Short-sleeve sweaters are not only trendy, but practical, the perfect style for transitional weather.
"I love, love, love short-sleeve sweaters," says Lindsay Huggins, senior fashion-market editor for Self magazine. "They are becoming a wardrobe staple. They are fun to wear, especially at this time of year when you want something because it's chilly, but if the sweater is too long, then you are too hot."
Sweaters are evolving into silhouettes that mimic other garments in a woman's wardrobe, says Gregg Andrews, Nordstrom's fashion director.
"You will be seeing a lot of them resembling knit tunics that can be comfortable and cozy and not so clingy," he says. "They might have more of a sporty feeling. The short-sleeve sweater comes in many styles and shapes, such as some with pocket details or patch pockets, zipper fronts, cowl necks, or drop shoulders. And they are wonderful layering pieces, similar to a jacket."
Wear them on their own or pair them with a soft blouse or tailored shirt, and they can do double duty.
"Like so many trends we are seeing . . . things we are familiar with are being reinvented and tweaked with new details that make them look fresh and new and different," Andrews says.
These short-sleeve garments come in many lengths. Some have more of a boxy shape, which looks best with skinny pants or a pencil skirt, while others are more fitted and perfect for pairing with a belt. Just be sure of the correct proportion of the belt to the sweater, Andrews says. A skinnier belt works better with shorter sweaters.
Other options include H&M's short-sleeve sweater dress and a wide-neck, short-sleeve cropped angora version designed by Diane von Furstenberg that is available at shopbop.com. Lengths of these sweaters range from short to hip-length.
Knits in general are important for fall, says Kate Dimmock, People Style Watch fashion director, who agrees with Andrews that they are wonderful layering pieces.
The big, chunky knit is a great look, for example, but you can get the same weight and texture in a short-sleeve version that can be more comfortably worn indoors, Dimmock says.
A classic ivory color is trendy, as well as hues such as mustard, brown, wine, and gray. Neutrals work best for these sweaters, she says, especially the textured choices, because bright and bold colors might be too much. Some of the short-sleeve sweaters this fall have a '50s vibe, Dimmock says.
A cashmere version will look great and never go out of style, Huggins says, and is worth the extra cost. She likes to wear one over a chiffon print dress with tights and boots. She says those that hit at the waist are the ideal silhouette.