We’ve had a pretty cushy winter here, even if February neener-neeners at us from behind an icy blue sky. Recently we’ve had that kind of cold that makes me want to wear a Snuggie to work.
Poets teach me many things, including how to face the indignities of the cold. One of my poet housemates swore by a pair of sweater pants she picked up at Thrift Town. When her car was broken into, she mourned the broken window and missing backpack, but mostly she was pissed about the stolen sweater pants.
Another poet I admire recently posted this tutorial from Stephen West for DIY sweater pants, or swants. Wests’s swantsing technique promises “to transform woolly sweaters into sassy pants.” Though seasoned WanderChic readers will know that I’m not a crafter, Wests’s idea makes that world look so inviting.
West advises the would-be swantser to “pick a sweater you are not emotionally attached to for your first pair.” As with any art, there’s a learning curve. I’ll gladly peruse thrift stores for eligible sweaters–Cosby, Aztec, ski lodge, and otherwise inspired. I don’t even mind trying them on upside down, as demonstrated in the photo above.
If I want to get myself into some swants this season, what I really need to do is to cook dinner for Friends With Sewing Machines who will swants me up. Bartering? Anyone?
I’m also digging these Snowed-In Drawstring Sweater Pants from Go Jane. As for the styling, I have a feeling that in Swants season I’d be sporting some fleecy socks and boots rather than heels, though the studded leather details are cool. I like that the pants have a touch of slouch but also some shape. They’re more cool girl than 1990s gym teacher. (No offense to gym teachers out there. I’m sure P.E. fashion has come a long way since I was last subjected to it, when crinkly windpants and coordinating jackets roamed the earth.)
Photo credits: Photos 1-3 from westknits.com; Photo 4 from gojane.com.