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Sweaters

Fashion

What to look for when buying winter sweaters

2nd May, 2022

Winter is just around the corner so I’m already workshopping ways I can wear my fave cosy jumpers around the clock. Layering is one of the best ways to stay warm when temperatures drop, and this is why investing in great knitwear is a must. I always favour beautiful knits but I also love nothing more than a more casual sweatshirt when it’s cold. If you’re a bit dubious about the latter, the direction trends have ventured of late has made wearing sweats out of the house not only unbelievably warm and practical, it’s right on trend too.

If you’re going to live in jumpers throughout winter, it pays to have all your bases covered so you have one on hand to suit most outfits and occasions. I think it works to have some (or all) of the following in your closet:

A colourful knit: Whether it’s a bright cobalt blue, a shocking pink or a demure pastel, it’s always a good idea to embrace a little colour when it comes to knitwear. When everything in winter is generally geared towards dark, sombre hues it’s nice to inject a splash of colour into a look.

A textured piece: Textures are always a great feature to incorporate in knitwear whether it’s an oversized ribbed feature, cute bobbles or embroidery, it always adds a layer of interest to an outfit.

A cardi: Wear it buttoned or open, but either way cardigans are huge this winter so it pays to have one or two in your collection. I am loving slightly cropped styles that I can wear as a standalone top or layer it with something else underneath.

An oversized sweater: Big oversized sweaters are so cosy and when worn with something fitted such as jeans or a wide leg pant and slightly tucked in it looks ultra chic while also keeping you toasty.

A grey sweatshirt: There’s obviously an array of different sweatshirt styles out there but I always love having a grey one in my closet. I wear it with my gym gear or with jeans and often pop a trench or other jacket on top and it all of a sudden feels more fashion-ey.

A neutral knit: You most definitely have to own at least one knit in a neutral hue in your wardrobe. It’s a great piece to have as it can easily pair with multiple options, and offers you an array of different looks.

Logo sweatshirt: I do love a fun designer logo sweatshirt to dress up a pair of jeans. This one isn’t high on the priorities list but it is a good one to have as it’s ultra comfortable but also on trend.

A matching set: Invest in a matching set if you want to take wear loungewear out and about. I often do a jumper with tracksuit pants and pop on a trench to dress it up a little, or a beautiful knit set is also a wonderful alternative if sweats aren’t your thing.

A turtleneck: Not only does it serve the purpose of keeping your neck warm, there’s something classic and sophisticated about a turtleneck. Hues such as black, cream or camel are always a good option as they offer a lot of versatility in how they can be worn as they can work back with jeans, pants or skirts equally as well.

 

If you’re currently popping a few things on your jumper shopping list after reading the above, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind to ensure you end up with a knit with longevity…

Consider the fabrication: Look at the label and see what the jumper is made from. Wool and cashmere are of course at the upper echelon as they wear well, are breathable and have longevity. Merino wool in particular is said to be one of the best options if you want to avoid dreaded pilling. Cotton is also another great pick if you want a jumper that breathes and is also relatively easy to look after. Also look at the composition, something that is 100% acrylic for example will keep you toasty, but if the weather turns and starts to warm up you may be left feeling a little too hot as it’s not breathable. You want to ensure you incorporate a few natural fabrics so you don’t end up feeling overly hot when you’re wearing layers. Be on the look out for cheaper polyester/cotton combinations which tend to lose their shape after multiple wears.

Check out the washing instructions: They say knitwear should be washed as minimally as possible, but if you do have to launder a jumper, how much of a pain is it going to be? I love anything that can easily be thrown in the washing machine on a gentle cycle, but some may need dry cleaning or a specific detergent to keep it in top shape.

Choose a neckline that works for your wardrobe: I will often gravitate towards crew neck jumpers as I like the neckline and how it works with the rest of my closet. You may prefer V-neck or roll neck or turtleneck, but always think of what you’re going to wear it with to ensure longevity.

 

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10 winter knits every girl should have in her closet

20th July, 2019

kate waterhouse winter knits in wardrobe

When it comes to winter I’m in knits most of the time as they’re guaranteed to keep me super cosy and they’re so versatile too. I can wear them on the weekend when I’m in off duty mode but they’re also equally as appropriate for office attire or when I’m heading out to a function. There are an endless array of great sweaters out there but these in particular, are the styles that I guarantee you’ll get plenty of use out of and will wear for seasons to come.

1. Striped

A great striped knit is a must. I’d almost consider stripes to be a neutral as far as my wardrobe goes as they’re so easy to mix and match—they work well with jeans, leather leggings, skirts, the list is endless. Plus it always lends an air of effortless Parisian chic to an ensemble.

2. V-neck

A great v-neck is a staple in my sweater collection. It’s a really flattering neckline and if you get one in colours such as grey, black or white it will go with virtually everything you own.

3. Print

I think a printed knit is always a great thing to have on hand to help inject a bit of pep to a winter outfit.

A logo sweater is on trend this season

4. Fun

Slogan tees and sweaters are huge at the moment so it’s definitely worth adding a knit with a fun statement on it into your collection. Even better when it’s in a cute colour such as millenial pink!

5. Black

Anything in black is a wardrobe no-brainer so it stands to reason that you’d need a reliable knit in that colour to help form the foundation for many a winter outfit.

6. Cashmere

Yes, it’s a splurge but if you’ve never spoiled yourself to the buttery soft, totally luxe feeling of a cashmere sweater you don’t know what you’re missing out on. Treat yourself just once and I guarantee it will last you forever as cashmere is so durable.

7. Crew neck

Much like the v-neck a great crew neck sweater is a versatile winter staple to have on hand.

8. Turtleneck

A beautiful turtleneck is a cosy piece to have in your wardrobe plus it always looks polished and elegant. It’s a great option to have when you need your outfit to look stylish and effortless. Buy one in cream, white or beige and it’s the kind of item in your wardrobe that you’ll pull out time and again.

Colours and texture are always a fun way to elevate the humble winter knit

9. Textured

A beautiful textured knit adds another layer of interest to an outfit. Whether a cable knit, ribbed, or speckled it’s a great way to elevate a traditional winter sweater.

10. Statement sleeve

A statement sleeve is always a good idea. Elevate your knit collection by adding a statement sleeve to the mix—I promise you’ll wear it more times than you’ll be able to count.

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18 awesome sweaters to help you get cosy in style

7th June, 2019

It has been freezing in Sydney the last few days so I’ve definitely had stocking up on every cosy thing imaginable on my mind. I’ve been wanting to update my winter woolies repertoire (and replaced a few jumpers that are looking tired) so I have been busy scoping out a few of my favourite stores for sweaters. I tend to have a lot of neutral, versatile pieces in my closet but I’m also on board with a bold knit or two to help lift an outfit. From vibrant colours, interesting prints to beautiful finishing touches such as a striking sleeve or textured finishes, warming up this winter is proving to be anything but boring.

Shop my edit of sweaters below…

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The winter wardrobe staple I can’t live without

22nd June, 2016

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When it comes to winter staples you can’t argue with the necessity of a good range of quality sweaters. They’re versatile so will work equally as well at work as they do when you’re relaxing and there’s just the undeniable fact they’re the ideal piece to cosy up in when the weather is chilly outside – I know I live in them on the weekend. Plus in quality natural fabrics such as wool or cashmere, a sweater will last you season after season so it’s a great wardrobe investment to make.

This winter there are a variety of different styles to embrace including everything from turtlenecks to off-the-shoulder silhouettes (still loving this trend!) and cropped jumpers so you’re bound to find a style to suit you.

Scroll down for my sweater styling tips and my favourite shopping picks below.

Shop the look!

The oversized turtleneck

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Style

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The cropped sweater

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Style

Steal

 

 

My Sweater Styling Tips

SWEATERS

An oversized turtleneck instantly adds a touch of laidback cool to your outfit and looks perfect when worn with boyfriend or skinny jeans. As the fit is quite relaxed opt for a fitted style if you want a bit more shape.

Cropped jumpers are perfect for layering with a skirt and paired over shirt dresses. They also work equally as well when worn with boyfriend jeans or flares. You could also transition a lightweight cropped jumper into spring by wearing your sweater over a white shirt and shorts.

To ensure your sweaters keep their shape be sure to either hand wash them or on the wool cycle of your washing machine. Lay them out flat to dry instead of hanging them up to ensure they retain their shape.

Pilling on a wool jumper is never a good look so be sure to use a pilling comb to get rid of any balls of fuzz.

Photography: Julie Adams 

Images: Stockholm Street Style, The Mirror on the Wall and Lauren Messiah