When autumn arrives, there is one staple that everyone needs in their wardrobe – a warm piece of knitwear. However, although there are endless styles of knitwear and ways to wear them, most of us find ourselves wearing our knitwear over jeans and that’s about as imaginative as it gets. If this sounds familiar, then you, my friend, are in a knitwear rut. The solution Enter Amy Hall.
With an expertise in all things knitted and chunky, we asked Amy Hall, a former East London-based independent fashion designer who specialised in handmade knitwear, to offer her top knitwear styling tips that will never go out of fashion.
Read on for some knitspiration so you can be cosy and stylish for when the temperature drops…
Knitwear & Leather Trousers
When it comes to fabric pairings, opposites really do attract and this couldn’t be more true when considering knitwear and leather (or silk and knitwear actually, but more on that later).
If you’re after an elevated casual look, then simply pair your knitwear with some leather trousers. It’s an effortlessly cool ensemble if ever there was one.
“There is no better combination than knit & leather”, says Amy. “Leather trousers plus a simple vest and a big, textured knitted cardigan will always be a winner”, she adds.
The fashion gurus at Vogue agree, stating that the “stealth combination of leather and knit is the lazy girl’s solution to transitional dressing”. They continue; “what this pairing lacks in fleece and down filling, it makes up for with artful and unexpected texture”.
While black leather trousers (the de facto shade when it comes to leather pants) and a lighter knit will always be a winner, don’t be afraid to go bold with your colour choices. Pair your brightest, funkiest knitwear jumper with some equally colourful faux leather trousers. However, if bright isn’t your thang, rest assured that you can’t go wrong with an all black ensemble – that’s black leather trousers with a black knitwear top. For the ultimate on trend look, pair your leather trousers with a knitted one shoulder top.
Just rest assured that the tastemakers-that-be have declared your leather trousers a wardrobe staple for autumn this year. Best get yours quick…
The Sporty Look
Amy tells us that “knitted track pants with heels and a light-weight loose vest or t-shirt tucked in is a great way to rock the sporty look that’s still very much on-trend”.
You only have to look at Rihanna, SJP and Kim Kardashian; just some of the celebrities who are showing us that tracksuit bottoms and heels can totally work.
Don’t believe us? Vogue reports that “the combo has been around quite some time. Balenciaga championed the look back in pre-fall 2021, when they dressed a model in a tracksuit and a pair of square-toe heels”. So, there you go.
Read: 8 transitional fashion pieces your wardrobe needs this autumn
High Waist It!
A high-waisted skirt is a flattering and versatile piece to have in your wardrobe. Amy suggests tucking “a neat knitted sweater into a high-waisted skirt or shorts for a great transitional look for spring or autumn”.
Here at ideal we’re fans of matching knit sets – think calf-length, high-waisted skirts in a soft rib knit fabric teamed with a matching jumper. Coordinating knitwear sets are also great investment pieces because they can be worn as separate items.
We know we mentioned leather and knitwear already, but pairing a high-waisted leather skirt with a simple merino knit is a look that will never go out of fashion. Alternatively, and again, if leather isn’t for you, consider a crushed velvet skirt for a soft textural outfit that you won’t be able to keep your hands off.
Sheer Knits Over A Camisole
“Layering sheer knits over camisoles and blouses is a good transitional trick for those awkward mid-season chilly days”, suggests Amy. Indeed, it’s an iconic layering solution if ever there was one. Need we say more?
Knit and Silk or Satin
“Another fabric combination I can’t get enough of is knit with silk”, says Amy. We couldn’t agree more. The smoothness of both silk and satin cry out for a knitted fabric with lots of texture and surface interest to balance out their flatness. It’s the ideal transition outfit and a timeless combination.
“Pull on a ribbed, body-con knitted skirt and tuck in a voluminous silk shirt for an incredibly easy but really chic outfit that will easily take you from day into evening”, suggests Amy.
Or, do it the other way round – pull on a silk skirt and a knitted top. We also adore the lustre and sheen of a simple satin slip dress and the contrast of a chunky knitted jumper.
Read: 9 on trend hats for autumn 2023
A Super Versatile Knitted Cardigan
Speaking of chunky knits, Amy tells us that a “big, thick knitted cardigan is a real investment piece: it will double up as a coat and you can layer it over jumpers, leather jackets, etc”.
In other words, it’s a super versatile piece for your wardrobe.
Yep, a chunky knit cardigan is essential in every autumn and winter wardrobe owing to its unparalleled combination of warmth, style, and versatility. Its thick fabric provides necessary insulation against cold weather, while its design adds a cosy, chic aesthetic to any outfit.
As Amy highlights, “a knitted cardigans versatility allows it to be paired with different garments, making it a go-to piece for various occasions”.
Whether you are out for a walk, at a casual gathering, or simply at home, a chunky knit cardigan delivers comfort with a fashionable touch. It’s the a staple piece for the colder seasons.
The Sweater Dress
Have you heard about the the viral £35 H&M dress with over 23.5 million TikTok views and counting? If you haven’t, it’s a knitwear dress that reportedly looks good on everyone and is selling out fast.
As the Mirror explains, H&M’s “rib-knit dress has been hailed as ‘super flattering’ thanks to its slimming design which pulls you in at the waist. It also boasts a round neckline, long sleeves, flared cuffs with a slit and a flared skirt for the perfect smart casual look”.
Yep, this gloriously inclusive item sounds like the knitwear dress of our dreams.
However, if you can’t get your hands on H&M’s coveted rib-knit dress, worry not. According to Amy, “a knitted sweater dress, if it’s the right fit and shape for your body, will be your best friend in the winter months” be it from H&M or any other brand.
“All you need to wear with it is a good pair of thick tights and some awesome boots and you’re ready to go”, she adds.
Knitted dresses, especially those in ribbed and oversized styles, are great choices for a sweater dress. They can even be styled with bare legs and chunky loafers for autumn, and paired with tights and boots for winter.
Crop It!
Yes we know, the idea of a cropped knitwear top sounds counterintuitive. However, Amy urges us not to be afraid of a cropped sweater. “Worn over a form-fitting dress or with a leather, high-waisted pencil skirt, you’ll actually find it’s incredibly flattering”, she states.
Chunky Knit Scarf
Remember the truly bitter cold snap we went through last year? You know, when the UK was in that spell of severe cold weather, with icy temperatures up and down the country. Well, according to experts, it was nothing unusual, which likely means there may well be another cold snap this year.
When temperatures drop, Amy recommends investing “in a really bold, big scarf”. There’s no better accessory that a gigantic statement knitwear scarf when things get frosty.
“You can be wearing jeans and a really simple jacket but chuck on a huge, bonkers scarf and I guarantee someone will ask you where you got it”, she extols.
Be Experimental
Finally, Amy tells us that “It IS possible to wear knit from head to toe, you just need to play around with different weights so you don’t look like a yeti monster. One chunky foundation piece worn with lots of finer, gauzy layers makes for a really great autumn/winter look. Be experimental!”.
And with that, we’re off to look in play with our wardrobes.
*This article was originally published in 2016 and has been updated.