When you think of autumn, pumpkin lattes, Halloween and changing leaves may permeate your thoughts, but what are you likely to be wearing as you annually encounter these cold weather experiences? Even in your fantasies of fall, you are probably snuggled up in a cozy sweater. Sweaters are staples of the change in season—and for good reason. They are versatile, classy and can be made casual or dressy just by pairing them with the right accompanying articles of clothing and different matching accessories.

Read on to learn more about these classics and how to wear them fashionably and properly!

The Many Types of Sweaters

Let’s start with the basics. Here are some of the major sweater silhouettes that pop up in some form each year:

The Most Common Sweater Material

Material and its thickness, or gauge, make all the difference with sweaters. Lighter sweaters are perfect for layering, while thick sweaters make great tops all by themselves. That said, here are some of the most popular sweater fabrics:

Cashmere

As the most luxurious sweater material, cashmere is also quite delicate and necessitates special care, such as handwashing. Cashmere is so popular due to its many complementary characteristics. It is strong, yet soft and comfortable. It is also light and fine, while still being able to effectively maintain your body’s warmth.

Wool

There are many types of wool sweaters, and each has unique properties. These include merino wool, which wicks moisture from skin while regulating your body temperature, and sheep wool, which is used in heavier knits, but can be somewhat prickly.

Conversely, silky, soft alpaca wool is much less scratchy. Lacking the lanolin found in sheep wool, alpaca wool is also found to contain far less allergens. Lastly, the wool of angora rabbits is fluffy, yet smooth and is favored due to its soft texture.

Cotton

Cotton sweaters are versatile and easy to maintain since they are mostly “wash and wear” items. That said, they probably need air drying to prevent shrinkage. While they do tend to provide less warmth than the aforementioned materials, they are usually more affordable and accessible.

Synthetic Blends

Nylons, polyesters and acrylics are synthetic, man-made materials that are not usually used on their own, but are instead blended with natural fibers in order to lower the prices and increase the durability of sweaters. Also, the use of these materials allows the sweaters to be safely machine washed.

How Should a Women’s Sweater Fit?

There are many differences between a man’s typical sweater and a woman’s. Besides a distinction in size, due to the genders' different builds, the shapes of men’s and women’s sweaters are completely unique, since their body shapes differ extraordinarily. Rather than a square, boxy shape, ladies need sweaters that contour to their bodies' curves and cling to their skin. Sweaters should not be loose unless the style calls for it.

Proper sweater fit is really important when it comes to looking completely put together. That is why the following list of proportion points should come in handy when sweater shopping:

What About Oversized and Cropped Sweaters?

Of course, oversized sweaters have a different silhouette, and this leads to different dimensions that break all the rules listed above. First of all, being oversized is the general style of such garments, and they should still be purchased in your usual size. They may slink off the shoulders, be longer than average and drape in distinctive ways, but that is what they were fashioned for.

Cropped sweaters have a much shorter hem and sometimes the sleeves’ length follows suit. Again, these sweater choices are outside the usual guidelines when it comes to finding a fit that flatters. Just know that you should stick to your regular size when purchasing.

Which Sweaters Best Fit Different Body Styles?

Know that the best sweaters for any body type are those that fit the specific body type best. It cannot be stated enough how important it is to find the most appropriate fit. Here is each body type, and the corresponding most appropriate sweater, broken down:

Pear Figures

Pears carry most of their weight in the buttocks and the hips, so embellishments toward the tops of sweaters and eye-catching necklines are best. These styles divert attention from the lower parts of the body. Scoop necks and boat necks draw eyes to the shoulder zone primarily. And, don’t count out cowl necks and turtlenecks that also beg to be noticed while distracting from the hips. Chunky knits may balance your natural shape, as do longer lines.

Apple Figures

Apple gals carry excess weight in the middle and lack a definitive waist. That is why sweaters that are loose in the torso area, such as empire styles and waterfall cardigans, are very flattering. Just be sure they are long enough to hit the hip bone, as this will elongate your figure. If the sweater is a bit tighter in the arms, this makes for a stunning contrast as well.

U-necks and v-necks capture onlookers’ attention and distract from the waist. For a luxurious look, try a v-neck in cashmere. The material is thinner and light as air, as opposed to chunky knits that add bulk where you really don’t want it.

Rectangle Figures

Rectangular ladies have the same measurements around their waists, busts and hips. It is best to draw attention to the neck and shoulder areas with a turtleneck or another type of design. Chunky knits also add dimension to the upper half of the body that is otherwise not there. Try a crew neck to widen the top half of the body. However, if you have broad shoulders, a v-neck is a better alternative

Hourglass Figures

Curvy hips, thin waists and large busts are what makes an hourglass figure. Long cardigans or oversized styles with belts accentuate petite waists and downplay chests and hips.

A light, body-skimming style is also sure to look lovely, especially with either a scooped neckline or a v-neck. Just avoid crew necks which will emphasize your busts and will make you appear stumpy.

Plus-sized Figures

Not all sweaters are flattering to plus-sized women. However, longer sweaters, especially long cardigans and tunic sweaters, are quite attractive on these body types. They create a hard, vertical line that flatters the body, making it sleeker. Fitted sweaters can work as well, as long as they are not too tight. They provide a waistline where there really is no definition.

V-necks, boat-necks and wrap styles open up your neckline, decrease your busts and soften your shoulders. Avoid turtlenecks and mock turtlenecks that do the opposite.

Petite Figures

If you are petite, which means you are on the shorter side and your body is in proportion to your height, you should avoid both longer and oversized sweater styles. This is so you don’t appear to be drowning in fabric. As a matter of fact, cropped sweaters will look great on you.

Also, avoid dolman sleeves, commonly referred to as the “batwing.” While your sweater doesn’t need to be skintight, it is best that it is fitted so your body does not appear to be overwhelmed in material. These sleeves are made from an abundance of fabric, and, for you, it may be too much.

Your measurements must be taken into consideration. Try higher shoulders, shorter sleeves and hems, and camouflage your height with a v-neck, known for stretching you vertically. Also, if you belt your sweater, use a skinny belt, as wide belts isolate and shorten the upper body.

How Do Women Wear Sweaters?

How Do you Accessorize a Sweater?

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In conclusion, there are many types of sweaters, based on style and fabric. Each can be accessorized, layered or matched to create different styles and outfits. Hopefully, this guide can help you style the many types of sweaters.