Sweaters have long been the mecca item of throw-on-and-go outfits, resigning women everywhere to equate this easy menswear look with an abandoned effort to dress up.
Fret not, ladies – we’ve laid out six outfits to turn this classic college look into a classy one.
1. Bart Simpson Sweater
If you’re not ready for the full-on GQ man makeover, you can start off with baby (boy) steps with fun printed sweaters. This adorable Bart Simpson print injects just enough youth into an otherwise stiff look.
Iris wears an adorable Bart Simpson print sweater with a bright red beanie
Crank up the casual factor by pairing it with ripped skinny jeans, Doc Martens, and a bright beanie.
Shop Iris of Fashion Zen’s look. Her blog is unfortunately no longer available online:
Jeremy Pullover With Round Neckline, $29 / Mango Skinny Ripped Jeans, £34.99 / Doc Martens Leyton Leather Sneaker, $80
2. Knit Sweater and Floral Shirt
If you’re more the effeminate type of man, then soft silhouettes are probably more your thing.
Nora styled ripped boyfriend jeans with a knit sweater pulled over a floral print shirt
A knit sweater pulled over a floral print shirt and paired with ripped boyfriend jeans create the perfect femme feel without straying too far from the menswear arena. Finish the look off with off-white oxfords or wingtips.
Shop Nora Aradi‘s look:
Vila Knitted Jumper, £45.00 / Johnny Was Women’s Stacy A Print Top, $178 / High Waist Jeans With Cut Out, $78.99 / Doc Martens 1461 in Off White, $104.95
3. Vertical Striped Pants
Throw on an updated chic streetwear look by substituting your usual jeans with printed trousers, such as these vertical striped pair. Play around with statement sweaters to offset the formal prints.
Ebba wears vertical striped pants with a statement sweater
Tuck your pant hems into high-cut ridged boots for an effortlessly masculine finish. Beanies and statement earrings are a plus.
Shop Ebba of Ebba Zingmark’s look:
Acne Studios Lupine Sleeves Intarsia Wool Sweater, $353 / Suno Cropped Navy Striped Pants, $695 / I Love Shoes Thactile, €59
4. Oversized Turtleneck and Draped Skirt
This look is definitely more lenient when it comes to feminine elements.
Michèle styled her a draped skirt with chunky wooden heels
Combine a soft, oversized turtleneck knit with a draped skirt and chunky wooden heels. Add structure to the entire look by throwing on a tailored coat and a fedora hat.
Shop Michèle of The Fashion Fraction‘s look:
Zuvia Marled Turtleneck Sweater, $425 / Topshop Boyfriend Tailored Coat by Jovonnista, £95 / Larose Fedora Hat, £186 / Senso Queste in Black Kid, $259.95
5. A-Line Skirt and Leather Shoes
This is one of our favorite androgynous throw-and-go Alexa Chung-inspired looks. While a sweater paired with an A-line skirt and leather shoes may not exactly be groundbreaking, we love the play on colors in this ensemble.
Doina wore a fedora with a sweater, an A-line skirt, and leather shoes
Combine formal colors with fun hues, such as this navy blue and mint green combination, for a fresh take on this classic. Don’t forget your fedora.
Shop Doina of The Golden Diamonds’ look. Her blog is unfortunately no longer available online:
Topshop Knitted Chunky Bobble Jumper, £36.00 / Steffen Schraut Soho Skirt in Navy, £145 / 10 Crosby Derek Lam Pointed Toe Smoking Flats in Arty, $295
6. Leather Jacket and Soft Sweater
Nothing says handsome more like a good leather jacket pair (okay, maybe a perfectly-fitted suit puts up a mean fight for the crown as well). Wear your leather over a soft print sweater to balance out the boy-girl feel.
Jane styled a leather jacket with jeans and black booties
You may opt to layer another shirt underneath to play around with textures, taking it even further with a good pair of acid-washed jeans. Finish the look with a gold-accented pair of boots.
Shop Jane of Sneak + Peak‘s look:
Acne Studios Long Sleeve Sweater, $430 / Zara Front Bib Shirt, $49.90 / Can’t Fade Me Skinny Jeans, $58.00 / Jeffrey Campbell Deloise Boot, $212