Nobody does knitwear better than us Brits. We think it’s probably the British weather that has given us such a great knitwear heritage. Its sheer unpredictability has made jumpers and cardigans essential in the wardrobe of every Briton!
Luckily, in the last few decades, technology has combined with nature to create fabulous yarns that are not only toasty warm but machine-washable and easy-care, as well…
Because knits are so integral and vital to our winter wardrobe, we own quite a few already – you probably do, too.
Perhaps, like us, you resolved to not buy any more.
But then we saw the endlessly gorgeous new season’s knits and found them irresistible, so we thought we’d share with you our favourites. Whether you like your knits sleek or chunky, long or cropped, shaped or straight, in high-fashion hues, practical neutrals or in jazzy ‘print’, there are knockout knits to tempt us (and you). Here are our top picks, but you can find lots more here.
HERITAGE/FAIRISLE
Fairisle is definitely having a moment. If you are a similar age to us, you may remember those intricately stitched knits from the time they had a huge moment in the mid-60s. Back then, the hot way to wear one was cropped and paired with a mini-kilt… This season’s crop still showcases – or imitates – traditional craft while offering a super chic way to update a winter wardrobe.
As fairisle-style knits can seem slightly girly, consider choosing a longer-line version or perhaps one with a bit of volume. And obvs, this time around we’re not going to suggest teaming your fairisle jumper with a mini-kilt. Consider pairing one with slim-fitting, ankle-grazing trousers in tartan, check or print, or with a pleated midi skirt. A white shirt worn under a crew-neck adds a crisp edge. Add loafers for a fabulously laid-back look for work, weekends or a flat-white with friends.
Left: Fairisle jumper, Hobbs, £149 (sizes xs-xl)
Right: Fairisle jumper, Boden, £80 (sizes xs-xl)
Left: Fairisle print jumper, M&S, £19.50 (sizes, s-xl)
Right: Fairisle jumper, Monsoon, £45 (sizes, s-xl)
CASHMERE
Who doesn’t love cashmere? Don’t answer that; it’s a rhetorical question, though we can see that if you overheat easily, cashmere could make you hot under the collar…
But, if you love a sweater that looks super elegant and keeps you toasty warm and, these days, is likely to be machine-washable, dispensing with the need for expensive dry-cleaning bills, then cashmere is the knit for you.
Because cashmere knits are a bit pricier (especially premium-quality cashmere) the makers expect us to hang on to them for longer, so the styling tends to be quite classical.
One way to wear a cashmere sweater this season is a bit loose, a bit slouchy, with a “clean” neckline. Or, look out for trend-led details or embellishments such as stars, stripes, asymmetry or shaped hem…
Even if the cut is classic, cashmere in a stunning and on-trend hue will instantly refresh and update your look, as well as keep you warm.
Left: Pure Collection, £170 (sizes 8-24)
Right: White Stuff, £99.95, John Lewis (sizes, 6-18)
Left: Pure cashmere V-neck jumper, M&S, £75 (sizes, 6-24) and in 10 other colours
Right: Amanda Wakeley, £795 (sizes, S, M, L)
OFF-THE-SHOULDER/COLD-SHOULDER
We’d like to think SoSensational has helped raise the profile of any garments that reveal shoulders while keeping arms covered. If we’ve done this, it is by consistently pointing out how flattering off-the-shoulder necklines and cold-shoulders are, and by saying often how our shoulders remain the bits of us we’re happy to show off aged 50-plus….
The good news is that some of this season’s most alluring jumpers are off-the-shoulder (AKA Bardot) and cold-shoulder. This makes them perfect for dinner dates, Christmas drinks and every kind of occasions where a full-on party frock might be too much but a sexy sweater is perfect….
Left: H&M, £17.99 (also available in black, burgundy and grey) (sizes xs-xl)
Right: Roman, £35, sizes 10-20
Right: Baukjen, £65 (sizes 6-16)
BOYFRIEND/EVERYDAY/LAYERING
Most of the time we want a statement knit in a sumptuous yarn, in a stunning style and in a mouth-watering, preferably on-trend and ultra-flattering colour.
But not always.
Sometimes we need something a little more low-key to serve as a building-block; a brilliant basic in our wardrobe; to wear with denim, tailoring or a skirt or perhaps under a jacket or over a shirt, without stealing the limelight.
This season, that could be a V-neck boyfriend jumper or a long-line crew-neck, either of which is perfect for layering or to pull together pieces we already own. Or perhaps it could be a slouchy roll-neck…
When these basic, wardrobe-builders are required to take centre-stage, they are gorgeous enough to just need statement jewellery or a stunning scarf to allow them to bask in the limelight.
Left: Grey tie-back detail jumper, JD Williams, £35 (sizes 8/10-28/30)
Right: Button-fastening pique cardigan, Jigsaw, £175 (sizes xs-l)
Left: Oversized grey marl, Reiss, £155 (sizes xs-l)
Right: Red Herring oversized V-neck jumper, £29, Debenhams (sizes 8-20)
We hope you enjoy shopping for your perfect knit. We’ll be back soon with more fabulous fashion for women of 50-plus. In the meantime, stay sensational.
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