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The Problem: The “Grandpa Sweater” Dilemma
I have spent years trying to nail the “academic chic” look. You know the one—the oversized cable knit sweater that looks effortlessly slouchy, like you just borrowed it from a boyfriend or bought it at a vintage shop in Vermont. Ideally, it should look cozy and polished.
In reality, most sweaters I buy to achieve this look fail miserably. If I buy a women’s oversized sweater, it often just looks like a tent with zero shape. If I buy a men’s sweater, the shoulders are way too broad, the sleeves hang down to my knees, and the hips are too tight. I was constantly stuck between looking like I was wearing a potato sack or feeling restricted in a sweater that was too stiff. I wanted that perfect middle ground: loose enough to be comfortable, but cut well enough to look like an outfit.
The Discovery
I found the Trendy Queen V-Neck Cable Knit Sweater while searching for fall staples. I’ll be honest, the brand name “Trendy Queen” didn’t exactly scream “high-end fashion house” to me, but the photos looked promising.
It featured that classic cable knit pattern I wanted, and the V-neck looked deep enough to layer over a collared shirt without bunching up. The price was significantly lower than the boutique knitwear I had been eyeing, so I decided to give it a shot. I ordered it in grey, hoping it would be a versatile piece for the cooling weather.
How It Solved My Layering Woes
When the sweater arrived, I was immediately surprised by the texture. It’s 100% acrylic, which usually makes me nervous (I hate that squeaky, plastic feeling cheap sweaters sometimes have), but this felt surprisingly soft. It mimics the feel of cotton but with a bit more stretch.
I put it on, and it finally gave me that silhouette I was chasing. Here is what stood out during my tests:
1. The “Slouch” Factor: It actually drapes. The drop-shoulder design is key here. Because the shoulder seam sits lower on the arm, the sweater hangs loosely over the body rather than puffing out at the sides. It accommodates my hips without clinging, which is a massive win.
2. The V-Neck Depth: This is a true deep V. It exposes the collarbone beautifully. I tried it over a white button-down shirt, and the collar popped out perfectly without me having to constantly adjust it. It also works well with a dainty necklace if you’re wearing it solo.
3. Warmth without Bulk: Despite looking chunky, the knit is somewhat breathable. I wore it on a day that started at 50°F and rose to 65°F. I was warm in the morning but didn’t feel like I was roasting in a sauna by the afternoon. It’s a great mid-weight layer.
⚠️ It’s Not Perfect: The “Wardrobe Malfunction” Risk
While I love the style, I have to give you a fair warning about that V-neck. It is deep.
If you plan on wearing this without a layer underneath, be careful. When I leaned forward to pick up my bag, the sweater gapped open significantly. If you are smaller in the chest area, this might feel too loose up top. I found myself checking the mirror often to make sure my bra wasn’t showing.
For me, this means I almost always wear a camisole or a t-shirt underneath just for peace of mind. It’s not a “throw on and forget” piece unless you are comfortable with a plunging neckline.
Pros & Cons Breakdown
After wearing this for a week straight (don’t judge me), here is the breakdown:
| The Good (Life Improvements) | The Bad (Annoyances) |
|---|---|
| Perfect Layering: The neckline was practically made to be worn over collared shirts. | The Plunge: You might flash someone if you aren’t careful leaning over. |
| Soft Fabric: No itchiness, even against bare skin. | Snag Prone: The open cable knit catches on jewelry easily. |
| Ribbed Cuffs: The wrists are tight enough to keep sleeves pushed up. | Hand Wash: To keep the shape, you really shouldn’t machine dry this. |
| True Oversized Fit: You don’t need to size up 3 sizes to get the look. | Synthetic: It’s acrylic, so it can generate static electricity. |
Why It Beats the Old Way
I used to rely on thrift store men’s sweaters. The problem with those was always the cuffs. Men’s sweaters have wider cuffs that would slide down over my hands constantly, getting wet when I washed my hands or dipping into my food.
The Trendy Queen sweater fixes this mechanical issue. The cuffs are fitted and ribbed. They stay on my wrist or forearm when I push them up. It gives me the aesthetic of the “borrowed” sweater but the functionality of a garment actually designed for a woman’s body. Also, compared to wool sweaters I’ve owned, this requires zero “break-in” period. It’s soft right out of the bag.
Final Recommendation
This sweater has earned a permanent spot on my clothing rack for the season. It’s the easiest way to look like you put effort into an outfit when you really just wanted to be comfortable.
Get this if:
- You love the “Preppy/Academia” aesthetic.
- You want a sweater specifically for layering over button-downs.
- You prefer oversized fits that don’t cling to the midsection.
Skip this if:
- You are looking for a modest, high-neck sweater.
- You want natural fibers (wool/cotton) only.
- You have cats with sharp claws (the knit will snag).
If you suffer from “I have nothing to wear” syndrome during the fall transition, this is a solid, stylish fix that won’t break the bank.
