Making a fashion statement doesn’t necessarily mean being uncomfortable -- especially this time of year.

This is proven by the fact that the oversized slouchy sweater has been a fashion trend for decades. In the 1960’s, celebrities such as Twiggy sported oversized crocheted sweaters, and generally, many of the other rich and famous who could be seen in colorful, baggy sweaters. The oversized cashmere sweater with a “mod beatnik turtleneck” was also all of the rage in the 1960’s.

Every year, Urban Outfitters stocks up on a large collection of comfy, oversized sweaters. Retail stores around the country also follow this trend every fall, winter, and spring.  Vince Camuto, Marc By Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, and Alice and Olivia are among the designers who feature this particular sweater style every fall and winter, alongside department stores including Nordstrom, Macy's and Neiman Marcus, as well as smaller boutique stores like Free People. Many of these sweaters are reminiscent of vintage designs from the 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's.

The bohemian, hippy, western style was a big hit on chilly nights in the 1960's. It is a style that your grandfather may still be wearing around the house. If he does happen to have one of them lying around, you may want to borrow it, since vintage sweaters are as popular today as the day they were designed. If you’re not that lucky, then the Chevron Knit Shawl Lapel Cardigan by Vince is an updated version. If you can't track one of these down, the Chevron Shawl Cardigan by Vince (pictured) is a more modern option.

Speaking of “western” looks—all these great comfy sweaters go perfectly with the leather boots that fill the stores in the fall, winter, and spring. But don’t limit yourself to this casual look with these great oversized sweaters by pairing them only with the ever-so-popular leather boot.  Easily dressed up or down, many can be worn to the office, out to dinner, or at casual events.  Styles such as the “Colorblock” long Merino wool cardigan by Haute Hippie can be paired with black pants, a great white blouse and black booties for a stylish look when you’re heading out to dinner:

The slouchy oversized sweaters of the 90’s exploded with color. They came in the brightest blues, purples, pinks and reds with big colorful patterns, tying all of the bold color assortments together in one look.  Many of them were designed with flowers, hearts, geometric shapes, and cartoon characters. These bright colors are not so readily available in today’s sweater assortments. Recently, however, designer Tory Burch has designed an amazing vintage-inspired slouchy sweater called “Rianna” with a gorgeous print and high turtle neck:

This thick wool sweater would look great paired with a little skirt and thigh-high socks for an updated collegiate look.  Michael Kors has also created an oversized V-neck cobalt blue sweater with dolman sleeves, which would be great paired with either leggings or a chic pair of slacks. 

Now, let’s not leave out those big, beautiful cable-knit sweaters!  The basic cream-colored cable knit is always popular, but the sweaters also come in an assortment of pastels including pink and mint green with the occasional grey or blue. These sweaters look best worn with a pair of jeans and boots.

The September 2014 issue of Vogue included trendy oversized slouchy sweaters by brands including Givenchy, Tommy Hilfiger, H&M, and Jil Sander, as well as a floral layered chunky knit by Elizabeth Charles, NYC. New York Fashion Week Fall 2014 was filled with models dressed in comfortable, yet chic outfits on the runways—further implying slouchy sweaters are making yet another appearance as they so often have in the past.