Confession time… I have a contentious relationship with sweaters. Yes, I’m aware that knitwear is an unspoken requirement for building a winter wardrobe. And there are some knitwear styles that I can’t imagine living without—e.g., striped jumpers, turtlenecks, and cashmere knits. But to say that all sweaters are created equal would be a flat-out lie. If we’re all honest, some can be, well, downright frumpy. When living in an ultra-cold climate (albeit New York City, Paris, or Copenhagen), the last thing you want is for your clothing to make you feel any worse than the weather. Sadly, oversized sweaters do just that. So what’s a girl to do? Start by ditching the dowdy sweater silhouttes.
Don’t get it twisted; there’s a time and place for oversized knits. But if you’re reading this story, chances are you’ve fretted over how non-flattering your knitwear looks for hours. Luckily, there’s a solution: off-the-shoulder sweaters. As simple as it might sound, choosing this stylish silhouette over other more “practical” styles can make a world of difference. Need proof? Ahead, you’ll find a few examples of how fashion people wear this knitwear—spoiler: they come in every form from bodysuits to dresses. Plus, I’ve compiled the 36 best off-the-shoulder sweaters based on quality, versatility, relevance, and various price points. If ever you needed the inspiration to finally say “girl, bye” to your unflattering sweater, consider this is your green flag.
