No matter how much I try to continue having bare legs and cling onto my warm weather wardrobe, the reality is that autumn is on its way and before I know it cosy knits and jeans will be my daily uniform once again. New season knitwear is always one of the first things to hit the shop floors first every September and right now, whether you’re heading out to shop IRL or are browsing online, jumpers and cardigans are available by the bucketload. Of course, like any influx, this doesn’t mean that everything on offer is decent and that’s where I come in to help you sift the top knitwear trends from the ones that fall, well, flat.
Last winter we saw the rise in popularity of the striped, or Breton, knit. Aided by influencers curating their monochromatic grids, American designer Totême created a cult following for a Breton sweater in any shape or form. Their oversized polo-neck sold out and was restocked my times but if you missed it the first time round, fear not, as its back again this season. The industry’s love for head-to-toe colour has definitely influenced all the new jewel-toned numbers on the high street this season and if you want to channel your inner J.Lo circa 1999, the nineties cropped cardigan is back in its most unapologetic form (think lurex textures and peekaboo buttons) and it has gone mainstream.
So, want to know which 5 knitwear trends are set to be everywhere this winter? Scroll down to have a read and shop them now to be ahead of the curve…
From the High Street to key designers such as Toteme and Marni, the cosiest of fluffy jumpers are having a moment. The colour palette of these snuggly knits is grownup and elegant—with a palette of cream, tobacco and grey marl dominating—but Marni has also throw in some colour for good measure. Pair one of these knits with your go-to jeans or leggings and boots for a stylish everyday outfit.
Rich, jewel-like tones have replaced softer pastels for this autumn and they definitely pack a punch. In contrast to the monochrome stripes and classic taupe funnel neck jumpers that have become a firm fixture in the wardrobes of Instagram’s best-dressed, vibrant shades from ruby to sapphire and citrine finally offer something for the maximalists out there. Wear with matching separates in contrasting textures such as leather or tailored wool trousers and add chunky gold earrings for added polish.
It will have been virtually impossible to have missed the Totême striped jumper craze that filled our insta feeds last winter. The simple A-line shaped sweater become one of the cult buys of the season and despite its saturation of the market is back once again this season if you missed it. The High Street has become one of the best places to buy into this look, with Arket’s nautical wide-collared breton and Zara’s navy zip up sweater being two key shapes to pick up and the season has already just begun.
Not all knitwear serves its most obvious purpose—keeping us warm—but who cares when you can look as good as you willin one of these nineties-inspired peekaboo cardis? It’s just one of many ‘90s trends to be making a come-back this season, and whether you wear something underneath is at your own discretion. Fashion lovers Kendall Jenner, Chiara Ferragni and Leonie Hanne have all been spotted in the teensy weensy cardigans that started it all again—thank you, Jacquemeus! However, there are several more affordable versions, such as the buttoned down cardigan by Mango, that cover a little more flesh. Go the whole whack and style with a pair of this season’s cargo pants, adding polish with a pair of pointy sling-backs.
Sometimes your trusty black cashmere jumper won’t feel like the one you want to reach for. For autumn/winter 2022 the oversized cardigan has been reworked in many iterations. One of the first to revamp this classic was Gucci last season, adorning this oversized cardigan in jumbo GG logos. Not only has the brand revisited it again in acid brights but other designers have followed suit. My favourites include a collegiate-inspired number from Maje and Mango’s diamond shaped print. I will be layering this oversized cardigan style over leggings and with riding boots when the temperature drops.
Next up, how to style your summer wardrobe favourites for autumn…