Finally, a Fashion Trend We Can Cozy Up To

By Bee-Shyuan Chang
November 18, 2010

Alexander Wang, Michael Kors, D&G

Alexander Wang Spring Summer 2010 (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images); Michael Kors Fall 2010 (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz); D&G Autumn/Winter 2010 (Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images)

It's the time of year to get cozy, and this year, we mean to extend the snuggled-up feeling to our wardrobes. Last year's bodycon dresses are still great for a night out, but we're all breathing a little easier (literally!) with this season's comfy sweats and loose chunky knits. But unless you're willing to relive your sloppier college freshman days, the look is something more polished. "Sweatpants are the best way to stay warm in winter," NYC-based stylist Julie Ragolia, whose work includes spreads in Interview and W magazines, said. "But pairing them with heels provides an amazing, unexpected fashion twist," she suggested.

While the trend kicked off with Spring 2010's slouchy grey sweatshirts and pants, as seen at Alexander Wang and Rag & Bone, it has really hit its stride this season. Some good options are in stores now, including Stella McCartney's heather gray jersey sweatpants with a smattering of gold-tone studs. And Alexander Wang's popular "T" line offers everything from a nautical stripe sweatshirt to tailored black sweatpants with leather trim. (On eBay, when we compared items with the listing term "sweatpants" over a recent 15-day period (10/28-11/11) with a 15-day period six months prior, we found that listings were up 64 percent and sales were up 93 percent.)

On the sweater side of things, D&G offered up some gorgeous fair isle sweaters on its fall-winter 2010 runway. Michael Kors had luxurious knit pieces for the season too, often layered in classic camel and charcoal. For taking the trend to real-life, here are our favorite tips for staying stylishly cozy this winter.

Go Unisex—Skinny Sweatpants
Why stick with just jeans? Borrow your boyfriend's sweats too. "My favorite this winter are an overdyed plaid pair from Petrou/Man," Ragolia told us. "They're actually men's pants, but fit women just as well. And they're lined so are extra warm." To avoid looking like you've just rolled out of bed, look for a tailored-in hem (in both men's or women's styles) or enough stretch for a skinny fit. They'll make sense paired with a heel when you want to take your comfy pieces out on the town.

Roll over items for details

Seven 7 Red Sweatpant Leggings

(buy it now price, $12.99)

Men's Gray Half Sweatpants

(buy it now price, $21)

Vanessa Bruno Cropped Sweatpants

(buy it now price, $118.25)

Finally, a Fashion Trend We Can Cozy Up To

Sporty Lady—Cropped Sweatshirts
For a sporty feel, pair a printed skirt with a simple sweatshirt. Slightly cropped styles generally work best; they come off as more feminine than your usual oversize collegiate sweats.

NEW Splendid XS Boatneck Sweatshirt

(buy it now price, $32.90)

T28 Open-Back Cropped Sweatshirt

(buy it now price, $55.29)

Monrow Cropped Kangaroo Pocket Sweatshirt

(buy it now price, $50)

Mix Substantial and Slight—Chunky Cardigans
Aside from keeping warm, sweaters are all about texture, and we're loving the bigger gauge knits this winter. Though a pull-over can work well, cardigans are a functional must-have for going from the chilly outdoors to offices where the heater blasts away throughout the day. Throw on a chunky cardigan over a slinky silk dress and you'll have a pretty play on contrasts.

Vintage 70s Chunky Bell Sleeve Cardigan

(buy it now price, $67)

NEW Abercrombie Women's Wool Cable Knit Cardigan

(buy it now price, $99)

NEW Anthropologie Joie Cardigan Sweater Coat

(buy it now price, $245)

Pattern Play—Fair Isle
Nothing quite says wintry fashion like a fair isle knit. Try the ski lodge favorite on the city streets with sweater dresses and knit accessories. They'll go a long way in getting you in the snow drift spirit.

Fair Isle Winter Scarf

(buy it now price, $7)

Ralph Lauren Blue Label Fair Isle Sweater Dress

(buy it now price, $199.99)

L.L. Bean Fair Isle Lambswool Scarf

(buy it now price, $48)

Knit Tights—Sweater Tights and Wool Tights
An easy way to stay warm and on-trend without going overboard on heavy sweaters is layering over knit tights. Choose a wool or cashmere blend for the most warmth and pay attention to the lycra content. You'll want a pair that holds its shape. You can't go wrong with a vertically ribbed style in a dark hue (the long lines help lengthen the leg), but ladies with mile-high gams can try a cable knit or prep school chic argyle pattern.