Straight from the runway to your wardrobe: statement knits are, without a doubt, the fashion heroes of the season.
In the past, stocking up on cold-weatherwear usually meant investing in a few simple essentials that would keep us cosy while lounging at home. Now, knitwear is no longer restricted to lumpy or scratchy jumpers and sweaters. Designed to be seen in, eye-catching knits will quickly become your favourite go-to pieces.
From the not-so-humble cardigan to bold detailing and the colour of the season, discover how to elevate your wardrobe with a designer jumper and how to style a statement knit.
If you only invest in one coat this winter, make it a trench coat. Discover Our Guide to the Best Winter Trench Coats.
The Cardigan
Cardigans are one of those effortlessly versatile, transeasonal pieces that will never leave your wardrobe rotation. Buttoned up, left open, or even wrapped around your shoulders, it’s always a good idea to style your look with a cardigan.
Throw your knit cardigan over a simple t-shirt, jeans, and your favourite winter boots for an easy-going ensemble. Chunkier knitwear looks best when paired with a slimmer bottom, like with some skinny-leg jeans or slim-fitting pants. For wider-leg pants, we suggest looking for a cropped cardigan. This cardigan finishes at the waist, giving you a more defined waistline. For skirts, we suggest pairing your summertime A-line skirts with a plain white t-shirt, light-coloured boots, and your statement cardigan for a chic and cosy autumn-winter office outfit.
Cardigans are also a great way for you to re-wear pieces from your spring and summer wardrobe. Revisit your favourite lighter fabric ensembles by pairing them with a warming cardigan. Throw a lighter-coloured cardigan over a summer dress for a cool-weather twist. The cardigan adds some bulk to your silhouette, so pair your dress with a belt if it doesn’t have a clear waistline.
Colourful Knitwear
This season, it’s time to move away from the traditional dark hues and dreary colour palette of the colder months. Now, it’s all about the colour pop. Bold colours help to add a little brightness to your wardrobe rotation and match neutrals of all tones, from dark navy to soft beige.
When it comes to coloured knitwear, you have two styling choices: you can pair your eye-catching knit with softer colours, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, lean into clashing, loud shades that make the most of the colour wheel.
For those who prefer cooler tones, a strong emerald or blue will be your go-to statement knit colour. A cooler-toned knit will pair well with cool-toned separates. Think grey, white, and even black.
For a colour burst, match your bright knit with an even brighter skirt. For a special occasion fit like no other, invest in metallics that offset the bright tones. Dress it up with boots or down with sneakers.
Patterned & Striped Knitwear
The ever-stylish patterned or striped knit will always be a wardrobe essential.
The key to styling a knit with patterns, stripes, or a mash of both, is to think of it as the centrepiece of your outfit and to match it with more subdued tones. Pair it with your favourite slouchy jeans and sneakers for a more casual weekend look. For a relaxed-fit knit, we suggest tucking this knit into your favourite wide-leg trousers with pointed heels and chunky gold or silver jewellery for a polished look. You can also throw a tailored blazer over your knit and pair it with loafers or heels for an instantly elevated look.
Knit Vests
Not many could have predicted the return of the knit vest, but we couldn’t be happier. Originally only seen in the movies on serious professors and academics, the once “nerdy” sweater vest is now a fully-fledged fashion icon.
The key to introducing a classic preppy knit into your wardrobe is high-quality fabrications. A knitted vest in luxury fabrics like cashmere and wool will help to elevate your look. Style this light-coloured knit vest with wide-leg pants and pointed shoes in the same tone for the perfect white winter outfit.
An oversized knit vest with slightly extended shoulders leads the way for versatile styling options. Or, with a simple French tuck, styled with straight-leg pants or a skirt and a statement belt. Avoid putting a bulky knit vest over a summer dress and summer sandals; it can leave your look a little unbalanced. Instead, look for a thinner v-neck knit, or opt for a heavier skirt.
For a kitsch fashion moment, elevate a chunky-coloured vest with tailored separates. Look for vests in vintage shades and fabrics to pair with a silk button-down shirt or crisp cotton. Flared jeans look best with a slimmer-fit knit vest. Keep it modern with pointed heels or flats and the must-have accessory of the season: the baguette bag.
Unique Necklines
This style of knit ticks plenty of fashion boxes. A jumper with interesting shoulder designs or a unique neckline is a wonderfully versatile piece. It adds interest to an outfit without overwhelming and can be styled as a desk-to-dinner option.
If you’re looking for a relaxed weekend option, your favourite jeans and sneakers. If the weather, or occasion, is calling for a trench coat, opt for a knit that has a high neckline or a roll-neck. This style of sweater with a trench will help to balance your outfit and keep your neck cosy and warm. Or, for date night, pair your statement knit with a knee-high boot and skirt. That’s the great thing about statement knits—you can mix and match them throughout the day to suit any setting.
Looking to build the perfect winter capsule wardrobe? Discover the perfect wardrobe essentials for winter: a timeless trench, everyday denim and boots made for walking.