It’s time to amp up your autumnal clothing arsenal! The very idea of bundling up, looking and staying warm, all clad in autumn’s gorgeous colors is a great motivator to raid your closet for favorites or get new ones in the latest trends. But not all knits are created equal so here’s a rundown of seven (7) prime picks when it comes to knits!
The Fair, Florals and Flecks
Fall and winter may call for a more muted palette but that doesn’t mean you should pare down on the visual effects. Stripes can easily make the transition from hot and haute to cool and collected while floral prints bloom a little more sedately against sweaters and cardis, bringing with them a little nostalgia. If there’s anything that truly reigns supreme during the cold season, it’s the timeless Fair Isle and Nordic patterns that really make the knits come out to play. Time to stoke the fires and bring out the s’mores.
Fuzzy, Furry Textures
Sweater season also calls for a gamut of textures ranging from simple cotton and fabric blends to ultra-luxe angora, cashmere, mohair and lambs wool. Aside from patterns and prints, the addition of tactile elements, including fringes, bouclé, and faux animal hair or fur add dimension to the perfect fall/winter OOTD and amplify that feeling of coziness.
Neck and Neck
Necklines inch higher and get more covered as the temps go lower. Aside from scarves, turtlenecks and mock-neck sweaters certainly boost the insulating factor and help to combat the chill. While these knits cover you from below the chin to the waist or knees, it has to be said that they’re some of the sexiest pieces of clothing. The classic turtleneck is quite form-fitting – with or without sleeves – and definitely emphasizes curves in all the right places.
Vested Interests
Knit vests can play up or ground an outfit. Whether it’s a conventional V-neck sleeveless design, done in a slightly baggy fit or embellished with buttons, multicolored flocking or cable-knit details, the result always look proper, preppy and perfectly polished.
Baggy and Best for Burrowing
Slouchy knits took the runway early in the year when designers rolled out their predictions for fall and winter. Now we’re seeing the loose silhouettes on the streets and in stores, perfectly paired with leggings, skinny jeans or cute tights. Somewhere between massively oversized and just one or two sizes bigger than your usual, slouchy knits allows for layering underneath and maximizes the volume contrast between your top and bottom half. For a more streamlined option, voluminous sleeves against a fitted bodice will also create drama.
Caped Crusaders
Capes are back so let your sartorial superhero self emerge! With capes come ponchos, and together these two really create some dramatic autumnal and wintry silhouettes. If you’re new to this trend, start with a basic, neutral color worn with a long-sleeved top or a collared shirt underneath (you still need a base layer) plus skinny jeans and mid-calf boots to visually balance all that billowy goodness. If you’re a veteran, by all means channel the boho vibe and opt for a patterned version or with fringes – festival femme if you please – along with faux leather leggings and asphalt-smashing heeled boots.
Sweet Sweater Coats
Just like your favorite oversized cardigan but longer – perhaps knee-length or even mid-calf. A more cottage-chic version of winter’s trench coats, the sweater coat still carries with it the laidback rhapsody of fall because of its drapey silhouette. Some versions come with a tie sash, which gives a more put-together appeal that’s perfect for casual Fridays at work or a lazy yet jaunty vibe for the weekend.
