As winter approaches in the northern hemisphere, many of us are digging out our sweaters from the backs of our closets to prepare for the cold.  Not only can sweaters help to keep us warm throughout bone-chilling winters, they can be very stylish as well, if you know what to wear and how to wear it.

Sweaters are a basic item in women’s wardrobes.  The key to pulling the look off is wearing a fitted sweater that flatters your figure instead of a bulky sweater.  Fitted sweaters are very versatile.  They can be paired with jeans, skirts, or slacks.  For work, you can wear them with a blazer or with a blouse underneath.

Wear your fitted sweaters with a lightly padded bra with smooth cups.  Form-fitting sweaters look best with smooth cup bras because they minimize bulk and make your bust look more shapely.  To smooth and shape your entire figure, wear form-fitting undergarments with your sweaters.

If you love how warm wool sweaters are but hate the way the feel against your skin, try wearing a silk camisole underneath.  Silk camisoles add an extra protective layer without creating bulk.  If you have sensitive skin, wear sweaters made of cotton and silk, or blends that contain lycra.  You may also enjoy the softness and luxuriousness of a cashmere sweater.

If you want to add a touch of glamor to your fitted sweater, pair it with some jewelry.  Just remember to put your jewelry on last because knit sweaters can snag.  For a laid back afternoon of grocery shopping or a walk in the park, you can wear your sweater with a pair of flats for a more casual look.

When shopping for sweaters, make sure to go to the right department to find a sweater that fits you properly.  Women of all shapes and sizes should avoid big, bulky sweaters and stick with sweaters that are form-fitting.  Sweaters with v-necklines are universally flattering.

If you have a triangle shaped figure, a boatneck sweater can give your shoulders a broader appearance, and if you have broad shoulders, you can wear sweaters that wrap around the front and have a cinch waist.

Women with big busts should not attempt to hide behind bulky sweaters, but rather draw attention away from their bust by wearing a fitted waistband along with their sweater.  The best types of necklines for women with big busts are v-necks.

If you have a long torso, you can make your legs look longer by wearing a cut away sweater.  Sweaters with broaches or embroidery around the neckline can also take attention away from your long torso.

Women who have large bellies should avoid clingy sweaters.   If you want to appear slimmer, wear a twinset and leave it open.  You can even find “fake” twinsets that just have a piece of fabric sewn to the front.

If you have a long neck, wear high, fitted turtlenecks.  If you have a short neck, wear mock turtlenecks, which have a collar that’s lower than a turtleneck and not turned over.

Do you have any additional tips for making sweaters look more fashionable?  If so, please share in the comments section!