As Labor Day is upon us, I can’t help but be stunned at how this summer completely passed me by. I can count the hot days on one hand, and every time I made an attempt to have a beach day, the marine layer quickly dissolved any thought of laying out in a bikini. So having no choice but to look forward, I’m exhilarated to see that the future looks invitingly cozy and soft: heavy knits in forgiving shapes and ’70s neutral colors are everywhere. Omnipresent on the runway, the editorial world luckily picked up on it. And because of its wearability, the knit trend also made its way into the accessible fashion realm, for those of us who haven’t won the lottery… (Snuggle up, after the jump.)
(First collage, clockwise from top left: Lara Stone in a Vogue September issue editorial; Carmen Kass in a September issue spread for Harper’s Bazaar; Natalia Vodianova wears the trend in Vogue‘s July issue)
(Clockwise from top left: Fall collection looks from Chloe, Prada, Lacoste, Sonia Rykiel, Loewe and Stella McCartney)
Preferably in neutrals reminiscent of the ’70s, designers all over the world went chunky. There are the extra large cardigans that can also function as a dress at Sonia Rykiel. The deep V-neck version of Stella McCartney seems to be every stylist’s darling this season. Loewe and Prada presented a business suit version, feminine and sophisticated by pairing it with a skinny belt. And who can resist the nubby cape (another strong trend covered by Tasha last week) at Chloe?
(Stefanel‘s fall ad campaign)
Although not available in the States yet, be on the lookout for Italian label Stefanel‘s fall knit collection when traveling to Europe. I got a sneak peek of the latest collection when I was in Venice earlier this year, and I’m impressed with the intelligent designs of the label. I actually own two knit dresses from them, which I wear constantly if temperatures allow.
(Clockwise from top left: Alexander Wang asymmetrical cardigan, $375 at Opening Ceremony; Marled black hoodie at J.Crew, $98; cable knit wrap vest in dark earthly heather at Old Navy, $34.50; merino wool skirt by Sparrow at Anthropologie, $98)
And the good news is that this trend doesn’t have to be expensive. Financially accessible labels such as Anthropologie, J.Crew, and Old Navy have versions of this trend that are classy and affordable. Since we live in a climate that doesn’t require a lot of protection against freezing temperatures, we confidently can opt for an acrylic version without regrets.
