While knitwear has always been worn to ward off a chilly breeze and is typically associated with autumn or winter wear, the cosy fabric has shown its versatility as a staple in transitional wardrobes, seen across vests, dresses, crop tops and more. To kill time at home this past year, people have found themselves hopping on the knitting and crocheting bandwagon (cue Tom Daley and his Olympic cardigan), and this little lockdown movement has naturally translated itself into one of 2021’s hottest fashion trends. Dua Lipa was pictured rocking a black knit crop top in Albania just last week, while Kylie Jenner donned a custom made green knit two-piece by Namita Khade on her birthday this month. From co-ord sets to bucket hats, we’ve rounded up a selection of lightweight knits you can rock now under the sun, yet still take into chillier days come October.
It Takes Two: Co-ords
Your trans-seasonal wardrobe will never be complete without fall fashion’s favourite double act: the co-ord. While wearing a set can make you look polished in a pinch, having two pieces in each can also mean a versatile game of mix and match according to your mood. Minimalists will adore the cream Jules wool blend cable knit set from The Frankie Shop and the classic Balmain Stretch knit set. If the sun’s out, get your groove on in House of Sunny’s Cypress set and paint the town in refreshing shades of mint, yellow and blue. If you’re looking for a chance to dress in fall orange from head to toe, there is no better time than now — hit the streets in Christopher Esber’s flowy Melange knit co-ord, or go even bolder in the Fendi FF Vertigo cardigan and midi skirt.
Cosy Chic: Cardigans
Everyone loves a cardigan – it’s low maintenance, easy to wear, and opens up infinite layering possibilities. Pop it in your tote and it’ll be your best friend when a fall breeze comes along, and when days get colder, simply transform the outerwear into a top! Take a piece of summer with you into fall with the dreamy beach graphic cardigan from Love Shack Fancy. For a sprinkle of cottagecore to your everyday outfit, look towards the frilly Peter Pan collars of Ganni’s cardigan, or the baby pink florals from For Love and Lemons. Versace and Jacquemus have created edgier variations in brown and black embellished with metal fastenings, perfect to pair with leather trousers or thrown over a silky slip dress for a special occasion.
Return of the 70s: Sweater Vests
2021 is officially the year of the knitted vest renaissance. While it has always been the MVP of layering pieces, the humble sweater vest is no longer how you remember it to be, though some styles might look familiar. The geometric prints on Tory Burch and Gucci are the perfect mix of preppy and grandpa chic — channel Harry Styles this fall by pairing them with colourful collared button-downs and flared trousers. Or, give dopamine dressing a go and have some fun in Ganni’s Smiley vest. Maison Margiela and Victoria Beckam are good choices for a modern tasteful look, offering earthy and autumn toned variations that would add class to t-shirts and blouses alike.
Effortless Elegance: Midis and Maxis
It is time to switch out your flowy floral summer pinafores for figure-hugging knit dresses. Knitted midis and maxis have been spotted on every influencer you can imagine ever since Kylie Jenner posted a photo of herself in House of Sunny’s green Hockney Dress. Good news: it’s not too late to hop on the bandwagon — try on the new Hockney in brown to transition seamlessly into fall. Or if you’re not ready to let summer colours go just yet, slip into a mélange of green hues with Christopher Esber’s Ribbed-knit maxi, which can be converted into a mini dress or tank top on hotter days using buttons on the waist and thigh. Seen on the likes of Haley Bieber and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, the Cult Gaia Serita maxi will turn heads wherever you go with it’s gorgeous cut-out. On colder days, go for long sleeved knits in autumnal tones from Bottega Veneta and Staud, both of which will also look good half-unbuttoned over pants. Pair with sneakers for a casual look or heeled boots for some glam.
Buckets of Fun: Bucket Hats
You might own a bucket hat, or ten — but do you have one that is knitted? The streetwear staple has undergone a soft transformation as we see more crochet variations. Not only does it bring a homemade flair to your outfit, it keeps your head warm (and saves you from wind hair) on chillier fall days. Arm yourself with the best neutral picks from Fendi, Rag & Bone and Missoni for a versatile accessory. For a pop of colour, pick up Gucci’s baby pink crochet bucket hat, or get a little funky in the Racer plaid hat from Memorial Day, approved by Bella Hadid.
Editor
Kaitlyn LaiCredit
Lead Image: @kyliejenner via Instagram
