As someone who always said they preferred getting dressed in the cooler months to the warmer ones, I have to say, I have been enjoying basking in the glorious sunshine we’ve been treated to lately, however uncharacteristic that may be. It’s been nice rediscovering the dresses I negated to wear last year and wearing them with little else but sandals without the risk of feeling the chill. Still, as the saying goes, a leopard can’t change its spots, and already, my mind is beginning to wander to my autumn wardrobe.
Autumn, I think, presents the perfect time to assemble outfits. Not too hot, nor too cold, you can experiment with layers and heavier textures, such as leather, and come up with more inventive looks than at any other point in the year. And one of the first things I always want to shop for as the autumn season approaches is knitwear. There’s just something so comforting about it that makes it hard for me to resist. And you can rest assured that, with many of us still looking to spend more time at home for the rest of 2021, that there are going to be some great knitted options out there to shop.
It might be early, and product may still be somewhat scarce, but I’ve started to see patterns in the knitwear trends that are beginning to land in new-in sections across the internet. Chances are you’ll have already invested in a few of them, as some of them are carrying over from earlier this year, but others feel distinctly new and exciting.
From the co-ord to champion and the typically summertime weave that’s been given a cold-weather update to the twee new embroidery to try and the best-seller that’s finally back in stock, keep scroll to see the nine autumn knitwear trends 2021 is going to be all about.
Style Notes: Continuing on from last winter, knitted vests are set to be just as popular as they were then. Pared-back styles may have dominated 2020 but, in 2021, prepare to take the trend to the next level with retro weaves in bright colours. If it looks vintage, you’re on the right lines. In fact, why not invest in an authentic vintage piece to really nail the look.
Style Notes: Knitted co-ords were the height of sophisticated during lockdown, and they’re slowly coming back for autumn 2021, too. Only this time, we’re seeing more polished dress and cardigan combinations come through, as opposed to loungewear-reminiscent trousers and jumper sets.
Style Notes: Sometimes, the things we consider “ basic” can actually have the biggest impact on our outfits, and that can certainly be said of this knitwear trend. We all own jumpers, and we all own Bretons—but how many of us own Breton jumpers? I’m willing to bet most of us will by the time the year is out.
Style Notes: It’s a small detail, but have you noticed how ribbed textures instantly elevate knitwear and stops them from looking purely like house clothes? Chances are you’ll already have something that works for this trend in your wardrobe but, if not, there are plenty of separates to choose from on the high-street.
Style Notes: Floral embroidery always makes a knitwear comeback but, this season, designers like Sea and Shrimps are switching things up and, instead, are exploring fruity stitches. Unlike lemons which epitomise summer, for autumn, things are taking a berry turn with raspberries, strawberries, and even grapes cropping up on cosy knits.
Style Notes: Depending on the execution, cut-outs can be hit or miss, but on knitwear, they always seem to look chic. Perhaps it makes for an unexpected counter to the slouchy silhouettes or the cosy fabrication, but regardless, both designer and high-street brands seem to agree, as you’ll find lots of cut-out details in their respective knitwear collections for autumn.
Style Notes: Just because we’re heading into autumn, that doesn’t mean you need to turn your back on saturated shades. Orange knitwear is proving consistent for the season ahead, with styles that allow you to go as zingy as you like.
Style Notes: Knitted skirts have been popular over the last few years, but instead of the A-line styles we’ve come to expect, for autumn 2021, we’re seeing more column, tube-like silouhettes coming through.
Style Notes: Largely considered a summer trend, crochet has made a huge mark on the 2021 style agenda, it can’t just disappear overnight. If you haven’t already invested in it, focus your search on thicker, heavier weaves with minimal gaps, so they can better withstand the inevitable autumn chill.
