Warm and not fuzzy!

Warm and fuzzy are a good combo – as describing a dog, or even a friend. But they are not a good combo on your body unless they are on your feet in the form of Ugg boots or fuzzy furry slippers on a wet and freezing day.

Okay, we all love cold-weather clothes – and there's almost nothing more delicious than a sweater in the wintertime. It's like wearing a fireplace or your favorite blanket out of the house. It's toasty, it's soft, and the smell of wool probably takes you in that Proustian way back to hot chocolate and sugar cookies in the third grade. But sweaters can be sexy, too. Texture is sexy – touching cashmere and angora is very sexy, ask any man. In the forties and fifties, actresses Jane Russell and Lana Turner were dubbed "The Sweater Girls" for the form-fitting ways their woolens fit them and complimented their curvaceous figures. (In the days before pilates.)

But that's because they weren't wearing sweaters that were warm and fuzzy – just warm. It's tricky attempting to stay warm – and willowy – at the same time. I once owned what was referred to lovingly as "a monkey sweater" – angora with knots that was vaguely gorilla looking. It must have had a plush a few inches thick. Yes, it was fluffy and puffy – but when I saw myself wearing it in a photo I nearly took to a career in airbrushing. My torso looked like a bush – not a tree.

So the question is – how to wear wool, stay warm, and still look like a woman, and not an Eskimo? Or even worse, a Polar bear.

This is what I've learned, of course, from making all the classic mistakes: (and everything listed is available on TheFind.com.)

Buy thinner sweaters – cardigans or pullovers – and layer them with camisoles (Target has great ones, looking oh so lacy peaking out of your cardi) or thin jersey t-shirts, especially by James Perse (Shopbop, Yoox, Bare Necessities, Target). Thin t shirts come in long sleeved and sleeveless versions, and add barely a millimeter of width to your sweater and your waistline – buts tons of tons of warmth. If you live in one of those REALLY cold climates or are going skiing, I suggest long sleeved silk t shirts (and leggings) available at Patagonia, Paragon, or any ski or sport goods store. This has been the best-kept secret of skiers for years – and have you ever seen any fat skiers? No, they all look ultra lean. Also, the newer sweaters are cut thin for the precise purpose of layering. And those older short sweaters – those Irish fisherman styles, crew necks from J. Crew, and Ralph Lauren cable sweaters (these look great in white or pastels) can look very new – even hip – worn over long stretchy thin t shirts by James Perse. Layer the look – even with two mis-matched colored t shirts – and throw on leggings or skinny jeans – and you've got a hip sleek look that only needs a parka or coat to top it off for a windy day on the slippery slope of life. (check out the thin sweaters on Banana Republic, Nordstrom, Brooks Brothers, Saks, and Shopbop, using TheFind.com)

If you buy waist length sweaters and you put on two pounds – well, don't, is all I have to say. So if you want to eat, buy longer sweaters and knits – and there are so so many this year. There are turtlenecks nearly to your knees and sweater tunics and oversized boyfriend cardigans (Nanette Lepore) that even have sequins. The oversized sometimes-called "grandfather cardis" can double as inner-wear under your coat, or outer wear over a dress or jeans when the temperature goes above fifty. (One great long turtleneck is by Bray Steve Alan at Yoox for $70.00)

If it's cold enough to wear a coat over your sweaters and tees, go for one that is shorter: from thigh grazing (Burberry's princess peplum skirt peacoat, $1295.00, and starting to go on sale), to just under your hips. A parka or shorter coat or long jacket will leave room for your skinny jeans, sleek black trousers or black tights under a dress to prove how shapely your legs are. So even if your upper body is padded down a bit, your lower body's shape is still on view and now widened to the size of a Mack truck. High heeled or mid heeled boots can even slim you more.

If you choose just to do a sweater coat (the Joie cherish long sweater coat for $355.00 at Saks.com is a pretty one) with no topper, layer it well, and bring out those old pashminas to add on extra warmth. They are so so out now – that they are actually back in. Even in mint green. I like the periwinkle on for $69.00 that's a silk blend at Pashmina Boutique, and the mustard colored 3 ply for $219.99.

Comments

[J.Brown]

Think I'll be wearing longer sweaters and knits this season.

[akademiks]

Great post, i like the way you said. very interesting. such a nice boots i love the style and design. very fashionable. keep it up!

-sidney-

[akademiks]

Oh! your post looks very interesting.. like you said i buy thinner sweaters and this is absolutely cool. it fits to my body. thanks for sharing this..

-sidney-