One of our lovely readers recently sent us this question:
I have these beautiful long sweaters that I love. They’re of different lengths, mid-thigh to below the knee. However, not very fun to wear them outside to get to class in the usually wet, windy, cold DC weather without some sort of jacket. How would I wear them? It is okay to put a shorter jacket over it? Or do I have to wait until long coat season?
Great question! Since longer sweaters and cardigans are popping up everywhere this season, you’re likely to be asking yourself the same thing. We assume our reader means a sweater similar to this one E. wore recently:
31 September 2009 – Annie Get Yer Gun, originally uploaded by academichic.When it comes to pairing a longer sweater such as the one above with a fall coat or jacket, we would tend to recommend matching up the sweater and coat length to be within a hand width’s apart. A slight variation in hem length makes for an great layered effect that looks intentional rather than haphazard. If it’s too warm to bring out your longer winter coat, try looking for some of these lighter alternatives:
27 May 09, originally uploaded by acatofimpossiblecolour.
A longer jean coat, like the one modeled by Andrea above, is a great fall alternative that could go over a longer sweater and cardigan and just add that slight layer of protection against rain or wind.
Apr. 10 a, originally uploaded by Jean C’est Quoi.A knee-lenght trench coat, such as the one modeled by Jean C’est Quoi above, is also a good fall go-to choice. You could look for a bold and unique color, or stick with a classic tan. Since the trench coat has been a wardrobe staple for many a decades now, you’ll likely be able to find a selection to sift through at your local thrift store or consignment store.
Overall, we think that a longer sweater asks for a longer top layer. But, E. was rather taken by this outfit in a recent Ann Taylor look book, where the model is wearing a cropped leather jacket over a longish sweater, and she swears that she’s going to try this look out this week. She’ll let you know how this works out in real life.
And perhaps our readers might have ideas of how to rock the shorter jacket over the longer sweater look. If so, please chime in with how you’d make that combination work! What do you think of layering a shorter coat over a knee-length sweater?
I have 2 knee-length cardigan sweaters that I just don’t get much wear out of for this exact reason. They’re a bit longer than most of my winter coats, and I think the particular sweaters I have look ridiculous with my coats.
I do like the last look with the longer sweater and short jacket, but the key difference is that the sweater ends just past the butt; it’s nowhere near the knees. I’ve done that look frequently and I like it.
It all depends on your proportions. I think a cropped top layer CAN work, but will probably be better on women sans curves. E’s look with the long cardi over the dress, on the other hand, will flatter more body types.
I often wear my cropped leather jacket over a longer cardigan (as on the Ann Taylor model), but I’ve never tried a knee-length sweater with a short jacket. I’m thinking that it could work if your sweaters could be made to look more like sweater dresses – for instance, put a knee-length cardigan over a dress and tights, and button it up to wear outside with a short jacket. Now I’m curious to try it!
I agree with Sally that the cropped jacket and long sweater combo is a look that might be harder for curvier and plus sized women to pull off with the confidence that rocking a look requires. I have a lovely burnt orange trench coat and a couple of heavy long winter coats that I normally use as outer wear with longer sweaters.
When did E see that Ann Taylor lookbook? I’d love to have that leather jacket, but I can’t find it online.
Many thanks!
I agree that the longer jacket will work better with longer sweaters, but if the sweater hits at the upper thigh, the shorter jackets could work.
Yes, this will definitely be an issue this year! A longer-style coat, such as a trench or overcoat, is meant to be a long cover layer. Therefore, one can certainly wear that style of coat over a long – even past the knees – sweater. With a trench, the belt helps to maintain a woman’s figure even with the bulkier sweater underneath. The other thing that totally helps with really long sweaters is the styling of the sweater outside of the coat. In other words, if the sweater has a larger collar, then pull it out of the coat to show it off a bit. By have some of the sweater “pop out” of the top of the coat it balances out the longer portion that hangs out the bottom.
Good luck! I LOVE the cropped leather jacket and long sweater look. I’ve been doing that one for a while. And living in the Upper Midwest myself for many years, my coat/sweater advice is born out of necessity!!
I can’t get behind the long sweater-under-short-jacket look because my hips DO NOT lie.
I think short jackets and/or crop jackets can definitely work w/ long og longish sweaters or sweater dresses, but the jacket needs to be formfitting so that the look doesn’t get “box-y”. If the silhouette is nice and curvy you know you have pulled it off. :-)
I say ‘go for it’. I think a really long jersey (sweater) with a really short jacket would look awesome! Just make sure things aren’t too loose and floppy.
I love my mid-thigh grey cardigan, similar to the one E. wore. And it gets worn with EVERYTHING.
That last look is really popular where I live and has been my uniform for the fall. As others have noted upthread, the jacket must be fitted for this to work and I also think the long sweater layer needs to hit where it does on the model or just slightly longer depending on how wide one’s hips are and how long one’s legs are. Heels also help lengthen the leg line.
We were doing some research and came across this website. Have to say that this article is great! Keep writing more. I will be following your articles
the thing i like about leather jacket is that they give you the impression that you are a bad ass guy :
leather jackets can really make you look good, they also make you feel warm and comfortable ,.-
I saw two hip chicks rock’in this look in Minneapolis this weekend! I think it’s the new trend!!!
I came across this article and it’s great! In fact, tonight I am seeing a play my friend is in and I’m wearing skinny jeans, leather boots, a silk top, and a sweater that is about the same length as the one in the Ann Taylor photo… I was debating what jacket to wear with it and I decided on this cropped black wool blazer jacket and this article really helped me out!