April 25th, 2010 by Steve Kim

Similar to a woman’s blazer, a sweater coat can dress up any outfit. Yet sweater coats are even more versatile and comfortable, and can be worn as outer wear, or inner wear. On a late fall or early spring day, a jacket is sometimes just too heavy. This is the perfect weather for a sweater coat. Most sweater coats are designed to look like regular coats with the only difference being the jacket material or fabric. Since sweater coats are usually made of wool or cotton, they provide a sufficient amount of warmth and comfort. It is especially ideal for those chilly fall afternoons and evenings. The sweater coat is something everyone’s wardrobe should include because it can be worn appropriately to a variety of occasions. And, because sweater coats are light they can be a great option for layering. One fatal mistake people can make with sweater coats is to get them too big.

If you do this, your sweater coat can look sloppy, robe-like and generally unflattering. In addition to making sure your sweater coat is not to big, make sure it is not too long either; a sweater jacket that is too long or too wide looks more like a blanket than a fashion item. Be wary of a belted robe style because that tends to make your sweater jacket look like a bathrobe.

It is usually safer to go with a belted sweater coat versus an unbelted style which can look too much like a bathrobe. Adding some volume to the sleeve can also help this look more fashionable and less like you wore your pajamas out in the public. Another plus to wearing a sweater coat is that you can bring them along without carrying too much bulk; especially in the summers when you are stuck in a place with heavy indoor air-conditioning. Your sweater coat, even if it is long, takes up much less room than an actual jacket making it just another reason why everyone must have one in their wardrobe.

A sweater coat can easily make or break your outfit in terms of style, color, texture, proportions, and fit. You are as stylish or well dressed as your sweater coat says you are! A sweater coat looks good when you wear it with a men’s dress shirt. When choosing your sweater coat make sure to pay attention to fit and color. Choose a sweater coat length by evaluating it from the front, not just the back. Be certain your sweater coat and tops do no hit you at the widest part of your body.

The sweater coat is part dressy; part casual, but completely comfortable. Why not add one to your wardrobe today. The author of this article is a frequent fashion columnist. Growing up in the less temperate climate of New York, this author has a long history of having to prepare for colder weather. She usually finds her sweater coats at Blaire, and recommends shopping here for blazers as well.

Steve is an expert on men’s dress shirt He has worked in fashion for 15 years. MSI