I Own 5 Versions of This Sweater, But Somehow I Always Want More

how-to-wear-cropped-sweaters-275931-1547064817644-main

(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

Although L.A. doesn't experience a "real" winter, in the East Coast sense, we do get a decent temperature drop around January and February. It's enough to make me swap my T-shirt for a sweater but not quite to the point that it necessitates layers upon layers, and for me, there's really one item that I've come to rely on for the in-between weather: a cropped sweater. My wardrobe hinges on the piece so much so that I've racked up a sizable collection of them, all of which I wear on repeat.

Maybe a cropped sweater seems redundant. Isn't the point to keep you, well, warm? But it's L.A.'s in-between weather that makes these knits the perfect choice. That, and I'm a religious wearer of high-rise pants (the higher the rise the better the pants, I say), so I've come to favor a shorter hemline in my knit selection to avoid an awkward and bulky sweater tuck. I don't discriminate, either. Turtlenecks, cardigans, and crewnecks are all equally loved in my sweater collection, and I'm about to show you five of my favorite styles—and how I wear them.

If you're as enthusiastic as I am about the style, keep reading to see how to wear cropped sweaters, shop the ones I recommend, and then browse the cropped styles I plan to invest in next.

how-to-wear-cropped-sweaters-275931-1547064828960-image

(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

There's something a bit paradoxical about a turtleneck with short sleeves and a cropped hem, I'll admit. But as I noted earlier, a full-on turtleneck is often too much, and this bright knit is easily one of my favorite cropped sweaters I own, as it punches up any outfit I wear it in.

how-to-wear-cropped-sweaters-275931-1547064828346-image

(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

The silhouette on this one is so good. It's hard to tell in the above photo, but it hugs in on the waistline and cuffs. That, combined with a deep V neck, makes it fit me so well. Plus, it comes in a ton of color options. Aritzia's selection of knits always comes in clutch.

how-to-wear-cropped-sweaters-275931-1547064828690-image

(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

Unfortunately for the flurry of Instagram DMs I received about this cardi, it sold out within days of H&M's Studio Collection drop in the fall. But fortunately, a plethora of similar styles are on the market from every retailer getting in on the cardigan trend.

how-to-wear-cropped-sweaters-275931-1547064829686-image

(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

This one says, "I'm not a regular sweatshirt; I'm a cool sweatshirt." It's technically a crop, yes, but with a longer hem than some of my other crops, so it plays well with mid-rise jeans, too. Though it frequents my gym bag, I attempted dressing it up for the office here with jeans, kitten heels, and a fun belt.

how-to-wear-cropped-sweaters-275931-1547064829237-image

(Image credit: @anna__laplaca)

I've shared my adoration for this sweatshirt before, along with the rest of Cotton Citizen's great selection of basics. So here are the CliffsNotes: It's got a weighty fabric that's actually quite breathable, and the crop hits at the perfect length, right above the hips.

Shop cropped sweaters currently in my cart:

Next, see the stylish sweater every celeb wears on repeat.

Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.