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The comeback of an iconic accessory is shaking up the fashion world. This everyday object, once associated with well-established clichés, is now causing a sensation on the catwalks and in the streets. What is it about? A simple sweater tied around the shoulders.
This piece of clothing, long relegated to the back of closets, returns to the forefront with a new aura, mixing nostalgia and modernity.
Who would have thought that this simple gesture of tying your sweater around your neck would become a fashion statement? However, creators and influencers have decided so. This look, once mocked, is now adorned with an unexpected charm, shaking up established codes and dividing opinion. Between craze and controversy, the sweater on the shoulders is becoming a hot topic, well beyond simple sartorial considerations.
The meteoric rise of an unexpected trend
The fashion world is known for its cycles and unexpected comebacks. Spring 2024 is no exception, with the spectacular resurgence of the sweater tied on the shoulders. This trend, which might seem trivial at first, has established itself as one of the must-haves of the season.
A comeback noticed on the catwalks
It’s during the parade Jacquesentitled “Les Sculptures”, that this trend has really taken off. Presenting its men’s and women’s spring-summer 2024 collection in the prestigious setting of the Maeght Foundation in Saint-Paul-de-Vencethe designer knew how to capture the attention of all eyes. This bold choice of location, outside the usual fashion week calendar, in the south of France, helped to create a memorable event.
The parade attracted an audience of stars and influencers, including:
- Julia RobertsHollywood icon
- Kylie Jennera key figure in social networks
- Jack Harlowpopular rapper
- Aaron PiperSpanish actor with growing popularity
- Christine Davisrecognized actress
- Amineartiste musical polyvalent
- Bianca BaltiItalian top model
The presence of these personalities undoubtedly helped to amplify the media impact of the event and, by extension, of the knotted sweater trend.
Undeniable pop culture inspirations
If this fashion is making a notable comeback, it is also thanks to its strong cultural references. Two emblematic characters are particularly associated with this style:
- Sandy in the cult film “Grease”: The image of Olivia Newton-John in her cardigan tied on the shoulders has become iconic, symbolizing both innocence and transformation.
- Charlotte in the series “Sex and the City”: Played by Kristin Davisthis character has made the sweater on the shoulders his signature, associating it with a preppy and sophisticated style.
These pop culture references helped to anchor this trend in the collective imagination, giving it an aura of nostalgia and glamour.
A simple gesture, complex implications
Beyond its purely aesthetic aspect, the act of tying a sweater around one’s shoulders has deep social and political meanings. This gesture, seemingly innocuous, has been loaded with symbols and various interpretations over the decades.
A political and social history
The sweater tied on the shoulders has its roots in the 1980s, an era marked by profound social and political changes. In France, this clothing practice has become particularly associated with RPR summer universitiesa right-wing political party. This association helped make this look a symbol of bourgeois codes, closely linking it to a certain social class and specific political ideals.
This connotation has persisted for a long time, making the sweater on the shoulders an easily identifiable social marker. It was seen as a sign of belonging to an elite, often associated with privileged environments such as golf clubs, regattas or social cocktail parties.
Criticisms and controversies
The writer Frédéric Beigbederknown for his acerbic view of society, did not fail to criticize this fashion in his novel “99 francs”, published in 2000. He describes the sweater tied around the neck as a “soft octopus”, a symbol according to him of cowardice and improvidence. Beigbeder goes so far as to warn women against men adopting this style, considering it a sign of inelegance.
This virulent criticism reflects an opinion shared by many at the time: the sweater on the shoulders was seen as an artifice, a superfluous accessory testifying to a certain snobbery. It was often mocked as the height of uselessness, worn by those who preferred appearance over practicality.
The revival of a controversial style
Despite the criticism and negative connotations, the sweater tied on the shoulders is now experiencing a spectacular resurgence of interest. This renaissance can be explained by several factors which have contributed to transforming the perception of this style.
The attraction of the new generation for bourgeois codes
Paradoxically, it is young people who today seem to be appropriating this look that was once considered old-fashioned or elitist. We are observing a growing interest among younger generations in dress codes traditionally associated with the bourgeoisie. This phenomenon can be explained by:
- A desire for an ironic reinterpretation of social codes
- An appeal for vintage and retro
- A search for authenticity in a world of fast fashion
- A desire to stand out by adopting styles considered “out of fashion”
This appropriation by young people helped to strip the sweater on the shoulders of its initial political connotations, transforming it into a deliberate and assumed fashion choice.
A debate raging on social networks
Like any self-respecting fashion trend, the return of the sweater tied on the shoulders does not fail to arouse passionate reactions on social networks. Internet users’ comments reflect the diversity of opinions on this practice:
- “It’s a personal choice, let people dress how they want!” »
- “I find it elegant when worn well, it gives a casual chic look. »
- “Honestly, it’s really preppy from the 80s, not sure it’s a good idea to bring that out again…”
- “It’s practical when it’s cool in the evening, I don’t see the problem. »
- “It seems like fashion is going full circle, soon we’re going to bring out the shoulder pads! »
These reactions show that the debate is far from over and that the sweater on the shoulders continues to divide opinion, between those who see it as a welcome return to elegance and those who consider it a stylistic regression.
The art of wearing a knotted sweater with style
If you are tempted by this trend but are still hesitant about how to adopt it, here are some tips for wearing the sweater tied on the shoulders with elegance and modernity:
Choosing the right sweater
The choice of sweater is crucial to achieve this look. Opt for:
- Light materials like cashmere or fine cotton for an elegant drape
- Neutral colors (beige, gray, navy) that easily match the rest of your outfit
- Thin sweaters rather than thick models that could weigh down the silhouette
The art of tying
The way you tie your sweater can make all the difference:
- A loose knot for a casual effect
- Sleeves crossed over the chest for a more structured look
- A simple drape over the shoulders for a nonchalant look
The winning associations
To modernize this look, dare to use contrasts:
- With jeans and sneakers for a casual chic style
- On a flowing dress for a sophisticated bohemian effect
- With a suit for a casual business look
The knotted sweater, reflection of a changing society
Beyond purely aesthetic considerations, the return to favor of the sweater tied on the shoulders raises deeper questions about our society and its values. This fashion phenomenon perfectly illustrates the complexity of the social and cultural dynamics at work in our time.
A game of codes and counter-codes
The adoption of this style by the younger generation can be seen as a form of diversion from established codes. By appropriating a symbol once associated with a certain elite, young people are blurring the lines and calling into question traditional social markers. This phenomenon is part of a broader trend of deconstruction of clothing and social norms.
Fashion as a social mirror
The debate around the knotted sweater reflects the tensions and contradictions of our society:
- Between tradition and modernity
- Between conformity and individuality
- Between ostentation and sobriety
Ultimately, the resurgence of this trend invites us to reflect on how we define ourselves through our clothing choices and the power of clothing as a tool for personal and social expression.
Towards a more inclusive fashion?
The return of the sweater tied on the shoulders could also be interpreted as a step towards more inclusive fashion, where dress codes would no longer be the prerogative of a particular social class. By democratizing this formerly elitist style, contemporary fashion perhaps contributes to erasing certain social barriers, opening the way to a freer and more diverse sartorial expression.
As we look to the future, it will be interesting to observe how this trend evolves. Will the sweater tied on the shoulders remain a passing fashion phenomenon or will it become a lasting part of our wardrobe? Only the future will tell us, but one thing is certain: this simple gesture of tying a sweater around one’s neck will continue to arouse varied reactions and interpretations, testifying to the richness and complexity of our relationship to clothing and to the image that we wish to project in society.
