Happy Thursday, my sweet readers! It’s almost Friday and as the days get colder, my posts are getting more wintery. As you already know, I have been contributing as a Fashion News Editor for Chictopia’s blog, Everbody is Ugly. They publish about four of my articles (with illustrations) each month and I couldn’t be happier. Being able to collaborate with important fashion sites is definitely a way to get your name out there, to show the world what you can do and to get more readers and blog visitors. My advice? When you have the chance, don’t waste it and just take it!
For my latest piece, I wrote about knitwear essentials. Knitwear is a staple for the cold season and with so many trends to choose from, it’s good to know your sweaters. I prepared a guide of the seven items you should invest on this Winter. Let’s start!
Serious Sweater Weather: All The Sweaters You’ll Ever Need For The Rest Of 2012
Winter is slowly moving in— as temperatures begin to drop, trees stand almost bare and “just a jacket” just won’t do anymore. It’s time to dust off those coats, wrap around those scarves and start playing the chicest winter game of them all: layering. One of the things we gotta love about colder weather is that we get to take out our comfy and fluffy knits out to play. Knitwear always has an important role on the runways, even on the spring ones. With designers trying to innovate in almost everything, sweaters are constantly reinvented and reshaped, and new threads and combinations always emerge.
There was a time when the black v-neck jumper was all you needed. Today, a girl can never have too many sweaters: basics, vests, blanket wraps, varsity cardigans, the cable-knit range, the shaggy number, the oversized one, the sheer and asymmetrical, the printed, the embroidered, the neon, the pastel and this list, with each season, keeps on growing and growing. So make more space in that sweater drawer of yours, because we have a whole lot of trendy and seasonal knitwear that you will be needing and will never regret buying!
The Graphic Jumper
→ As seen at: Preen
We are in the presence of one of the strongest trends from the Fall 2012 runways (along with Oxblood, White, Leather on Leather and Baroque). The Graphic Jumper was seen in almost every show during Fashion Week (we are still hoping to get our hands on Joseph Altuzarra’s horse printed sweaters), and with each designer giving it their own interpretation we can now choose between flowers, geometric shapes, wild animals, cute animals, hearts, stars and more. And while solid knits always come in handy, printed ones are much more fun to wear.
THE LOOK: A graphic sweater is already a statement piece by itself, but that doesn’t mean one has to keep it simple. Playing with prints and textures can result in a fabulous and eye-catching ensemble. A leopard print and flower jumper, a pair of teal leather pants and polka dot pumps may seem a bit too much, but when putting all the pieces together, it definitely works.
1. Eagle print, Topshop
2. Baroque print, River Island
3. Horse print, Altuzarra
4. Floral print, Dolce & Gabbana
The Cardi-coat
→ As seen at: Topshop Unique
On Winter, the coat is the new dress (since the rest of our clothes are stuck underneath it, for no one to see them). That is why investing on a few different options is always a good idea. A classic black coat is a must, the camel robe is just as important and this season, it’s all about military, white and pink. Another alternative and always a more economic one (unless you get the Loro Piana, floor-length, cashmere version), is the cardi-coat: a cardigan shaped as a coat. This particular garment is great for layering, you can even put an actual wool coat on it. It may not be as heavy as a coat, but we can guarantee that it’s just as warm.
THE LOOK: A cardi-coat is a great alternative to your usual black jacket. Pair it with a pair of smart shorts and a solid, sweatshirt for more coverage. If the weather allows it, it’s not too late for some leg-flashing. If it gets a bit chilly, a pair of sheer tights will do. The cute factor? A wool boater, we suggest you buy one in Oxblood. This season, the more Oxblood items, the merrier.
1. Printed cardigan, Antik Batik
2. Taupe wrap, Mason by Michelle Mason
3. Fluffy knit, Antik Batik
The Dressy Sweatshirt
→ As seen at: Kenzo
A couple of seasons ago, the sweatshirt got the fashion treatment. Bye, bye unflattering, GAP hoodie (ok, see you at night, when we change into our pajamas) and hello embellished, printed and shapely Kenzo baby. Sweatshirts are no longer “just got out of the gym” garments. Everyone, from Balmain to Zara, is carrying their own dressy version. Whether you pair them with some skinny jeans and ankle boots, or with a pencil skirt and some slingbacks, sweatshirts are a must-have for Fall. They are fun and easy to wear, but above all, versatile. Our advice: buy a bunch of them, you’ll thank us later.
THE LOOK: Kenzo made us crave the tiger sweatshirt, thank God retail followed! We paired it up with a pair of crossover shorts and an embellished bomber to complement the print. For and edgy bu always chic vibe, ankle booties are all you need.
1. Studded sweatshirt, Topshop
2. Peacock sweatshirt, Proenza Schouler
3. Leather sleeves, French Connection
4. Horse sweatshirt, Topshop
The Fair Isle Sweater
→ As seen at: Ralph Lauren
Who knew that what we once called “The Uncle Sweater” could look this fabulous? It was the sweater you refused to wear, but had to wear around Christmas because it was a gift from Granny. And the sweater you know regret throwing out because you could be wearing it right now. Thanks to Ralph Lauren and his Downton Abbey-inspired runway show, Fair Isle has never looked so good. You can pair it with some jacquard trousers and oxford shoes for a classic look. You can wear it with smart shorts and a jacket or even under a parka. Your choice!
Cropped Cable-knit
→ As seen at: Rodarte
If you are a sweater lover, you know there’s nothing better than chunky cable-knit. From the long cardigan to the classic, cream jumper, we have all sorts of shapes and lengths inside our closets. For this Winter, there’s nothing better to go with those tight, leather trousers and lace-up booties than a cropped, cable-knit sweater. Rodarte had a retro take on it, Oscar de la Renta a more classic one and Isabel Marant, well Isabel put her usual signature swag on it. Remeber, if Isabel Marant said it, we might as well buy it!
1. Kenzo
2. Isabel Marant
3. Rag & Bone
Ladylike Knits
→ As seen at: Oscar de la Renta
Lace, bows, ribbons, flowers and chiffon, the lady trend has been around for seasons now. And what’s not to love about that? For Fall 2012, designers made the lady a wintery one: from Oscar de la Renta’s opulent princess to Dolce & Gabbana’s Baroque queen. You too can add a touch of ladylike to your ensembles with some pretty, pretty knitwear: embellished collars, rhinestones, metallic textures, lace inserts, embroidered patterns or floral prints.
1. Tory Burch
2. Miu Miu
3. 3.1 Phillip Lim
The Combined Cardigan
→ As seen at: Creatures of the Wind
A sweater with a twist? This season, two-tone jumpers and combined cardigans are everywhere. Whether you go for wool and leather, or wool and lamé (that Rochas number is a dreamboat), you won’t regret buying one of this styles. Another great ingredient for layering. Wear a black, leather one underneath an oversize bomber. Throw in a pair of oxblood skinny jeans, some ankle boots and fingerless gloves for a fun twist.
Have these sweaters made it on to your must-have list? We sure hope so!
Illustrations: Ana Sofia Alanis
Image sources:
net-a-porter
topshop
polyvore
farfetch
pinterest
Sweet'n'Raw 