Dear Mattie:
How should I wear my knits?
— Looking for new ideas in Lonsdale
Dear Lonsdale:
There is definitely a styling that goes with wearing knits. It can be as simple as wearing a knit top. But why be simple? This season, texture has been making a strong statement. Knits are more than just wool or cotton; they also feature visual and tactile characteristics. The fibre exudes elegance. Knits have been updated and can be worn as everyday garments that can also be chic.
This chic look has been modernized with a cool attitude. Knits can be layered for functionality and fashion. When put together, this look resembles a casual yet higher-end style. This style marks the end of the winter season and the start of spring. It is the best transition look you can get because you can add a vest and scarf or choose lighter-weight knits. There is a lot of versatility with knitwear.
Knits are not old and frumpy. The silhouette is subtle and flattering instead of rounding a woman's body. A properly fitted knit looks straight and narrow. If you like a hint of a waistline, add a belt. A belt with a sweater is fashion forward - though perhaps not to those of us who were around in the 1980s. There is also a boxy, slightly oversized sweater. This can be layered over a shirt and worn with tapered pants. I like this lean look as it can give you some room to breathe. It is a looser and more forgiving silhouette, which still works. Some knits feature ribbing that resembles a pattern. This ribbing looks modern. There is a mohair look and feel adding to the texture trend of this season.
Marled and cable knit sweaters resembling the fisherman sweater have made a comeback as an outer layer. Traditional sweaters in fashionable multi-colours update the Fair Isle patterns. Sweaters can also be found with a zipper, making them a layering piece.
Layering knits can be forced or neutral, depending on the colours you wear. If you wear lightweight monotone colours it creates a minimal look, which many women like and is in fashion.
Knits this season are not only textured but also coloured. There is a colour block look featuring a few colours and bold to skinny stripes. As well, cross dye yarns produce a subtle speckled look with many colours, usually tone on tone with some complementary hues. This is a graphic and modern look. Some knits are embellished with fringes.
Still not sure what to do with your knitwear? After you choose your knit of preference, add some pieces to complete your outfit. Long skirts radiate a laid back and sophisticated look.
Sweaters with plaid shirts underneath bring us back to the grunge era; don't forget your leggings! On the flip side, a striped shirt brings your knit up a notch. Traditional sweaters can be updated with a boot cut pair of pants. Tactile fancy knits can be worn with a pencil skirt straight into the office.
Knits can be worn with anything. They can be dressed up and down, appropriate for modern urban life in any city of the world. This look and feel transcends swank.
Adieu,
Mattie
Mattie is a freelance writer and fashion expert. Reach her on her Facebook page Mattie-a-la-Mode.
