This holiday season might have sparked retailers to create a wave of cheesy and ugly christmas sweaters, but don’t just simply dismiss them as chunky articles of clothing that you wear because the weather is chilly. When worn properly, this humble article of clothing can actually command enough attention on its own, allowing you to achieve a smart-casual look that is both stylish and well put together.

Throw aside whatever preconceived notion you have about sweaters because we are going to unravel the deal about sweater and show you can exploit them for more than just its functionality during this sweater weather season.

1. Keep it monochrome
Try starting off by keeping to the fail-safe method of going monochrome. The classic pairing of black on black or black and white makes for something that is timeless, while allowing you to achieve a minimalist look that is clean and understated.

2. Match it with your pants
Another way of making sure you don’t look like a knitting project gone wrong is to match the colour of your sweater with your pants. Keep them in the same hue for a look that’s easy on the eye or opt for complementary colours for something more eye catching. Either way, you’ll have a colour story that’s well thought out and an outfit that’s harmonious.

3. Turn up the drama
Perfect for those who are adventurous, create a powerful look that commands attention with a statement sweater. Playing with patterns, prints or colour is an easy way to dress up your outfit while looking fresh and fun. The trick is to pair these bold statement pieces with neutrals to achieve a balanced yet fashion-forward look.

4. Try over-sized 
Do not be too caught up with fit issues when it comes to sweaters. In certain cases, going a few sizes up from what you usually wear can really make a difference. To achieve this look that strikes the right balance between cool and cosy, keep your bottom half slim and tapered to accommodate for a baggy top.

5. Play with textures 
Sometimes, the devil’s in the detail and a great way to inject some visual interest to your usual sweater without going too bold and over-the-top is to mix up the tactile details. Choose fabrics that have interesting textures to add another dimension while creating a more dynamic look.

How do you like your sweaters? Let us know in the comments section down below!