Style by Claire Lopez

Putting the ‘It’ back into Knit

Is it just me or has the world suddenly gone Christmas crazy? Half-term, Halloween and Bonfire night are barely done and now it appears that it is totally fair game to sound the festive horn so to speak. But seriously people – retailers I mean – we don’t just want to wear sequins and sparkles for the next two months, lots of us don’t even have a Christmas party to attend so don’t need much more than a couple of more ‘going out’ outfits (and maybe a Christmas jumper if absolutely necessary – although I don’t really get that). What we do all need, however, is knitwear which we are going to be living in for the next four months or so.

So having looked at thinner sweaters a couple of weeks ago, now it is the turn of something a bit more textured, chunky and maybe even oversized. What you do have to simply accept is that with all the bulkier pieces and those that have dropped shoulders, you will be making yourself look bigger up top which may or may not be something you want to do and if you are a bit curvier or bigger of bust, going for a yarn that is softer (even if it is still textured) will be a better bet.

Brights

I love this Twist Chunky Roll Neck Jumper £45 from Topshop and it would have come home with me had it been in my size. The lilac and red is actually a fab colour combination.

Cos has this most gorgeous Bright Pink Round Neck Cashmere Sweater £125. There is a lot of pink around people so embrace the femininity.

Over at Warehouse there is currently 20% off knitwear. They have a couple of good red options including this Ribbed Funnel Neck Jumper £33.60

It also comes in mustard, light blue and neutrals such a light grey marl and this cream which is sold out in some sizes and low in stock in others.

For a more fitted option there is the Cosy Crew Jumper £25.60. It does also come in other colours and there are some good camel and tan shades.

For an orange try Oasis Ivy Bell Sleeve Jumper £28.80 (they also currently have 20% off)

Or a more classic style at Boden with their Emily Jumper £90

Fluffy

There is a lot of fluffy mohair around so move swiftly on if you can’t bear the itch! This Knitted Wool Blend Jumper £39.99 from H&M is a gorgeous colour. I tried this on the other day and have been regretting not buying it since then. Like I said – a lot of pink around…

If that’s too obviously pink for you then this Knitted Mohair Blend Jumper £49.99 comes in a softer pink, pale blue and lemon.

Lilac and mohair are not two words I thought I would hear myself saying but I am pretty keen on the idea – it might not be for everyone but if you’re drawn to the trend then Whistles Sophia Mohair Sweater £139. Another one for the wish list.

Moving away from the pastels and pinks, try Arket’s red Mohair Blend Jumper £69.

If it’s a darker neutral you’re after then try Zara’s Soft Touch Sweater £29.99 which comes in this blue, black, camel, wine and winter white and is eminently strokable. Would look fab with skirts – midi or otherwise.

Winter whites and lights

Just because it’s winter, it doesn’t mean you have to reach for the black or grey sweaters – try a winter white or a light neutral instead as these will often be kinder to the complexion.

There is a lot of cable and Aaron knit out there which can be a bit difficult to pull off so I like this Faux Fur Knit Sweater £39.99 from Mango as it is a softer version of this. BTW there is not fur on this whatsoever!

Or this Eyelet Knit Sweater £69 &Other Stories.

Massimo Dutti’s Open Knit Sweater £79.95 is another lovely style.

This Topshop Chunky Roll Neck Jumper £39 is already sold out in lots of sizes but available from a 12 upwards and as a slightly shorter, boxier style it will work brilliantly tucked into skirts (as here) or over skinny jeans. There was lots and lots of this style in Oxford Circus this week if you happened to be in the area.

I have a Topshop sweater  from last season that has been amazing with skirts and skinnies and this Mango Ribbed Recycled Polyester Sweater £19.99 is the closest I have found this season.

For another longer style that will be great over coated jeans Baukjen’s Erica Roll Neck £139 is a goodie. It comes in a pale blue and oatmeal as well and unlike so many other pieces has shoulders that actually sit on your shoulders which is always more flattering.

Or try Mango’s Chunky knit Sweater £49.99 

But do wear something on the bottom half.

On the warmer side of neutrals is Boden’s Daisy Jumper £98 which does also come in a grey marl if you aren’t converted to these warmer tones.

Animal

Well with the amount of animal out there at the moment, it’s impossible to ignore it in knitted form – although some of the options out there are just a bit too 80s for my liking.

Warehouse’s Cosy Leopard Print Jumper £36.80 with the 20% off is more than acceptable, however.

M&S Animal Print Round Neck Jumper £35 is also nice in the oatmeal colour. It does come in a neon pink version too which is definitely not for the faint-hearted – no hiding in this.

There were a few animal print fluffy styles at &Other Stories which are still in stores but I cannot locate online however, Next has this Pretty Little Thing Fluffy Leopard Print Jumper £28. Now this is obviously a brand aimed at the younger end of the market so remove a significant amount of fake tan/make up, style with skinnies  (coated or non) and trainers and this could definitely work.

What can often make the difference (and several of the sweaters are styled in this way) with these chunkier sweaters is a little front tuck which helps to tame some of the volume and create a little bit of waist shaping

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