Knitwear. Not exactly groundbreaking for the fall season but thanks to its soft and casual wearability, knits have been a key wardrobe component for the past year or so. If the AW21 runaways have shown anything, it’s that the trend can be comfortable, chic and elegant all at the same time. Designers from Fendi and The Row to Proenza Schouler showcased head-to-toe, tight-knit types in the form of feminine dresses and matching separates, while ponchos, capes and shawls made a return in myriad ways at the likes of Missoni, Gabriela Hearst and Chloé. In addition to that, a handful of the season’s sharpest silhouettes, including polo dresses and off-the-shoulder tops to cropped vests and wide-leg trousers, have arrived in scrumptiously soft knits that feel like your cosiest loungewear. Colour palettes range from soft tonal shades to bold bright pops, and craftwork techniques presented new patterns, fringing, embellishments and beautiful appliqués that will feel like you’re wearing a piece of art.
But onto the burning question: How do we get behind this timeless trend beyond our adorable sweater-and-shorts combos and in ways that will fold seamlessly into our tropical weather wardrobes? From slinky, stretchy second-skin types to lightweight, colourful co-ords, scroll on to find out:
Consider your fit and fabric
First things first, avoid heavyweight garments that come in 100 per cent wool or cashmere and look for crochet, open-knit handiwork or lightweight blends with cotton or linen that are cooler and more breathable. If you are going for a warmer material: the looser, the better. Opt for lighter shades, shorter styles and garments that are loose around both the body and arms for some much-needed breathing space or offset chunkier pieces with summer attire in thin, cooling fabrics like silk, linen or cotton.
Set it up
The next step to elevating your knitwear game is also the most effortless, by way of co-ordinated sets that are the ultimate WFH, loungewear update––perfect for pairing with a cup of hot coffee during lazy mornings and ditching our pyjamas for special Zoom occasions. If you’ve grown comfy living in sweaters and shorts, matching knitted separates are the next best thing that don’t require a second thought. And when you do want to put in a bit more effort, they’re flexible enough to mix and match however you want. Go for a slim-fitted cardi and trousers set with platform slides the next time you make a grocery run or a streamlined skirt set in midi, maxi or mini styles.
Throw on a cardigan
The ultimate companion for rainy days, trips to the mall (and cinema back in pre-pandemic times) and any other AC-filled environment, the humble cardigan is the easiest way to work knitwear into local weather outfits. Once described as frumpy, granny fashion, the popular layering staple comes reincarnated in a multitude of fresh, stylish, and even sexy, styles: thin ribbed designs fold easily into minimalist wardrobes, while cropped or hourglass renditions have been a go-to garment of It-girls and influencers across social media. Then there are also floral embroidered versions à la Gucci, those with lace collars or puff sleeves… you get the gist. Add a pop of colour or print by layering a bold knitted cover-up over your everyday get-up or go sans base layer as they did in the ‘90s.
Go sleeveless
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