Wear Slouchy Sweaters Without Looking Like A Slob

When the weather outside boasts an aggressive pairing of gusty winds and bone-chilling temperatures, the last thing you want is to pull on a kicky silk minidress or tight-fitting knit crop top. Enter the slouchy sweater, whose existence is the panacea to winter chills and excessive snowfall. Whether cable knit or cashmere, the slouchy sweater is a celebrity staple, and for a good reason: celebrities know how to rock their oversized knits without looking like they've given up on fashion due to plummeting temperatures.

Based on the ensembles worn by such trend-setters as Miranda Kerr and Blake Lively, the key to mastering the slouchy sweater is to pair the style with streamlined, elegant pieces that balance out its laid-back feel. In addition, a relaxed sweater paired with unkempt hair and an unwashed face won't win you any style points; the look is about warmth and relaxed luxury, not a renouncement of your will to style a beautiful look. And with the ominous promise of another Polar Vortex looming on the horizon, it's safe to bet you'll be living in your slouchy knits until April of next year. Read on for five celebrity-inspired ways to wear slouchy sweaters this winter.

1. THROW ON A MINI SKIRT AND HEELS

If you're committed to a bulky silhouette on top, try selecting a mini skirt that shows off your shape instead of a bulky midi skirt on the bottom. Mindy Kaling perfectly demonstrated the look with her lipstick-printed sweater and red mini skirt, a look the Mindy Project star polished off with strappy black heels. Stay away from school girl territory by choosing a mini skirt that hits mid-thigh or knee length.

2. ADD A SEQUINED SKIRT

How does one take a bulky sweater from drab to chic? By adding a sequined skirt, of course! Ashley Madekwe dressed up her soft black sweater with a sequined pencil skirt and peep-toe heeled sandals, which could easily double as the ideal holiday soiree look.

3. PAIR WITH A MINI DRESS AND BOOTIES

If you're wearing a grandpa sweater to run errands on a relaxed Saturday afternoon, the last thing you want to pair it with is distressed, baggy boyfriend jeans unless you'd like to be mistaken for your boyfriend himself. Instead, throw on your grandpa sweater over a silk mini dress and heeled booties. Those who inhabit colder climates can add thick woolen stockings for extra warmth.

4. MATCH WITH SKINNY JEANS

Master the most simple of laid-back ensembles by matching a relaxed-fit sweater to a pair of faded skinny jeans. Alexa Chung executed the look to perfection by adding on lightly tousled waves and a streamlined black clutch.

5. ADD BLACK CIGARETTE PANTS OR LEATHER SKINNY JEANS

Olivia Palermo rarely has a style misstep, and in this case, she hit another sartorial home-run with her bulky, printed sweater. The fashion icon paired her thigh-length sweater with a pair of ultra-fitted, black cigarette pants and black peep-toe heels, emphasizing her toned physique while maintaining optimal coziness.

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