Before the fall: Be prepared for the Sweater Weather!
What’s new for next fall? Knits. Right now the idea of donning a heavy sweater might be the last thing on your mind, but keep the sartorial statement in the back of your head because sweaters were all over the fall runways. I know it seems kind of obvious, sweaters for Fall/Winter – groundbreaking. But they’re not just about warmth; it’s all about the sort of rough around the edges, blast from the past look for fall. From heavy camp-worthy knits to delicate 60s and 70s inspired twinsets, designers couldn’t get enough of sweater dressing this season. Who’s excited for sweater weather!
Standout looks came from the likes of Stella McCartney – who showed an adorable bright almost electric blue sweater-dress, perhaps a hint that the brightly inclined sweater-dress might be the thing for next fall. However, some designers went by way of cable knit, folk-band type toppers, as seen in a sea foam green shade at Rodarte and in bright orange at Derek Lam. Sweaters in a melody of colors, I nearly can’t wait for fall.
Yojhi Yamamoto had artful fun with the concept of sweater dressing presenting a hot pink knit dress with all sorts of Yojhi-esque oddities, while Balmain opted for a pared-down delicate crew neck perfect for the every day grind, as did Paul and Joe – pairing the knit with a ferocious pair of leopard print pants.
Byblos went by way of space cadet and pared a pink sweater dress with galactic silver leggings. And let’s not forget London based visionary Christopher Kane, he showed off chunky knits with turtlenecks with a color theory in mind, presenting them in a bashful red and a daring shade of purple, ah the visual feast.
Other sweater promoters included DKNY, Les Copains, Agnes b, Chloe, Rochas and many more. Although fall is definitely a long way away what’s more cozy than throwing on an oversized lightweight sweater on a cool summer night for a beach bonfire or romantic stroll? There’s just something nostalgic about knitwear, it has that home-y back to school classic vibe, which can easily be adjusted to fit your sense of style – if you’re a fashionably inclined Goth, look to Guy Laroche and Anteprima for noir options.
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Perhaps one of the more wearable trends for fall, whatever the weather, you can obviously take notes from the sweater spectrum and go bold or opt for more muted tones of nude, navy, and as many shades of grey as you’d like. T by Alexander Wang highly recommended for an effortless always-chic cropped pullover. Enjoy spring for now but remember to mix knits with other trends-to-be this fall. Wear a classic sweater with fall’s pleated skirts and leather pants. Whatever other fall styles you fancy, I’m sure you’ll be inclined to don some knitwear come fall.
So dust off your old cashmere, remember to opt for oversized – perhaps borrow from the boys? – and pair with some elbow-length gloves, maybe even sweater-tights…and there you go, you’re a real knit-wit.
By: Maggie Duffy
NYC Fashion Writer