How to "Tie One On" - The Fashion Girl’s Guide to Tying a Sweater
With sweater weather approaching, it’s time to start thinking about layering up. But not full on, wear them all day long layers… rather, layers that can come on and off throughout the day. I mean, for me, at least, the mornings are starting to get cool, by mid day I am a sweaty mess, and then evenings have a chill again.
The solution I’ve personally found - as well as the tip I give to all of my 1:1 styling clients, is to have a 3rd piece at the ready, at all times. The 3rd piece gives an outfit that put together, finishing touch AND it allows for added or subtracted warmth as needed.
Yes, of course, you can keep the added layer in your bag for when you need it - there is something super fun about incorporating it into your outfit. I’ll also add that by making your 3rd piece part of your look, you’re ensuring that the layer of warmth doesn’t look like an afterthought.
You know, picture the lady in a formal gown with her North Face puffer over it because it is freezing cold outside and she didn't think about what to wear over her gorgeous gown beforehand. I know, that’s an extreme example - but who wants to intentionally look like an afterthought?
How to Tie One On
And by saying tie one on I mean it literally - as in how to tie the sweater. Not in the way the Brits might use it to mean getting drunk or intoxicated. However, it might be fun to tie one on (a sweater) so that you can then go out and tie one on (get drunk) - if that’s your thing, of course.
Anywhoooo. There are a few cool ways to tie your sweater on so it becomes an added element of your outfit. I recently did a video/reel illustrating the 3 ways and the third way was a huge hit.
In a 30 second reel one can only share so much so, I am going to dig a little deeper into each way in order to give you the tools to make the look work for you - if you so choose.
With all of these styles make sure the sweater color and fabric play nicely with the rest of your outfit. Once that is checked off the list then try tying in on any of these three ways.
Three Ways To Tie a Sweater
1. The Preppy Way
One way to wear a sweater is to drape it over the shoulders.
In order to make this work for you, keep these tips in mind:
Fully button the sweater if it’s a cardigan - otherwise risk looking like a caped crusader
Fold the sweater down at the armpits and then drape, keeping the folded part next to the body. And therefore unseen.
Make sure the sweater has full-length sleeves - cropped sleeves look goofy when draped over the shoulders
Ditch the sweaters with bell sleeves or exaggerated ruffles - again, these look odd flopping on the chest when draped
2. The Crossbody Way
Tied across the body, over one shoulder, and under the other.
In order to make this work for you, keep these tips in mind:
This can be done with a sweater or sweatshirt.
It works best with a crewneck. Not a hoodie. And it’s ok with a cardigan.
Fold the sweater down at the armpits and then drape, keeping the folded part next to the body. And therefore unseen.
Both men and women can rock this style.
For larger busted women, this will bring a lot of attention to the area.
Longer necklaces do not work with this style. Things get too jumbled and busy.
3. The Half Belt Way
Tied in the belt loops of the pants you are wearing.
In order to make this work for you, keep these tips in mind:
Your pants need to have belt loops; otherwise, it’s just tying it on your waist, duh.
The sweater needs to be a fine gauge, aka not bulky or thick, so that the sleeves can fit through the belt loops.
This works with both a crew neck or cardigan. And the cardigan must be fully buttoned.
Fold the sweater down at the armpits and then drape, keeping the folded part next to the body. And therefore unseen.
Thread the sleeve of the sweater thru one of the side belt loops and two of the front ones - tying at the hip.
Sweater Street Style:
Crewneck Sweater Links
Cardigan Sweater Links
