5 Ways to Rock the Fall 2014 Sweater Trend

Put down your cashmere sweater set and color blocked wool pullovers, because Fall 2014 is all about the bohemian sweater. From fringed pieces at Lanvin to braided ponchos at Barbara Bui, the sweater is getting a very chic makeover. But how do we take this trend from the runway to real life? We used the Fall 2014 collections at Fashion Week for five very chic, modern ways to wear a sweater for Fall.

1. The Bohemian, Fringed Sweater

If a fitted, jewel tone cable-knit sweater is a bit too preppy for your taste, try the Fall fringe trend. Seen on the runway at Lanvin and Barbara Bui, frayed hems and fringe gave even the most tailored sweaters a more casual, loose feel. To take the look from the runway to the street, make your fringed sweater the focal point of the ensemble by pairing it with a midi pencil skirt or slim black skinny jeans. The fringed sweater itself shouldn't have too many competing elements; an excess of pattern or color will take it into psychedelic '70s territory instead of looking chic and modern.

2. The Offbeat Poncho

The poncho may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of chic Fall attire, but the style was all over the runways for 2014. However, designers gave the poncho a new spin by constructing the piece in neutral shades and a more voluminous silhouette, making it both functional and incredibly easy to pair with an autumnal wardrobe. For a streamlined take on the trend, follow Gareth Pugh's example and find a style in a cream, ivory, or mahogany shade. Pair with printed trousers or skinny jeans for an especially show stopping effect.

3. The Outre Embellished Sweater

Embellishment and embroidered sweaters are no longer reserved for grandma's sweaters — as long as they're executed in the correct fashion. Beware overly cutesy patterns and garish embellishments that look like they were created with a glue gun and a few sparkles. The embellished sweaters for this season have a deliberately playful tone, but the focus should remain on a few strategic accents instead of an overwhelming print or an excess of glitter. And fit is absolutely essential in rocking the trend; an overly baggy sweater doesn't have the same impact that a crisply tailored one will. Dolce & Gabbana's fairytale-inspired collection included a number of pitch-perfect embroidered, three-quarter length sweaters.

4. The Updated Turtleneck

Take a break from your trusty ribbed turtleneck, because this season's version is printed, color blocked, and very avant-garde. If you're a more conservative dresser, try a fitted turtleneck in a deep jewel tone shade like amethyst or forest green. For the more adventurous dresser, a printed turtleneck dress paired with black stockings and over-the-knee boots is the way to go. Nina Ricci's Fall collection took on the trend with deep, vividly colored turtlenecks and patterned silk dresses.

5. The Slouchy Sweater Dress

The sweater dress is no longer simply a preppy, country club staple. Fashion Week's iterations of the sweater dress were altogether more relaxed, with geometric patterns and a modern, slouchy silhouette giving new life to the style. To take on the trend, pick a dress with a slightly relaxed fit and a muted palette of colors. Missoni's models carried the trend with pastel tights and coats in contrasting colors.