We’ve got the most amazing pieces of the season all sewn up, just in time for Wool Week…
WORDS BY ALEXANDRA RHODES
The bad news? Winter’s not going anywhere. The good news? That means you’re more than justified in investing in a shiny new sweater. And we happen to have rounded up the most covetable knitwear looks of the season, just in time for wool week. Isn’t that convenient!
Acceptable in the eighties
Retro knits are not just for Christmas. One of AW17’s boldest trends, they were the choice of several big hitters on the runway, appearing everywhere from Burberry to Chloé. The best styles come with a distinctly eighties spin – think kitsch prints, right-side-of-naff graphics and vivid colours. At the top of our wish list? This colour-blocked style from Chloé – it’s a lesson in how to make the trend less dad, more rad. Look also to Tommy Hilfiger’s all-American collaboration with Gigi Hadid for a millennial take.
Shop the look: Chloé Jumper, Tommy Hilfiger Cardigan
The right stripes
If you’re anything like us, a striped knit is your go-to when faced with those tricky what-to-wear-days. But donning a Breton doesn’t need to mean playing it safe. Case in point, this statement fringed style from editors’ favourite label, Sacai. The Japanese-based line is famed for its innovative use of the finest quality knits, which are then reworked and reformed with contrasting fabrics. If you’re looking for something more colourful, look to Alexa Chung, whose slouchy mohair styles reflect the Brit designer’s love of vintage.
Shop the look: Sacai Sweater, Alexachung jumper
Spell it out
Say it loud, the slogan tee just got a (warmer) upgrade for winter. Every model worth their insta-following can be seen touting Raf Simon’s I Heart NY sweater, and so central is knitwear to the Belgian designer’s vision, he’s partnering with The Woolmark Company – the global authority on merino wool – on his latest menswear collection to ensure he is working with the best quality yarns in the business.
Shop the look: Raf Simons NY Jumper, Raf Simons Love Jumper
Roll up
The common thread between Calvin Klein 205W39NYC, Victoria Beckham and former Woolmark Prize winner Gabriella Hearst’s AW17 collections? The humble roll neck. Hearst, who grew up on a sheep farm in Uruguay, uses ultrafine 14.5 micron Australian Merino (AKA the good stuff) for hers: ‘I want to show the ultra-luxury side of wool. People tend to think of wool as their grandmother’s hand-knitted sweater, but it’s such an amazing fabric with immense qualities’ she explains. Layer your polo under a shirt or T-shirt for day, or beneath a slip dress when the temperature starts to drop.
Shop the look: Gabriela Hearst Jumper, Calvin Klein 205W39NYC Jumper
Big it up
When it comes to the best knits of the season, it’s very much a case of go large or go home. At Balenciaga, Joseph and Jil Sander, jumpers are chunky, voluminous and most importantly XXL. But how to do oversized without over-egging it (or going full sumo)? Try wearing your knit over a floral midi skirt and boots à la Balenciaga, or with wide-leg like trousers, as seen at Joseph.
Shop the look: Balenciaga Turtle Neck, Joseph Sweater
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