Typically, I enjoy getting dressed during the cooler months more than I do during the summer, but I have been enjoying basking in the glorious sunshine we've been treated to lately. It's been nice to rediscover the dresses that I negated last year, which I've been wearing with little else but sandals these days. But as the saying goes, a leopard can't change its spots, and my mind is already beginning to get fixated on my autumn wardrobe.
Autumn is the perfect time to assemble outfits. It's not too hot nor too cold, and it's the best time of year to experiment with layers and heavier textures to come up with the most inventive looks. One of the first things I always want to shop for in autumn is knitwear. There's just something so comforting about it that makes it difficult for me to resist. And with many of us still looking to spend more time at home for the remainder of 2021, you can rest assured that there are going to be some great knitted options out there.
I've already started to see patterns in the knitwear that's landing in new-in sections across the internet. Chances are you'll have already invested in a few of these trends, as some of them are carrying over from earlier this year, but others feel distinctly new and exciting.
From co-ords to cold-weather weaves to twee embroidery (not to mention this best seller that's finally back in stock), these nine autumn knitwear trends are going to take over 2021.
1. VINTAGE-LOOKING VESTS
Style Notes: Knitted vests are set to be just as popular as they were last winter. Pared-back styles may have dominated 2020, but in 2021, prepare to take the trend to the next level with retro weaves in bright colours. If it looks vintage, it's on-trend. In fact, why not invest in an authentic vintage piece to really nail the look?
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2. DRESS SETS
Style Notes: Knitted co-ords were the height of sophistication during lockdown, and they're slowly making an autumn 2021 comeback. But this time around, we're seeing more polished dress-and-cardigan combinations rather than loungewear-inspired trouser-and-jumper sets.
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3. BRETON SWEATERS
Style Notes: Sometimes, the items we consider basic actually have the biggest impact on our outfits, and that can certainly be said of this knitwear trend. We all own jumpers, and we all own Bretons, but how many of us own Breton jumpers? I'm willing to bet most of us will by the end of the year.
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4. RIBBED TEXTURES
Style Notes: Have you ever noticed how ribbed textures instantly elevate knitwear and stop it from looking purely like house clothing? Chances are you'll already have something in your wardrobe that's in line with this trend, but if not, there are plenty of separates to choose from on the high street.
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5. FRUIT EMBROIDERY
Style Notes: Floral embroidery always makes a knitwear comeback, but this season, designers like Sea and Shrimps are switching things up and exploring fruity stitches. While lemons may epitomise summer, fashion is taking a turn towards berries this autumn with raspberries, cherries, strawberries and even grapes cropping up on cosy knits.
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6. SLINKY CUTOUTS
Style Notes: Depending on the execution, cutouts can be hit or miss. But when it comes to knitwear, they always seem to look chic. (Perhaps they make for an unexpected counter to knitwear's slouchy silhouettes.) This autumn, both designer and high-street brands seem to agree with cutout details. You'll find lots of cutouts in their knitwear collections for autumn.
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7. TANGERINE SHADES
Style Notes: Just because we're heading into autumn doesn't mean you need to turn your back on saturated shades. Orange knitwear is proving to be a consistent trend this autumn, with styles that allow you to go as zingy as you like.
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8. TUBE SKIRTS
Style Notes: Knitted skirts have been popular over the last few years, but instead of the A-line styles of seasons past, autumn 2021 is bringing on more tube-like silhouettes.
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9. HEAVY CROCHET
Style Notes: Largely considered a summer trend, crochet has made a huge mark on the 2021 style agenda, and it won't just disappear overnight. If you haven't already invested in it, focus your search on thicker, heavier weaves with minimal gaps so they can better withstand the inevitable autumn chill.
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Next Up, Autumn 2021 Trends: The Only Fashion Looks You Need to Know
This post was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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