Alycia. Those destroyed sweater just look like you barely escaped a fight with a vicious dog. I understand destroyed denim…in fact, I love it. But a destroyed sweater is pushing the envelope and not in a good way. However, style is all about owning what you wear, so one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. You’ll always get criticism no matter what when you choose to sport avante garde pieces, so go rock that look Zephyr! All it takes is confidence to pull it off.
#1 and #3 are so cute to me – cardigans are classic and not to mention classy. And the first one is absolute love! I have a black tunic that is batwing sleeved and I practically live in it. It’s comfy and chic, and the sweater in that picture is oh so adorable.
Alaina W
Yeah i can’t really get into number 2 either… i could see maybe a different type of rugged sweater. Maybe one with a few holes. But it’s kinda homeless lookin’. No offense to the homeless!
jlynn
I’d highly recommend Forever 21 for cardigans. Last winter I raided the store and got so many cardigans (and they come in almost every color, too) for $10-$13.
And I love the batwing sweater! Super comfy.
stephanie
i just went to old navy last night and they have a sale, well at least in mine all clearance is 50% off. they had a ton of cardigans so i kinda went cardigan crazy. i bought 2 full length and 2 cropped length. so many colors….im hoping to find a pink one next in my size tomorow on break :D
x
love #1. i have a similar brown one from the brand pursuit of harmony that is made of corn and bamboo fibers! sounds weird, but it is soooo soft. i wear it all the time and didn’t even know it was going to be a “trend” lol
i can appreciate #2 but i wouldn’t buy it because it’s trendy and i tend to stick to more classic and versatile pieces.
and of course i love #3, who doesn’t love a good cardigan? i’ve got a few, and i’ve worn my long white one to death in the past year. right now i’m on the look out for a black cashmere one (not hard to find, but i want to get one secondhand so that makes it more difficult)
lastly, i have to disagree with the above comment about every college girl feeling guilty for spending over $50 on a top. i would easily spend way more than $50 on sweaters like #1 and ESPECIALLY #3. both are very versatile and a cardigan is going to be in style for the next million years. why not save up for one of good quality that will last?
Madi
I’m definitely going to be rockin’ the cardigans this fall. Even though the jumper isn’t really my style, I’m diggin’ it! Will be something that I try out!
Winnie
I love love LOVE cardigans! They are just such an easy way to make a basic jeans-and-tee outfit look so much more pulled together. So I love the third choice, and the first choice is cute as well, but I don’t really think I would go for the second one. Personally I just can’t see spending money on clothes that are already destroyed, but that’s just me. If other people want to wear it then more power to them!
Tiffany
I’m a huge cardigan junkie, but for fall and winter I also love super-soft V-neck boyfriend sweaters. In a way they’re a more understated take on the batwing sweater, and as I recently discovered, the loose, slouchy fit looks awesome over a tight black miniskirt, with dark opaque tights, some long necklaces, and maybe a belt.
Natalie
hate #2
ugliest thing I’ve ever seen, but I love the other ones!
Jackie
Love the styles, but again I have to agree with some of the posts and say that option #2 is just not versatile enough and verges on the edge of hobo-ish (which alot of people may be into – Mary Kate Olsen was wearing this sweater a little while back and she’s the epitomy of hobo-style).
Zephyr, I was wondering if you could possilby put together some outfit combo’s with these? The way I wear them, always seems too librarian-ish and bland.. need some ideas to spice them up! :>
la petite fashionista
see, #2 is my favorite pick! I’m obsessed with all things Alexander Wang and loved the way he styled the destroyed sweater. It’s definitely a conversation piece, and has a really cool grunge look to it paired with skinny jeans.
I love the way Rumi @ fashiontoast wears hers!
Jessi
LOVE options 1 and 3 but im def. not feeling option 2, it doesnt look like something you would see real ppl wearing on the shirts, plus it doesnt look like it would last the test of time like the other 2
cant wait to see ur other upcoming articles!
Jennifer
I love the batwing sweater! It looks so comfy, and would probably be super flattering on my body shape.
Jess
I personally love all these sweaters. Cardigans are my best friends.
I love the The Destroyed Sweater, it is different, and I love different. This will look so cute with black skinny jeans, black tank and black heels. Make the sweater speak for it self.
Jasmine
Number two looks really soft. I like it. It’s different.
Little Red
I love all three of these choices! The batwing sweater looks so comfy. The destroyed sweater is very trendy. The cardigan is simply classic. Always great to have!
I have to agree with everything Lauren @ La Petite Fashionista said. The destroyed sweater is a conversation piece. I definitely want to find a great one for fall!
And Rumi does look amazing in hers! Then again, I think she looks great in everything!
Another fabulous post, Zephyr! I’m loving all the back to school posts!
Brooke
Hate the first two! I don’t know what it is about batwing style, but I just really dislike it. Can’t wait to get a couple cardigans, though. :)
Ashlee
I think it’s kind of ridiculous how I pretty much everything that’s been on your list. (Except for the shredded sweater.) I guess I’m true shopaholic. I’m really looking forward to your post on dresses!!
jules
it’s unfortunate that so many people here are dissing #2! i’ve been following for a while now and i love how you post more “adventurous” styles, like acid wash jeans, oxford flats, and now this sweater, yet for some reason a lot of people find these disagreeable. the point of a fashion blog is to be inspiring, i look at your blog and find where to get great pieces and see rumi, etc pull it off on theirs. whoever is looking for conventional, classic styles can just look at a land’s end catalog. zephyr, i applaud you for your bold choices. and i’d love to order that sweater right now, but sadly they’re out in my size, but i’m considering the “oversized hand knit tabbard” also from topshop– doesn’t look destroyed but still holey, and would look great over one of those black american apparel lace long sleeved shirts, i think.
Bloodredthorn
I miss the outfit ideas :(
Tatiana
#2 is amazing, definitely my favorite. TopShop has the same one in black, which I had been looking at before. I didn’t realize it was so expensive though! I’m disappointed, I really wanted it!
Luinae
Thanks for this post, I love sweaters. 1 and 3 are my faves. I own lots of cardigans already. So should everyone, they are cute, better than hoodies, keep you warm, finish off an outfit. I love them!
#1 is pretty cute as well. I want that same style of batwing jumper, but probally not the one from debenhams. They look so comfy and cozy- especially in an oatmeal colour, so you don’t look like you tried too hard.
Luinae
Zephyr, could you maybe put together some outfits that have these styles in them. I like it when you do that say I can get ideas on how to wear them.
Aury@ An Ordinary Girl's World
i love all your choices. The batwing sweater especially calls out to me. I have already cornered the market on Cardigans though so im unlikely to be buying any of those. As for the destroyed sweater, i think it could look fabulous if u know how to rock it. I’ll probably buy one if i see it in a colour i love and prove that it can be fabulous to all these non-believers lol.
Hannah from Hannah in Tennessee
i love those cardigans, they are so cute! and i agree with another another reader about the destroyed sweater. while it’s cute, it’s really expensive. but other than that, good job!
Lena Michelle
i just got a cardigan today! i got a green one to add some colors in my look :)
im waiting to get a basic black one with a warmer texture tho :) the one i got today is thinner…and it looks fabulous! :D
Michelle
Wow. I really want to try out those destroyed and batwing sweaters. I do have cardigans, but I never particularly liked them. For some reason, on my frame, the make me look like an old lady or am trying too hard. (laughs) I think the batwing or destroyed sweater (especially the destroyed), will give me a chic, yet mature, look that won’t make me look like I’m wearing what my mom would. :)
Namrata
i live in a totally different part of the world.. India
i get to wear cardigans and jeans only when im back home.
the rest of the year i’ve gotta stick to Indian wear.
but i love #1 and #3.. im a huge fan of CF.. im addicted to it infact.
keep it going :0
Ashley
Hey Z- Great post. Long time reader. Love 2 and 3. I seriously think I have 20 cardigans! I really want to check out that distressed look. Also, loose cardigans and long are very instyle also…americanapparel!
Julie
I love the first choice and i’m a bit of a cardigan junkie so #3 is great too, a real staple.
Any reccomendations on affordable batwing sweaters, like under $30.00?
Deanne
Cardigans are definitely growing on me as well. Old Navy has quite affordable cardigans, and I also found a nice one at Jacob (I don’t think Jacob exists in the States…). The second sweater definitely has a grungey appearance, and anything grunge-looking only reminds me of the 90s, and how that decade pretty much had a lack of style…;)
Calico
I looove number #1, I’ve got one or two tops of those that fit almost anything, plan to get more in different colours and maybe embellishment. Same for #3. #2 is a bit iffty – that Alexander Wang sweater was trés amazing, but some of the sweaters i’ve seen on the hangers of stores …. ehhh. However, I trust your taste in this, I’m sure you’ll rock yours :)
Caroline
Julie-It’s just out of your price range, but here’s a really cute bat-wing sweater that just went on sale at anthropologie. http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=910193&parentid=SHOPSALE-SWEATERS&pushId=SHOPSALE-SWEATERS&popId=SHOPSALE&sortProperties=&navCount=35&navAction=top&fromCategoryPage=true&selectedProductSize=&selectedProductSize1=&color=040&colorName=BLUE&isSubcategory=
Colette
I am already a big cardigan fan but #1 looks soooo comfy and warm yet stylish!
What I love is its from Debenhams- meaning I can go into town tomorrow and try it on :) normally I’m weighing up the shipping prices or looking for British alternatives
Awesome post- Loving this back to school series!
teri
I love the destroyed sweater look, but I see not everyone here shares the same appreciation.
Avigayl
I’m not a fan of cardigans, unless they’re embellished, but I like the batwing sweater and LOVE the grunge one. I need one NOW.
Summer
I’m still searching for the perfect Cardigan. Love these choices.
Strawb
There’s a lot of people who don’t like #2, but I think it’s my favourite of the three. It looks soft and cozy and stylishly grungy, and very autumnal. I’d go for it in a deeper colour, maybe red or blue, with a plain tank top underneath.
Cardigans are my favourite piece of clothing, I can’t wait until it’s cold enough to start wearing them. :-)
Claire
The basic black cardigan, without a doubt — mine is probably the most-worn item in my wardrobe aside from jeans.
Julie
caroline, thanks for the anthro sweater link…i think its too cute not to get. great find!
bre
i have to say, i agree with several comments on the whole ripped sweater, maybe i would like it better if i saw it in person, but i love the other two options. I have tons of cardigans, plain ones, and patterned ones and they are one of my most favorite pieces of clothing.
Kat
I will totally be rockin the cardigan! They are so cute and comfy! American Eagle’s are the best! :)
Lauren M
Hey I thought you’d wanna know that this website is copying your posts. Here’s the link.
http://www.pupuweb.com/blog/3-must-own-sweaters-for-fall-2009/
Jane
I don’t really understand the Bat wing Jumpers althought they do look comfortable. I like cardigan’s and i do own quite a few in different colours. I like jumpers that are light but still keep me warm.
Jessica from Broke for a Month
I love cardigans. I definitely will be buying a few when the weather gets not so hot.
I hate the second sweater. I think people are getting a little carried away with this whole destroyed trend.
Kate W
I love this debenhams jumper, i would buy him for my first school day ( soon to be freshman ), and i want to be cool. If i take skinny jeans and this jumper, will it be ok ?
Reneé
love the 1st one ! It’s cute basic and so comfy , can worn to many different ocasions I think I’ll buy it !
Well the second one is also good I loved the color but I wouldnt buy it.. It can be worn with skinny jeans and heels when going out at night
the cardigan is always fab ! I stored a lot of cardigans this summer while most of the stores were in sale :)
Again a great post Zephyr !
Holly
I like the first one, it’s cute and kinda trendy… but not so much that it’s ridiculous. And you can never go wrong with a basic black cardigan. But the one in the middle, erm… there’s no way I would ever buy that, even for $2 second hand. Why? Well… because that’s what it looks like… it looks like it cost $2 second hand and it will fall apart completely if you even look at it wrong… =P
Maddy
I LOVE the destroyed sweater! Are there any other shops where you can buy them????