The Christmas decorations are packed away, I’m waking to a fine layer of frost on my doorstep and I’m spending most of my evenings in the bath, like some sort of part-time amphibian. The months of January and February are annually my hibernation period anyway – I only reemerge with the spring sunshine and Easter daffodils – but even more so this year, with Omicron on the prowl and talk of lockdown three. It’s time to dress to match: soft, cosy, warm layers only. All hail the best fashion season; sweater weather.
Say what you will about winter – its shorter days, longer nights and tumultuous weather – but you cannot beat being swaddled in an ultra soft knit. It’s like a bear hug, a cup of tea and an evening by the fire, all rolled into one. A sartorial balm for the burnt out, seasonally depressed soul if you will.
Whether you’re a Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally, turtleneck-under-a-blazer kind of person, haven’t been able to stop thinking about Chris Evans’ perfect cable knit in Knives Out or are all about kitsch, embroidered cardigans, the beauty of knitwear is that there are just so many options out there. This season especially, designers are leaning into a comfort-first approach to winter dressing. On the autumn/winter 2021 runways we saw everything from extra thick yarns to skintight, mesh-like knits; dress sets, sweater vests and capes; candy colours and earthy neutrals; patchwork designs and graphic prints. After two years of working from home, spending our days moving from desk to sofa to bed, rolling out of pyjamas and into loungewear, we are thrilled.
To kickstart sweater season in style, we’ve scoured the A/W 2021 shows, window-shopped our favourite brands and curated a guide to the best knitwear trends around. Read on for the 17 styles keeping you cosy and comfortable all autumn long.
Gradient, space knits
You want a touch of colour to brighten your winter days but a primary bold is a bit too much – especially against the muted, earthy tones of the season. Enter the gradient, space knit: a softer wash of colour, whether a single hue or different rainbow shades bleeding into each other. There’s something about the haziness of these knits that just adds to the cosy vibe.
Knit sets and co-ords
When in doubt, opt for a knit co-ord. Not only are they super comfy and the perfect seasonal update to your WFH loungewear situation, they look polished and offer multiple outfits in one. Win-win!
Granny square crochet
If it doesn’t look like your nan knitted it for you in front of Countryfile, then we don’t want it; it’s cute, quirky and a much needed shot of fun and colour during the dreary winter months. Granny square crochet knits are a statement in themselves so keep the rest of your outfit simple.
Collared knits
Hitting the sweet spot between preppy polo shirts and lightweight knits, we can’t get enough of collared sweaters and cardigans this season. When it’s cold out and layering is your only hope to stay warm, the collar peeking out adds much-needed dimension and interest.
Extra chunky, extra oversized fits
Using extra thick yarn, these chunky, extra oversized knits take sweater weather to a whole new level. The undoubted queen of chunky knits is Hope Macaulay, a Northern Irish designer whose Colossal Knit Jackets in the sweetest sorbet shades you’ve probably already seen all over Instagram.
Wraparound, ballet-style cardigans
Who knew 8-year-old you, coming home from ballet class, was such a style icon? Whether you opt for an on-theme baby pink (like this style from COS) or an autumnal neutral (we love this stormy grey-blue design), a wraparound cardigan is best styled over a skintight turtleneck over winter and with straight-leg jeans, heeled ankle boots, a blazer and a knit beret for a cool, Parisian look à la Jeanne Damas in spring.
Knit one-pieces and bodysuits
Ready to live the good life? Try a knitted jumpsuit: a cosy, throw-on-and-go outfit that’s a far more sophisticated alternative to sweat pants.
Graphic print knits
Graphic prints aren’t going anywhere for 2022, they’re just migrating to your knitwear drawer – logo prints and abstract patterns alike.
Knit dresses
Knit dresses are far more sophisticated than your typical oversized jumper. We’re wearing ours with knee-high boots and faux leather trench coats when winter warms up into spring. For now though they’ll make for a more dressy – yet still cosy! – date night option.
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6 Top Coat Trends Keeping Us Cosy This Winter