Whether we short people like it or not, cropped tops are coming back into style. Luckily for those of us who are over 25, these cropped sweaters are usually shown over a long, light layer, so at least you don’t have to have 6-pack abs to wear them. And, now, think about this: a sweater that ends 8″ below the underarms instead of 14 – 16″. How fast would that be to knit?? And, if it’s top-down, keep an extra ball or two of yarn, then when the style is over, you can take out the bind-off, add those extra inches and make a regular-length sweater. Still not convinced it’s a great idea? Well, it’s definitely a change, and something to freshen up your style. These photos come from style.com.
Max Azria: (What a beautiful little sweater, isn’t it?)
Top Shop:
Elizabeth and James:
Chanel: (For your slutty inner cowgirl)
Altuzarra didn’t crop so much, but still layered:
Sportmax went short here:
and long here:
This tabard vest is in my comfort zone, and it would be a simple knit.
The following photos are from Ravelry, and I confess that I haven’t knit any of these so I’m not necessarily recommending the patterns, just looking at styles right now. Check reviews and comments before you buy!!
Here is a complicated version of a tabard vest from Lion Brand. (It’s lovely, but the pattern does not get good reviews.)
Andi Satterlund has designed several cropped styles which would look very modern with a bit more ease:
The Minimalist Sweater combines a cropped shape with an elliptical hemline:
Another simple design:
This is SpinCycle Yarns’ version of a Berroco design called Nijo, a pretty summer look:
And I love this openwork cardigan for summer. This has been a favorite of mine since it appeared on Ravelry, and I hope to knit it in the next month or so!
Do you have summer knitting plans? Sweaters or small projects? We’re working on some great classes for next session that will inspire you to keep on knitting despite (oh, please) warmer temperatures.
One more fall fashion trend next week, one you’ll love, I think…
