Posts Tagged ‘cardigans’

Those leaves are starting to fall of the trees which signals that Autumn is on its way. It is time to pack away the summer dresses, sandals and shorts and dust off those jumpers, trousers, jackets and heavier weight clothes. Autumn is a time for cosying up and indulging yourself with rich and deep coloured clothes that make you feel warm and comfortable. This autumn and winter there are lots of really desirable clothes to update your wardrobe with. There is a strong focus on classic investment pieces, glamour and lady like styles. There is also a feeling of reminiscence with plenty of retro styles from the forties, fifties, sixties and seventies. Here are five key pieces to wear with style this autumn and winter.

The Trench Coat

A good neutral coloured trench coat works for so many different outfits from smart work wear to casual outfits and even jeans. It is the perfect way to keep dry in style. The trench coat has always been classed as a classic piece of clothing. This year  classic clothing is really on trend. This  black and white contrast detail trench coat is a great investment that will not only be very useful this year but for many seasons to come.

The Shawl Collar Coat

This large collar purple check coat is a really eye catching colour. It is one of the cosiest looking coats around with a blanket like appearance, perfect for wrapping yourself in on a crisp autumn day. The loose fitting nature of this coat means that it fits over just about anything and even allows plenty of room for extra jumpers.

The Cape or Poncho

This long line black and brown poncho with buttonsis  a really on trend choice for the autumn and winter. It has a definite seventies vibe going on that will be huge this year. It is also perfect for snuggling up under and features both this years neutral colours and a faux fur trim collar for a little extra luxury and warmth. Wear it with skinny trousers or a pencil skirt for maximum impact.

Chunky Knit Cardigan

A chunky knit cardigan is another very stylish way to keep warm this winter. Look for one with a great shape and texture to add interest to your outfit. You should balance out the volume of chunky knits with slim fit trousers. This grey chunky knit cardigan with 3/4 length sleeves has a great shape with a flared hem and bell shaped sleeves.

Black High Neck Top

A black high neck top is ideal for layering. It is so versatile, it can work with many different outfits including skirts and trousers. It also looks great worn under a shift dress, waistcoat or gilet. The wonderful puffed sleeves and pleated shoulder make it really ladylike the perfect way to add some warmth to those versatile summer outfits to allow you to wear them right into the autumn.

What ever you decide to wear this autumn, make sure you keep yourself warm and stylish with plenty of layers.

We still have  a little bit of summer left (we hope), but it is never too early to start planning your wardrobe for the season ahead and this year chunky knitwear will be making a reappearance again. Chunky knits are so perfect for the winter not just because of they are lovely and warm and will keep you toasty all winter but they are also really stylish and are a great way to make a statement with your outfit.

On the catwalk at Michael Kors, there were lots of lovely knits to get inspiration from. Long V necked jumpers worn with floor length maxi skirts and cowl necked jumper dresses worn with furry boots and knitted knee high socks. At Isabel Marant chunky grey knits were worn with casual trousers and a grey coat for her trademark laid back style that has gained her such a following.  Peter Pilotto featured patterned knits in interesting draped designs.

The best thing about chunky knitwear is that it can be used to add both texture and volume to an outfit. For a subtle but interesting outfit try finding a knit with a great texture and layering it with pieces in the same colour. For the autumn and winter bright coloured knits will also look great when worn with the seasons casuals. Another key component of the seasons trend for chunky knitwear is wearing it with a skirt. Choose either  along maxi skirt or mid calf length skirt for the most on trend look. For a really chunky or voluminous cardigan or jumper, it will usually look best if you try and balance the volume with a slim fitting pair of trousers.

chunky knitwear

This grey chunky knit cardigan with 3/4 length sleeves looks great with almost any colour of trousers. Its wide sleeves and flared hem make it look a little like the capes that are going to be so on trend for the autumn and winter. This cardigan already has two great contrasting textures to add another wear with a chunky knit scarf or hat.

This black feathered edge cardigan has a great texture and a touch of luxury with the soft feather edging. The gold and black contrast buttons also make it really stylish. It could work equally well to keep you warm in the day or evening.

This magenta cardigan looks great when worn with a pair of black trousers. The rich colour is perfect for brightening up a dark winter outfit and the soft wool makes it both comfortable and cosy. It can easily be layered over most styles of top for a really versatile piece of winter clothing.

This waterfall cardigan has a really elegant shape and some great double layered crochet along the botton edge. It is an incredibly wearable style. For a really on trend look as seen on the runway try wearing it open over a contrasting coloured top pulled in with a belt.

There are so many different styles of chunky knitwear available for autumn and winter that you should have no problem finding the perfect piece to suit you and your wardrobe and keep you warm all winter.

Asymmetrical women’s tops are really flattering and also look very stylish. Fashion designers often use asymmetrical details for a  number of reasons including that the diagonal line or vertical line that causes the asymmetry can often have a slimming effect. Asymmetrical designs often cause a bit of an optical illusion tricking the eye into thinking that the body is slightly different to reality. Asymmetry also looks stylish because is does not look as perfect as a completely symmetrical outfit and therefor looks a little more effortless and relaxed or as if you haven’t tried too hard. Asymmetrical clothing is really on trend at the moment with draped styles, double breasted jackets, one shouldered dresses and wrap dresses all of which have an asymmetrical aspect to them. The diagonal line of a wrap dress or top can help to slim and define a waist. Tops with designs going diagonally across them are also really popular.

black contrast asymmetric cardigan

This black contrast long sleeved asymmetric cardiganis ideal for keeping toasty warm in the winter. The wrap of style gives the feeling of being wrapped in a warm blanket and the large toggle buttons look really stylish. This cardigan would look good for both casual and work. Thje long length and long sleeves mean that it would look great when worn over almost any top.

light weight grey over blouse with grey flocking

The asymmetric hemline and textured pattern on this Light weight grey over blouse with grey flockingmake it a really elegant choice. The diaginal hem definitely has a flattering and slimming effect. This top works really well when worn over a vest top with a smart pair of trousers for a work outfit or dressed up with some great jewellery and high heels for an evening out.

long sleeved ivory striped cardigan

The unusual design of this long sleeved ivory striped cardigan has an uneven length. The striped pattern on one side and single patch pocket also adds to its appeal and makes it really eye catching. This cardigan looks great when worn done up or undone with a black top and black trousers. It works equally well for casual and smart casual occasions.

flower and bead tunic

This cosy looking Black and grey flower and bead embroidered tunic has a subtle colour scheme but a great pattern. The different zones of colour and flower pattern down the front make it interestingly and flatteringly asymmetric. It looks great for a smart outfit when worn with a well fitting pair of tailored trousers.

long sleeved black cardigan

This ladies long sleeved cardigan in black is incredibly versatile and be worn with anything from a casual outfit with jeans, to tailored trousers and top for the office or even to keep warm in the evening. It is only slightly asymmetrical with the slight overlap of the opening and a very stylish pin and ring fastening. It also has a great shawl collar.

cardigan tunic in red

If you want to really make a statement then this long sleeved cardigan tunic in red is definitely for you. Not only is it extra warm for the winter it is also really eyecatching with lots of colour, volume and texture. The asymmetric collar prevents it from being too bulky looking. Balance out the volume by wear open over a fitted vest top of with skinny or narrow fit trousers.

red cardigan

As we move into mid and late summer, we often want to get maximum value and opportunity to wear any new clothes that we buy. By buying transitional clothes that would work equally well for summer or autumn, we can start to build in a seasonless element to our wardrobe that works well for all seasons and allows each piece of clothing to have maximum wear. This clothing is often called transitional clothing and it also helps to take you through those months that are in between seasons and you are just not sure what to wear.  Sometimes in the autumn you can experience some unusually hot weather almost like in the summer, the difference being that by early evening it is starting to feel a little colder and more autumnal. These are the times when you need transitional clothing. Also it is not unusual to have quite cold and wet weather in late summer, again a time when neither summer or winter clothes seem quite right.

One of the most useful pieces of transitional clothing is a cardigan. The right summer dress worn with tights and a cardigan will work for autumn and see you right through to all but the coldest of winter days. Cardigans can add an extra bit of warmth to any outfit but it doesnâ??t have to  be a great big chunky knit, thin, short sleeved and cropped cardigans all work really well for transforming strappy summer vests and camisoles into great outfits for early autumn.

Generally a medium weight fabric is the most versatile or transitional clothing. It wonâ??t feel too hot if the weather is quite warm but can also easily be layered for slightly cooler weather. Layering is also a great idea for those in between months. Try wearing a long sleeved top underneath your favourite summer shift dress. Short sleeved summer tops can also be worn over a thin close fitting long sleeved top. Tights are also essential transitional wear. Pick a fairly thin pair to start with and you can build up to thicker tights as the weather gets colder.

Which summer clothes can transition from summer and winter depends partly on the thickness of the clothes but also on the colours and style. Some colour combinations look great with bare legs in the summer but do not translate so well to being worn with tights in the autumn. Other colour schemes particularly darker ones work really well with a pair of black tights. If the colours donâ??t work with black tights though you can always try some brightly coloured or pastel coloured tights.

Finally, those days between seasons can often be wet and breezy and a light weight jacket is essential for wearing when out and about. Something thin but water proof is usually the best option and as the weather gets cooler an extra cardigan can be worn underneath of required.

Investing in a few transitional pieces to take you from summer to autumn will ensure that you have always got something to wear and you are never too hot or too cold.

Knitwear is probably not the first thing that springs to mind when it comes to summer. But summer knits are really popular as they are stylish, light weight and comfortable. There are all sorts of summer knits ranging from thin and light weight to slightly thicker versions which offer a little warmth for those cooler summer days and evenings. It is the stretchy nature of knitwear that makes it so easy to wear. It doesn’t crease and is easy to fit, it can also be glamorous and embellished for the evening or there is plenty of everday knitwear available. Summer knitwear is also a great way to add texture to an outfit with textured knits, embroidery and crochet. Summer knits also work really well for layering, draping, frills and other on trend looks this summer. Cardigans, sweaters, t shirts and shrugs, there is a summer knit for just about any occasion.

When you think of knitwear, you may think of a thick woolly jumper but knitwear encompasses a range of different thicknesses and types of yarn. It can include chunky knits or thin fine knits.

sleeveless knits

The Sleeveless Knits - if you are worried that your summer knitwear might be too warm then opt for a sleeveless option. Cool and more flattering than some fabrics,  a knitted vest top or camisole will stretch to fit your shape and work equally well for a casual outfit or when worn under a suit for work.

layered knits

The layered knits – layering knits is a great way to create an interesting and stylish outfit. You can layer thin knits together yourself or choose a top that is ready layered. If you do create your own layered outfit look for differences in length, sleeves and necklines to create an interesting look.

diamante sparkly knits

The sparkly knits - for both daytime and evening, knitwear lends itself well to being embellished with sequins, beads or other details. Knitted cardigans, boleros and shrugs with sparkly details make great cover ups for evening dresses. A black jumper with bead detail will also look amazing for the evening with a pair of formal black trousers or a skirt. For the daytime subtle sparkle in the same or a similar colour to the knit works particularly well.

printed knits

The patterned knits - if you though knitwear was plain and boring, think again. Use your knitwear to add interest to a plain and neutral outfit by adding in some pattern. We love this ivory grey contrast leaf dip dye printed cardigan which you can even wear buttoned up as a top.

crochet knit

The Crochet Knits - If you are looking for a really cool knit that will add delicate texture to your outfit, then crochet is probably your best option. The loose knit and holes in this sort of clothing means that they are really cool. They are a great way to add some detail to a plain top and are great for layering. Crocheted knits can work really well for daytime and evening depending on their style.