Wool for winter. Not exactly groundbreaking in trend terms is it? Well, knitwear was really big news on the AW14 catwalks.
The Row (that’s the Olsen twins’ label) took the prize for most oversized, with a humongous cowl-necked jumper and trousers combo, while Stella McCartney and yarn aficionado Mark Fast also went for the slouch-factor with layers of chunky woollens.
Even designers who usually shy away from such an organic fabric, like Phoebe Philo at Celine and Marc Jacobs, spun a yarn with head-to-toe ribbed knits.
It all adds up to some seriously seductive comfort-dressing options when you need them most.
From blanket wraps to stand-out separates, face the frosty weather with our pick of the wool pack.
SUPERSIZE ME
Go the catwalk route with slouchy, supersized knitwear – the bigger the better. A hefty cowl collar, chunky cable detailing and lengthy scarves all fit the bill. Worried these bulky details will supersize you too? Then look for pieces with just one of the above.
MAP YOUR COORDINATES
The most faithful catwalk homages on the high street are the head-to-toe coordinate sets in wheat and stone hues.
A tricky look to pull off – not least because they bear more than a passing resemblance to PJs – the key to woollen co-ords is how you accessorise them. If you’re going casual, keep it simple with ballet flats or high-top trainers, but to dress them up, let the trouser hems fall over pointed-toe stiletto boots and add a couple of gold bangles or a blingy cocktail ring.
FUZZY LOGIC
How to tap into the head-to-toe trend without going totally coordinated? By mixing and matching woollen separates.
If you miss the summer staple tube skirt, try a fluffy version paired with a slouchy sweater and ribbed tights, and top off with a faux fur jacket for a sumptuous mix of feel-good fabrics.
BLANKET COVERAGE
The ultimate winter woollen, a capacious cardigan or blanket coat is the perfect style prescription for self-diagnosed Seasonal Affective Disorder.
By day, a big dip-hem cardigan isn’t just warm, it’s actually a secret slimming aid, because the roomy shape makes your arms and legs look thinner – just make sure the sleeves and your trousers are slim-cut too.
For the great outdoors, cocoon yourself in a cosy blanket wrap, belting it up if you want to add definition to your waistline.
‘IT’ KNITS
If washed-out woollens aren’t your thing, pick one impactful piece and work your outfit around it.
But we’re not talking Christmas jumpers or cutesy animal motifs – look for graphic knit prints, stripes and animal prints.
GOOD SPORT
In a very cool hybrid, the track and field trend gets a sheepish spin this season, with sporty separates rendered in wool, the ideal solution if earthy tones and loose shapes aren’t your kind of thing.
If you have a tendency to wear any colour – as long as it’s black, a slate grey hoodie or biker cardigan will slot neatly into your wardrobe, and you’ll find a pair of wool jogging pants go on high rotation, particularly when paired with patent heeled lace-up boots, to really up the luxe element.
