Discover how to style a need-now designer statement knitwear, and the jumpers and cardigans you need in your wardrobe for autumn and winter 2023.
Statement Knitwear with Unique Necklines & Shoulder Designs
This style of knit ticks plenty of fashion boxes. A jumper with interesting shoulder designs or a unique neckline is a wonderfully versatile piece. It adds interest to an outfit without overwhelming and can be styled as a desk-to-dinner option.
Pair a statement neckline knit with a knee-high boot and skirt, as seen on our Autumn Winter Runway. For a neutral-coloured match made in heaven, we love Camilla And Marc’s Tanami Knit Jumper paired with a tan-coloured skirt and designer boots.
Or, pair the same shoes and skirt with the Salma Long Sleeve Fitted Top from Khaite for a date night knit ensemble. To make the most of Ph5’s bright colour palette, pair their statement knits with the matching skit. For example, the Pipe Long Sleeve Cropped Top with the Katie Wavy Mini Skirt, or the Bonnie Aqua Midi Skirt. That’s the great thing about statement knits—you can mix and match them throughout the season.
For a cosy knit that won’t leave you swimming in fabric, a one-shoulder, slouchy knit will be your go-to this winter. The one-shoulder helps to add a spark of sophistication to a monochromatic ensemble, without overdoing it. Match the Bianca One Shoulder Loose Knit Top from The Frankie Shop with black trousers, and use a statement belt to tie the two pieces together.
The Cardigan
If you’re choosing one statement knit to invest in this year, let a stylish cardigan be that knit. Cardigans are one of those effortlessly versatile, transeasonal pieces that will never leave your wardrobe rotation.
We love the alpaca-wool yarn Maxwell Cardigan Camel from Anine Bing and the wool and mohair blend Vicky Cardigan from Morrison. Throw a chunky-knit cardigan over a simple t-shirt, jeans, and your favourite loafers for an easy-going ensemble.
Chunky knitwear looks best paired with a slimmer bottom, like with some skinny-leg jeans or slim-fitting pants. For wider-leg pants, we suggest looking for a cropped cardigan, like the Alder Knit Crop Cardi by Camilla And Marc. This cardigan finishes at the waist, giving you a more defined waistline. Alternatively, you can leave your bulky cardigan open and wear a simple fitted t-shirt underneath.
Cardigans are also a great way for you to re-wear pieces from your spring and summer wardrobe. Revisit your favourite lighter fabric ensembles by pairing them with a warming cardigan. Throw a lighter-coloured cardigan like Jac + Jack’s Atlas Cardigan over a summer dress for a cool-weather twist. The cardigan does add a bit of bulk to your silhouette, so pair your dress with a belt if it doesn’t have a clear waistline. For skirts, we suggest pairing your summertime A-line skirts with a plain white t-shirt, light-coloured boots, and your statement cardigan for a chic and cosy autumn-winter office outfit.
Coloured Knitwear for Autumn and Winter
This season, it’s time to move away from the traditional dark hues and dreary colour palette of the colder months. Now, it’s all about the colour pop. Bold colours help to add a little brightness to your wardrobe rotation and match neutrals of all tones, from dark navy to soft beige.
When it comes to coloured knitwear, you have two styling choices: you can pair your eye-catching knit with softer colours, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, lean into clashing, loud shades that make the most of the colour wheel.
For an orange knit that will last you for seasons to come, look to the 100% Cashmere Boston Crew Neck Knit from Samsoe Samsoe, and the chunky-yet-funky Sally Crew Neck Sweater In Orange from Blanca. Keep it simple by wearing your orange knit with jeans in a darker blue or even a houndstooth-print skirt. Or, for all-out colour fun, lean into skirts in bright colours like Fuschia or even more orange.
For those who prefer cooler tones, a strong emerald or blue will be your go-to statement knit colour. The deep blue of Maje’s Madinio Sweater is a treat. We also love the vibrancy of C&M Camilla And Marc’s Ainsley V Neck Long Sleeve Stripe Knit in emerald or lime. A cooler-toned knit will pair well with cool-toned separates. Think grey, white, and even black.
For a colour burst, match your bright knit with an even brighter skirt. For a special occasion fit like no other, invest in metallics that offset the bright tones like this silver skirt from Maje. Dress it up with boots, or down with sneakers. You can also follow in the footsteps of Camilla & Marc, and match your emerald knit with emerald bike shorts.
The Striped Knit
The ever-stylish striped statement knit will always be a wardrobe essential.
The key to styling a colourful stripe knit is to think of it as the centrepiece of your outfit and to match it with more subdued tones. Pair it with your favourite slouchy jeans and sneakers for a more casual weekend look. For a relaxed-fit knit like the Khaite Jade Crew Neck Sweater, we suggest wearing fitted bottoms and chunkier shoes to keep the ensemble balanced.
If bright colours aren’t your style, look to always-stylish black and white stripes. Thin black and white stripe knits are perfect for the office, especially relaxed pieces like Assembly Label’s Parisienne Stripe Knit Polo. Tuck this slouchy knit into your favourite wide-leg trousers, pointed heels, and chunky gold or silver jewellery for a polished look. You can also throw a tailored blazer over your knit and pair it with loafers or heels for an instantly elevated look.
Make the most of this season’s obsession with leather trousers by pairing them with the Athina Cropped Turtleneck Sweater from The Frankie Shop. The edginess of the cropped knit helps to balance out the leather fabric without overwhelming the look. A colourful clutch and some matching sunglasses will help you to channel your favourite fashion stylist.
Knit Vests
Not many could have predicted the return of the knit vest, but we couldn’t be happier. Originally only seen in the movies on serious professors and academics, the once “nerdy” sweater vest is now a fully-fledged fashion icon.
The key to introducing a classic preppy knit into your wardrobe is high-quality fabrications. A knitted vest in luxury fabrics like cashmere and wool will help to elevate your look, like the Carmen Vest from Anna Quan. Follow Anna Quan’s lead, and style this light-coloured knit vest with wide-leg pants and pointed shoes in the same tone for the perfect white winter outfit.
An oversized knit vest with slightly extended shoulders leads the way for versatile styling options. For example, Viktoria & Woods’ Havana Vest can be worn over a white shirt dress with black knee-high boots. Or, with a simple French tuck, styled with straight-leg pants or a skirt, and a statement belt. Avoid putting a bulky knit vest over a summer dress and summer sandals, it can leave your look a little unbalanced. Instead, look for a thinner v-neck knit, or opt for a heavier skirt.
For a kitsch fashion moment, elevate a chunky-coloured vest with tailored separates. Look for vests in vintage shades and fabrics, like the 70’s inspired Peyton Vest from Morrison to pair with a silk button-down shirt or crisp cotton.
Flared jeans look best with a slimmer-fit knit vest, like Ganni’s Graphic Cropped Vest. Keep it modern with pointed heels or flats, and the must-have accessory of the season: the baguette bag.
Pair your statement knit with statement accessories. We’ve rounded up the truly exceptional Designer Accessories to Invest in for Autumn Winter 2023.