Cutout Cropped Half Sweater Trend Styles 2020 - Refinery29

Skip navigation!ADVERTISEMENTStory from Most WantedThe Popular Sweater Trend Taking Layers To Strange (Or Stylish?) LevelsEmily RuaneLast Updated December 30, 2020, 6:24 PM ADVERTISEMENTSee All SlidesBegin SlideshowFlash-fashion events are like lightning, only lasting a hot second before disappearing into the seasonal ether — but even such fleeting fads can leave a lasting mark. Welcome to Micro Trends, where we explore the latest and greatest of these blink-and-you’ll-miss-them style moments.Throughout history, the scant upper-body garment covering the neck and arm region has taken on many forms and nomenclatures. In the early 20th century, designers like Schiaparelli and Balenciaga created romantic bolero jackets inspired by the shrunken chaquetilla jacket worn in traditional bullfighting. Almost a century later, the micro-top evolved into a Y2K style mainstay: the shrug, worn by countless style-minded teens to proms and bat mitzvahs throughout the late 90s and early 2000s. Now, a new iteration of the partial garment has arrived on the scene: the dramatically cut-out-and-cropped-up sweater.We first spotted the sky-high-cropped top in 2019 via Aisling Camps, a mechanical engineer-turned-knitwear designer who created a marled knit crewneck version that she manufactured start to finish on a knitting machine. “I like to wear short-sleeve or strapless tops,” the Brooklyn-based designer told us, “and in the winter sometimes you just need instant sleeves — so voila! I made some dramatic ones.” Now, other trend-minded brands starting to catch on. When the cut-out style recently appeared on the racks at Zara, a diplomatic Twitter user called it the solution to “cold arms and hot tits”; while R29’s content strategist told us that “all my friends have been talking about is how strange it is.” No matter where you fall on the spectrum of acceptance, it’s hard to deny that this mini-trend is experiencing a surge, with missing-piece sweaters popping up everywhere from indie-minded Etsy to high-falutin’ designer imprints like Loewe and Peter Do. Ahead, find some of the shortest, shruggiest sweaters the internet has to offer.At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.Begin Slideshow ADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENT LululemonWe Found Lululemon’s Best End-Of-Year Scores To Shop NowAll linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. The holidays aren’t oby Karina HoshikawaFashionKeep The Cold At Bay With 5 Winter Coat Trends — From Winter Whit...All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. Winter jackets are practicaby Laura Lajiness Ka...Most WantedWinter Wedding Guest Outfits, Including Dresses & Jumpsuits (That...by Victoria MontaltiFashionGold Hoops For Every Vibe: From Luxe 14k To HuggiesAll linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. Gold hoop earrings are the by Esther NewmanThe Art Of GivingCalling All Last-Minute Shoppers: 14 Gifts Your Girlfriend Act...by Karina HoshikawaFashionSarah Jessica Parker Uses Google’s Try-On Feature — So I Had To T...All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. While we all may have very by Victoria MontaltiThe Art Of Giving27 Gifts For The Woman Who Has Everything & Wants Nothingby Irina GrechkoThe Art Of GivingThe Ultimate Treat-Yourself Gift Guide, Curated By R29’s Chief Co...by Brooke DeVard Oza...ShoppingThe 25 Best Travel Pants (That Aren’t Leggings) Ahead Of Th...by Laura Lajiness Ka...The Art Of GivingGifts For Gen Z They’ll Actually Like, According To A Gen Z...by Victoria MontaltiFashion28 Unique Fashion Gifts For Your Impossibly Stylish Friendby Jinnie LeeFashionThe Best Under-$100 Free People Gifts For Everyone On Your ListAll linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission. This holiday season, we’vby Victoria MontaltiADVERTISEMENT