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If thinking of a zip-up sweater conjures images of drab hoodies with no shape to them, then you're in for a pleasant surprise! Zip-ups have become super popular because they're easy to take on and off and they're a great complementary layer to all different styles of outfits. Whether you love athleisure or are looking for a way to keep warm without committing to wearing a coat, the zip-up is a versatile piece you should definitely add to your closet.

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    Add a versatile staple to your wardrobe with a monochrome zip-up. Zip-ups with logos definitely have their place in your wardrobe, but for a more stylish outfit that can transition from one outing to the next, opt for a sweater that is free of team or college names. If you want some texture or design, look for a zip-up that has specks, flecks, or a knitted pattern.[1]

    • You can add a simple zip-up to tons of different kinds of outfits. It can transition with you from a day at the office, to a night out with friends, to your next workout or grocery run.

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    Keep cool while you exercise with a sweat-wicking zip-up. A zip-up sweater makes it super easy for you to shed a layer if you get warm during your workout. Look for a sweater made of a polyester blend, polypropylene, or even merino wool.[2]

    • There are tons of brands that sell fashionable workout and athleisure gear. You shouldn't have a problem finding a fit and color that you love.

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    Choose a knit or fleece zip-up to stay warm during the cooler months. Look for bulkier, thicker sweaters if you need something to wear while you're walking outdoors in the fall or if you want something fashionable but don't want to commit to a coat. If you get too warm, you can always unzip the sweater to get some air or take it off completely.[3]

    • Some zip-up sweaters even have hoods, which would be a nice addition if you're buying one for warmth.

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    Keep things professional with a half-zip sweater. While you could style a full-zip sweater in such a way that it would work at the office, the half-zip is a much more traditional choice. It's easy to pull on top of a button-down shirt and pair with khakis and loafers for a day at the office.[4]

    • Merino wool is a great material if you're looking for a sweater that's comfortable while still looking classy.

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    Get a tailored zip-up if you want your outfits to look more polished. "Tailored" doesn't necessarily mean that you have to visit a tailor—look for sweaters that are "fitted," "slim fit," or "shaped." These sweaters will hug your body closer instead of getting baggy or loose around the middle. The arms will generally be a little snugger, too.[5]

    • Choose this type of sweater to make it less likely that your outfit will slip from fashionable to grungy, as can sometimes happen with baggy or ill-fitting sweaters.

    Tip: Try on a sweater that's a size down from what you would normally wear, especially if you aren't purchasing a "tailored" zip-up. This could help it look more fitted to your body; just make sure it's comfortable and that you can easily move in it.[6]

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    Check that the arms and waist are long enough before making a purchase. You don't want to struggle with sleeves that are too short or a hem that is constantly riding up. When possible, try on the zip-up sweater to make sure it fits properly.[7]

    • The sleeves should completely cover your wrists and not pull up too far when you raise your arms above your head.
    • The waist should meet the waistband of your pants at a minimum, but will probably need to be 2 to 3 inches (51 to 76 mm) longer than that. This depends on your height, how low or high you wear your pants, and your personal preference, though.

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    Pair a zip-up with fitted jeans rather than sweats to avoid looking grungy. Especially if the sweater is on the less-fitted side, it'll look best with tailored pants. Skinny jeans or even leggings would also work with a zip-up.[8] [9]

    • Avoid wearing baggy sweatpants, gym shorts, or wide-legged pants with your zip-up.
    • For example, a black zip-up sweater would look great with acid-washed, distressed jeans.
    • Or, pair a gray zip-up sweater with black skinny jeans for a chic look.
    • If your zip-up sweater is thin enough, try tucking it into the front of your pants.[10]

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    Wear a nice tee underneath your sweater in case you need to take it off. You could wear a short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirt, just depending on the weather where you are.[11] Consider choosing a complementary-colored shirt, like light gray with a dark gray sweater or cerulean blue with a navy blue sweater.[12]

    • If you want to show off your tee, wear your sweater unzipped.
    • A classic white tee is always a good choice, regardless of the color of your sweater.

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    Layer for warmth with a vest or jacket on top of the sweater. A puffy vest or denim jacket would add another style element to your outfit. Leave the top layer undone so you can easily see the sweater underneath. For the sweater itself, leave it unzipped for a more casual look or zipped for a more put-together style.[13]

    • For a night out on the town, dress up your sweater by adding a leather jacket to your ensemble.

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    Wear a zip-up on top of a hoodie for a fashionable, casual look. Leave the sweater unzipped so the front of the hoodie is visible. Make sure to pull the hood out so that it doesn't get trapped under the sweater.[14]

    • Try wearing a brightly-colored hoodie to add a pop of color to your outfit. A bright yellow or green hoodie would look nice underneath a gray or black zip-up sweater.
    • For this look, make sure to pick a zip-up sweater that doesn't have a hood. Otherwise, your outfit will look too bulky.

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    Complete your athleisure ensemble with a fitted zip-up sweater. Start with a pair of leggings or joggers, a simple tee, and a nice pair of athletic sneakers. Pull on your zip-up and grab a hat or pair of sunglasses and you're ready to head out for the day.[15]

    • This is a great look that works for a walk at the park, grabbing brunch with your friends, or running errands on the weekend.
    • For the most classic-looking outfit, stick with a gray or black zip-up.
    • If you want to add some color to your ensemble, pick a red, orange, yellow, green, or even pink zip-up.
    • If you're interested in wearing color-blocked or patterned zip-ups, athleisure is the place to do it.

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  • Question

    How do you style a zip up sweater?

    Cassandra Sethi

    Cassandra Sethi is a Personal Stylist, Image Consultant, and the Founder of Next Level Wardrobe, a luxury personal styling service for busy professionals. With over 20 years of fashion industry experience, Cassandra helps people transform their confidence by creating a work wardrobe they love to wear. Cassandra holds a BA in Fashion Merchandising from California State University, Long Beach, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Fashion Buying and Merchandising from the London College of Fashion. She created Soulcycle's retail business and was the Senior Buyer for 90+ Equinox gyms. Cassandra has been featured on New York's PIX11 in an interview about how to achieve great work-from-home style as well as in Men's Health, Business of Fashion, and NYMag.

    Cassandra Sethi

    Personal Stylist & Image Consultant

    Expert Answer

    Pair the sweater with jeans and day sneakers and layer it over a T-shirt in a core color.

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  • Tie your zip-up sweater around your waist if it's warm out but supposed to get cool later.

  • For the best results, avoid wearing a baggy or loose-fitting zip-up. Your outfit will look more polished and put-together if your zip-up fits well.

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