What Sweater Is Best for Your Body Type? We Asked a Stylist

As the weather turns chilly, the chance to wrap ourselves up in our favorite sweaters again is a bright spot. But not all sweaters are created equal, especially when it comes to choosing a style that best fits your body type. Fabric, shape, sleeve length, even neckline matters when it comes to finding the most flattering fit. That’s why we consulted Katie Collins, a wardrobe stylist who has dressed everyone from Nicole Kidman to Kerry Washington. Here, she shares how to select the style that’s best suited for your shape. (Also note that these are simply suggestions from a pro for folks in search of the most flattering options; you can—and should—wear whatever sweater makes you happy.)

RELATED: The 6 Rules for Wearing a Sweater in 2021

If You’re Apple-Shaped: Keep It Classic

Trends—like big shoulders or bell sleeves—are tempting, but for those with a fuller mid-section, it’s better to keep things simple and steer clear of sweater details that add additional bulk, Collins explains. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have options: Simple silhouettes can be flattering either oversized or fitted, especially if you add a French tuck.

Get the look: Jenni Kayne cocoon cardigan ($445); Everlane crew ($100); Sézane jumper ($125)

If You’re Pear-Shaped: Prioritize a Pretty Neckline

Necklines can be a huge asset for anyone who is pear-shaped, says Collins. “It draws attention to your shoulders, your neck and your beautiful face,” she explains. Her style preference is a V-neck or a boatneck. From there, you can either opt for an untucked sweater if you’re more comfortable covering up or tuck your top into high-waist pants to highlight your narrowest part.

Get the look: French Connection sweater ($128; $77); Halogen tunic sweater ($69; $46); Everlane cashmere polo ($145); Jenni Kayne fisherman sweater ($395)

If You’re Tall: Play with Length

With stature comes more variety. Case in point: Sweater length. “A lot of my clients are 5’11 or 6’ and they can pull off some pretty dramatic shapes and lengths,” Collins says. “A long sweater is so chic, especially one that hits right above the ankle. Pair it with a cropped jean and a boot and it’s almost like a coat, but in sweater form.” Or you could also go short. Collins says that cropped sweaters that hit right above the belly button also work if you’re tall. “At the end of the day, it all comes down to balance,” she says. (If you are a tall gal rocking a cropped sweater, you can create said balance by pairing it with high-waist, wide-leg pants.)

Get the look: Naked Cashmere pullover ($350); Open Edit cardigan ($69); Reformation crop sweater ($198)

If You’re Petite: Experiment with Embellishments

A nipped-in waist, a big shoulder—these are the details that can make the sweater you choose feel much more tailored to you, explains Collins. Skip the bigger, longer cardigans—which can drown your frame in too much fabric—and instead opt for designs that have a bit of detailing. “I think it’s nice to draw attention to the shoulders or your waist,” she says.

Get the look: Boden collar sweater ($120); Sézane jumper ($145); Cuyana sweater ($275)

If You’re Large-Chested: A Fitted Silhouette Works

It may seem counterintuitive, but a fitted sweater can be one of the prettiest ways to play up your shape. Collins says again that the neckline is where you want to mix things up. “A mock turtleneck would be a beautiful shape to try, or you could do a really classic neckline, like a crewneck, that lifts the eyes up and gives a little bit more space.” (For reference, Collins is a fan of slouching or rolling the neck just once, 80s-style.)

Get the look: Everlane turtleneck sweater ($150); J. Crew sweater ($138; $105); Club Monaco sweater ($199)

If You’re Small-Chested: Try an Off-the-Shoulder Moment

The fact that you can get away with not wearing a bra is kind of a gift, Collins says. That’s where an off-the-shoulder style—or other asymmetrical necklines—could be fun to try. “That’s super sexy and chic,” she adds.

Get the look: Naked Cashmere sweater ($125); Aritzia sweater ($168); Endless Rose sweater ($70)

3 Universal Sweater Styling Tips to Keep in Mind:

Consider the fabric type. At the need of the day, it’s all about what makes you feel good and comfortable, Collins explains, but staying away from bulkier wools is a pro when seeking a more figure-flattering style. “I’m partial to a cashmere or a cashmere blend since it’s really well-suited to every body type and feels like a second skin,” she adds.

Layer like the French. The French Instagrammers really nail it—they wear sweaters over a tucked-in turtleneck or collared shirt or underneath a coat. Those details matter, says Collins. “Take a white dress shirt: You can push up the sweater sleeves so the shirt sleeves peek out. It’s very chic,” she says.

Keep the color palette neutral. Collins is a huge fan of the “capsule wardrobe”—the idea that everything in your closet can be mixed and matched. “Trends pass pretty quickly, then you’ve got all this extra stuff in your closet that you probably aren’t going to use,” she says. Her color preference? Black, gray, cream, navy and a neutral beige—that way, you can pair those with almost any other thing you own.

RELATED: 15 Cute Fall Sweaters to Keep You Cozy All Season Long

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