Do you have one of these in your closet? I did until yesterday.
It’s 100% wool, can be layered over anything, and when I turn sideways, it makes me look ginormous.
I’ve read that with my body shape, I should wear medium-drape to fluid fabrics. In the past, I’ve thought, “That’s well and good for summer, fall and spring, but what about winter? You need something thick and bulky for winter!” That’s why I’ve held onto this sweater for 11 years. In that time, I’ve been through a couple of blizzards and taken a few ski trips, but I’ve NEVER worn this sweater.
Yesterday, I decided to clear some drawer space and say goodbye to my bulky brown sweater. I choose to believe that there are medium-drape and fluid fabrics that the busty woman can wear to stay warm in the winter. It may involve layering, but it can be done. See, for example, the grandfather cardigan that I bought at Anthropologie last year in the third photo of this post.
I’ll be keeping my eyes out for more ways to keep warm in the winter without adding bulk. What have you found so far this year?
I had just said to myself that I was giving up on sweaters (unless they are of natural fabrics such as merino wool and cashmere that my bank account can only dream of for now) because I find them scratchy and unflattering! I am in the midst of a wardrobe challenge (Project 333 if anyone’s interested) and realized that no matter how cold it was I was avoiding the two sweaters I had. Cardigans and tees for me!
Thanks for telling us about Project 333. I just looked it up and can’t wait to find some time to delve into it.
And you’re right–no matter how low the temperature gets, I’m going to find an alternative to this brown sweater to keep me warm.
I have five sweaters that are shaped like the brown one you are wearing, but are much more colorful. I wear them to go to class. To me there is nothing quite so comforting on a cold day as throwing on one of those huge sweaters, even though I know they make me look ginormous.
I have this wrap around shrug from Biubiu (Polish clothing company for full bust women) that is extremely flattering. It really separates the bust and defines the waist nicely. It is also very warm, despite being thin, and is made from 100% wool. You may want to check them out.
http://biubiu.pl/tops/long_sleeve/black_shrug.html
It may be a student thing–I wore my brown sweater ALL THE TIME in law school.
Thanks for the BiuBiu shrug tip! I’ve just placed an order for 3 dresses from them. Wish I’d realized how great the shrug was before I did that.
This is my best find so far, wool mixture jersey <3
http://curveissa.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/0271.jpg
and belting up helps with warm and cosy cardis 🙂
http://curveissa.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/2011-11-23.jpg
I like your first find–does it have a sort of V-pattern down the front?
I have this sweater from Pepperberry/Bravissimo:
http://www.bravissimo.com/pepperberry/products/sale/tops/long-sleeve/grosgrain-tape-cardi/dusky-pink/qu09dp/?show=16&sort=1
It’s rather thin and it’s 100% cotton, so I don’t know how long it’s going to last but I really love the shape of it. It’s got some neat detailing to the back and sides that create a very nice shape. But like I said, it’s just not that thick. However, it works for me as I live in Florida. The shape is fantastic, I just wish there were more colors and fabric choices.
I never noticed this on their site! Waaah! Are you saying you can button it w/o pulling? And when you leave it open, does it stay over your bust instead of following to the sides like a curtain?
They should make this a constant in their collection in a ton of colors.
Oh, it does stay closed and that’s no easy feat when you’re a 36JJ!!! I’ve never left it open to be honest. It’s got large plastic snaps under the grosgrain ribbon and I don’t know if that would look too good. But I will give it a try!
I wish they’d offer it in more colors too. And I would go down a size. I got the 18SC, but I think a 16SC would look even better.
Since it seems to be fashionable at the moment to wear long, rather thin cardigans without buttons I wear these a lot over tight fitting tops. It’s kind of okay and not too bulky. You can always wear a belt with them.
For extra warmth I use large scarfs, fake fur collars, wrist/arm warmers and … i don’t know how these things are called in English, so here’s a link:
http://www.amazon.de/kidneykaren-Nierenw%C3%A4rmer-das-Original/dp/B0013XUM1A
Basically you can also use an old elastic T-shirt/tanktop and cut off the sleeves/straps.
Great suggestions, and it makes for a lot of variety. I find I get very bored of my wardrobe by the end of the winter.