How to style knitwear

When winter temperatures have you piling on the layers, you might prioritise being comfortable over being fashionable. However, you don’t have to sacrifice style for function if you choose knitwear – insulating, soft on the skin and chic. In this guide, we’ll give you some advice on how to style knitwear in your day to day life, but don’t be afraid to stray from the tips below. Part of what makes an outfit look great is the person inside feeling good about what they’re wearing, so take our tips and tricks as guidelines to build your own personal knitwear style.

Is knitwear in style?

The simple answer is yes – knitwear is hugely popular in the fashion world for several reasons, not least because it’s so comfortable to wear. Wool is a sustainable choice of natural fibre that is long-lasting and insulating for the colder months, plus it has the added bonus of being low maintenance. Woollen clothing won’t wrinkle, so you don’t need to worry about ironing jumpers between wears if you go on holiday – just pop them on and you’re ready to go.

How to style knit vests

Knit vests are a winter warmer must-have, especially if you wear formal jackets or blazers a lot. These items are usually quite close fitting in the shoulders and sleeves, which has the unfortunate side effect of making full jumpers uncomfortable to wear. Knit vests, on the other hand, are sleeveless, which means they fit well under jackets, blazers and other tight-fitting outerwear pieces. Like gilets and bodywarmers, they’re meant to insulate your core areas while leaving your arms free for ease of movement.

So how should you wear a knitted vest? Well, in an office environment, you can’t go wrong with a knitted vest over a button up shirt or blouse. Different necklines are available to complement a range of shirt shapes, so you should be able to find one that fits your work attire. In some cases, your knitted vest might not even be visible under a blazer or jacket, but sticking to neutral colours or those that match your outerwear can help to ensure your knitted vest works seamlessly with the rest of your outfit.

Out and about, you can even make knit vests work with dresses. Layer a slim-fit knitted vest over a flowing dress to give the illusion of a cinched waist without sacrificing the comfort that comes without one.

How to style a knit sweater

Knit sweaters are a versatile form of knitwear that come in many different styles to suit anyone. Cardigans and jumpers can be worn in a range of outfits – as a focal point of colour, as a complementary element, or as part of a matching set. If you’re going out for an evening, a knitted cardigan can provide much needed insulation over a dress to get you from the door to the car, as well as making for a stylish shrug indoors.

The key thing to remember when styling a knitted sweater is to balance out your outfit. If your jumper is chunky, you should pair it with slim-fitting trousers such as skinny jeans or leggings, while a fitted turtleneck goes well with wide-leg trousers. Whether you prefer skirts or jeans in the colder months, a knit jumper tucked in can give you a neat and tidy outfit, perfect for all manner of daytime events. Pair the look with a long coat outdoors to elongate your physique and stay warm.

How to style a knitted dress

The knitted dress is an item of clothing creeping back into mainstream style. With the dual benefits of keeping you snug and cosy while maintaining a fashionable look, what’s not to like? There’s no need to have cold legs in the winter – pair a knitted dress with tights or leggings to insulate your legs so you don’t have to abandon the dresses you love. This automatically balances your look, so feel free to opt for a chunky sweater dress to amp up the comfort factor.

Long knitted dresses can sometimes lack shape on their own, so try belting them around your waist to add interest to the look. Add in some statement jewellery and don’t forget a short jacket and stylish purse for when you head outside. Wear the look with knee-high boots to accentuate your legs without compromising on grip for icy and snowy conditions.

Whatever your style, you’re sure to find knitwear that suits you this winter. Dress up warm, embrace the comfort and remember to play around with layers and accessories to add interest to an otherwise flat ensemble.