fashion women

Must have knitwear for Autumn

There are plenty of things to love about this time of year. For us, knitwear reigns high at the top of that list. Nothing much can beat pulling on a snuggly jumper and heading out for a crisp walk, crunchy leaves under foot… it’s the real life equivalent of being wrapped up in soft, protective bubble wrap, and we love it.

Luckily for us all, knitwear is one of those seasonal trends that comes back year after year. We’ve picked some fave items to fill our AW22 hitlist, and they’re sure to ease the loss of long summer evenings and zingy iced drinks. 

So grab that PSL and get browsing because if one thing’s for sure: when knitwear calls, we answer.

The navy striped wool jumper 

Has there ever been a time when a classic navy striped jumper is NOT on trend? This simply chic style is a timeless addition to any wardrobe, and it encapsulates that laidback Parisian vibe effortlessly. 

We love this Breton stripe cotton mix version for long lazy brunches on a Sunday morning. Wear with slim leg jeans in a dark denim wash, ballet flats (yep, they’re back!) and a silk scarf in your hair. Je t’aime! 

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Knitwear with ruffles 

The ultra-feminine trend is going strong this autumn/winter, and knitwear is no exception. Look out for styles with dainty ruffles on the cuffs and around the collar – this dusky pink version is a great example. 

To really maximise the trend, wear layered over a floral maxi dress and balance out with chunky boots and thick socks. Perfect for a dinner date at your favourite restaurant. 

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The half zip jumper

The half zip first emerged as a trend in autumn/winter 2021 but it shows no sign of dropping out of style any time soon. This little added detail elevates your everyday knitwear, but it’s also practical too – zip it up if you’re feeling the chill, zip it down if you’re getting hot under the collar!

If you’re looking for a statement piece, this cherry red style ticks all the boxes and we love the slightly flared sleeves. Wear for work with tailored trousers and a structured blazer on top. 

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The Pointelle cardigan

If you’re looking for something lightweight and easy to layer over your wardrobe favourites, Pointelle knitwear is ideal. This delicate knitwear style has an open weave, making it great for throwing on over a striped top or silk shirt. 

We love this deep purple cardigan, which also has ruffled sleeves – two trends in one! We’ll be wearing it for early evening cocktails with the girls, paired with that silk shirt and a pair of straight leg trousers.  

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The knitted polo shirt 

If polo shirts give you football hooligan vibes, think again – that preppy, 60s Mod look is firmly for the fashion girlies these days. And for autumn/winter 2022, it comes in a knitted version too! 

This black fine knit polo shirt is simple and classic – wear it with a cord mini skirt, thick tights and lashings of mascara for that Twiggy style. 

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The casual poncho 

Never underestimate the usefulness of a poncho for those in between days when it’s not quite cold enough for a big chunky knit but not quite warm enough to go without either. Throw this classic crew neck poncho on over literally anything to provide a cosy extra layer with added air circulation – genius! 

We think the poncho looks best styled simply and classically – skinny jeans, a crisp white shirt and your fave Converse sneakers to keep it modern and fresh. 

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The puff sleeve cardigan 

Exaggerated volume is a key knitwear trend for 2022 – think oversized yarn, big collars, even bigger buttons and, of course, plenty of puff sleeves. This bottle green version has added pom pom detail on the sleeves to give it that statement style. 

The key to pulling off voluminous knitwear is to keep the rest of your outfit sleek and fitted – go for a tailored jumpsuit underneath to really let your knitwear do the talking. 

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Caring for your knitwear 

Buying new knitwear should be an investment that lasts you for years to come, and part of that investment is taking good care of your pieces to ensure they can be worn again and again. 

How to store your knitwear 

A big part of keeping your knitwear in good condition is in how you store it. Surprise – if you bunch it up and shove it at the back of your wardrobe, it’s not going to come out six months later ready to wear! 

It is better to fold knits over hanging them, especially heavier pieces – the weight will pull down from the coat hanger, leaving your jumpers misshaped. Instead, roll knitwear neatly and place in drawers with a moth-repellent drawer liner or a moth ball – these will stop moths from munching on your jumpers. 

If you have some knits you wear less than others, it’s a good idea to pull these out regularly, shake them and re-roll to keep them fresh. 

How to wash your knitwear 

Another big part of keeping your knitwear looking 100% is washing it properly. Always, always check the washing instructions on knitted items – if it says it can’t be machine washed, don’t stick it in and hope for the best! You’ll almost definitely end up with a teeny jumper that’s totally unwearable. 

Handwashing knitwear is often the best choice, even if technically you can pop it in the machine. Handwashing is so much gentler on natural fibres – get some wool detergent and give your jumpers and cardigans a nice bath in the kitchen sink. 

When it comes to drying, wool should always be laid flat when wet and pulled back into shape. Hanging will drag the fibres down and pull everything out of shape, so lay it down flat on a clothes airer instead.

Now you’ve got an idea of the seasonal knitwear trends and how you can keep your favourite pieces looking fresh year after year, take a look at our range of jumpers and cardigans to add to your collection. And check out this blog post on our cosy clothing favourites for even more ideas. 
Author Name
La Redoute,
29/09/2022