Sweaters: Now Bigger and Better Than Ever

With all the talk about spring trends surrounding the current Fashion Week season, it's easy to forget that we're about to enter Fall. We think it's time to shift our focus to fall trends! And this year we at Sun Valley Alpaca Co. are especially excited for our favorite season because everyone is talking about piling on the knits. This fall and winter, sweaters are going to be BIG, literally. If you don't take our word for it, check out this recent article in the Wall Street Journal.

Earlier this year I traveled to Las Vegas to attend MAGIC with Kim, our company's founder and head designer. There we were able to attend trend forecasting seminars and peruse the upcoming collections up close and personal. Of course we were over the moon to hear knits being touted as perhaps the trend of Fall/Winter 2014!

Fashion forecasters think we owe this to the ridiculously frigid winter experienced in many areas last year. As the fall collections showed in February, New Yorkers were experiencing freezing snow and dreaming of being wrapped in the warmest layers imaginable. Luckily for them, the designers delivered and so when the next Snowmageddon comes around, they'll be ready! 

Knits shown on the Fall '14 runways were luxuriously big and voluminous, hand knit in subdued neutrals. 

Helmut Lang

Michael Kors

The Row

Vera Wang

Erdem

Giles

Stella McCartney

Image Sources: First Image: Wall Street Journal, Runway Images via Style.com

Now we recognize that some of these looks may seem like a little much for those who aren't walking the runways in their daily lives, but talk about some serious knitspiration! When styling a bulky knit for more practical wear, just remember that it's all about balance! We recommend pairing an oversized sweater with skinny pants or a pencil skirt. And although it would be gloriously comfortable, not many of us can pull off head to toe knit looks. This shouldn't stop you from experimenting with rich textures! Try wearing knits alongside leather, (friendly) fur, or lace.

One advantage of wearing alpaca knits is that even the heaviest, bulkiest alpaca sweater you can find, although it will keep you warm and toasty, is more lightweight and breathable that other alternatives like cashmere or wool. Some Sun Valley Alpaca Co. pieces that will put you right on trend in the upcoming seasons are our Lauren Poncho, Mission Cocoon Pullover, Oversized Drop Shoulder Dream Sweater, and Taylor Turtleneck. For men, check out our August Rush Pullover, Josh Thick Knit Two-Tone Pullover, Montana Bulky Zip Neck Pullover, and Richmond Cardigan. 

We wish you all a happy fall-- have fun piling on the knits!