While it might not quite be winter coat whether just yet, it’s definitely time to crack out the woollies.
Dubious as it might sound, there’s never been a more exciting (no, really!) time for knitwear.
With designers like Louise Goldin and Markus Lupfer reinventing knitting as we know it, winter jumpers no longer have to mean something bobbly and shapeless knocked out by your mum.
Actually, my mum is a pretty talented knitter, but you know what I mean…
Bowtie Sweater
$25, HihloStudo @ Etsy
Embellished knitwear of this ilk is a mainstay of most vintage shops. While heavily beaded cashmere can set you back a pretty penny, something a bit more simple like this is generally a lot more reasonable. The snazzy pearlescent beads will inevitably fall off at some point (they always do) but at least this sweater has a pretty bow pattern too, so even when you’ve shed all your pearls like some kind of fashionable Hansel and Gretel you’ll still look presentable.
Ginsberg Is God
£200, Bella Freud
Legendary fashion designer Bella Freud (yes, of that Freud family) has been clothing the stars (including BFF Nick Cave) for donkey’s years, but the range of knitwear she launched in 2007 is what she’s best known for. The iconic Ginsberg Is God sweater (as worn by Kate Moss, fashion fans) is a modern design classic so even if you balk at the price tag you can be safe in the knowledge you own a little piece of fashion history.
Sheep Intarsia Jumper
£191, See by Chloe @ Urban Outfitters
This See by Chloe sweater is basically identical to one I had as a child, although I’m pretty sure my mum didn’t pay £191 for it. The sheepy print is classic knitwear material – woolly creature recreated in wool, I see what they did there. Little did I know as a child, the pattern was made famous by Princess Di – check out the creepy doll (I don’t mean Diana).
Keyhole Stud Jumper
£38, Topshop
Keep your knitwear totally on trend with this shoulder pad-detailed jumper. Satisfyingly heavily, the copper studs continue all the way round to the back of the sweater in a kind of punk rock take on the girly beaded ‘bibs’ that were so popular on sweaters of the 1950s… And don’t worry about the studs being too heavy and ripping the fabric; in a surprisingly smart move for a high street store, they’ve reinforced the shoulders.
Tartan Skull Sweater
£232, Markus Lupfer @ My Wardrobe
Markus Lupfer is shaking up the world of knitwear with his witty designs. While he’s also created loads of smart trompe l’oeil pieces, the logoed designs are my personal favourite. With a bit of a penchant for skulls, he’s definitely my kind of man. This Mickey Mouse-eared skeleton with bows and stars is typical of his twisted knitwear, and the contrasting tartan gives it a little bit of a bonus punk twist.
Bunny Sweater
£45, French Connection
OK, so it’s not technically knitwear – who are you trying to kid, French Connection? Cotton and polyester blend? Whatever you say… But regardless, this sequinned bunny sweater has been a fashion-pack fave since it graced the glossies but it’s surprisingly still available and although I’m not entirely sure how you wash it without shedding the spangles, it’s still top of my winter wishlist.