Save vs. Splurge: Sweater Weather

While summer dresses and sandals are fun, nothing makes my heart sing quite like finding the perfect sweater. From thin layering styles to chunky turtlenecks, I’ve never met a sweater I didn’t like. But when sweater weather hits, it can feel overwhelming as every store starts putting out more and more styles.

If you’re like me and secretly want to buy every single sweater ever made, it can be hard to prioritize styles. So today, I wanted to share the first post of this kind on kelseyybarnes.com – Save vs. Splurge: Sweater Weather. This post will help you choose which sweater styles are worth investing in. It will also show you which styles you’re better off paying less for.

What is your favorite style of sweater this time of year?

Xx, Kelsey

SAVE

1. The sweater you’re seeing all over Instagram – I’m not a big supporter of buying the one item you’re seeing all over Instagram in general. Usually by the time every other blogger is sharing the item, it’s already on its way out of style. But if you see something you HAVE to have on Instagram, don’t shell out the big bucks for it. Stick to an affordable version, since it will definitely look dated come next winter.
2. The season’s hottest colors – This season baby blue and chocolate brown are having a real moment. While it may be tempting to pick up a luxe sweater in one of these shades, try and find a more affordable version. Just like you weren’t wearing this color last year, you probably won’t be wearing it next year.
3. The super trendy print – Honestly this is really a rule for any item of clothing that you buy. If the print is super trendy right now, it’ll feel dated pretty quickly. The exception to this rule is leopard print. It’s having a moment right now, but if you buy a classy piece it’ll be in style forever.
4. The sweater you’re going to get the most use out of – While usually I’d advocate for splurging on basics to build up a capsule wardrobe, this is the opposite. If you know you’re going to wear a sweater practically every other day (like I will be doing with this grey Uniqlo number) consider getting something on the less expensive side. The worst thing is finding a really great sweater only to realize it has to be dry cleaned. If you’re going to wear it often enough, you’ll want to wash it more often. Plus there’s a chance you’ll wear it out by wearing it so often no matter how nice it is.

SPLURGE

1. The luxe cashmere number – If you’re going to add cashmere to your wardrobe, stick to something in a pretty neutral color that you’ll use forever. Avoid super trendy fits and go with something like a slim-fitting crewneck. Be prepared to take good care of it, and it’ll last forever.
2. The chunky camel sweater – I have a chunky camel sweater that I invested in while in college, and it’s one of my favorites every single year. Unlike this season’s trendy chocolate brown, camel never goes out of style. Plus, the color always looks expensive.
3. The long-line cardigan – A really great long-line cardigan will go very far. Invest in a neutral color that easily fits into your wardrobe. You’ll be able to throw it on over a dress in the fall and layer it under a long coat in the winter.
4. The J. Crew tippi sweater – This is the one sweater I’ll call out by name because I’ve been living in it since I was in high school. The black version is my favorite. It goes with literally everything and has the most perfect fit. I’ve only had to buy a new one once because I accidentally put it in the drier. It’s dry-clean only, so keep in mind that you can’t wear it every single day even though you’ll want to.

OUTFIT DETAILS:

Uniqlo grey turtleneck | Gap black skinny jeans | J. Crew blazer | Superga sneakers | Mango belt bag | Henri Bendel petal bracelet | Cinco ginger necklace