Regular readers of Who What Wear will know that we're knitwear obsessed. From knitted vests to Breton jumpers, we're always looking for the next chic way to keep warm, but if we're entirely honest, it can sometimes be difficult to make certain knits feel chic. There is good news, however, as the high street seems to catching up with a trend that we've noticed slowly making its way onto the street style set since the last days of summer. And if anything is going to make us happy to trade in our summer dresses, it's this.
Let's discuss the ribbed knit. A light, stretchy but supportive knit with the sculpting power of jersey and the cold-weather defence of wool. What other form of knitwear could look so chic in the daytime and the evening and be quite so universally flattering?
Celebs certainly seem to agree, as both Hailey Bieber and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley have been pictured in luxe-looking white ribbed knits that I would be immediately tempted to copy (if it weren't my for coffee-spilling tendencies).
And then there is of course Katie Holmes, the crowned queen of knitwear. If there's a knitwear trend that she hasn't worn, we don't need to know about it. After that viral bra-digan moment, everything Holmes touches turns to cashmere, so there's no better icon to turn to for seasonal style inspo, and when she stepped out in a knitted Chloé midi dress and matching cardigan, she confirmed our instincts. Whether tanks, tops, dresses or skirts, the ribbed knit is making wool look impossibly glamorous (see Eni's Wardrobe's take on making a knit dress feel formal if you need any more convincing).
So keep scrolling to see our edit of the best autumn-ready ribbed knitwear that you'll be happy to wear for many chilly months to come. It's a sound investment.
SHOP RIBBED KNITS
Yes, this really is from H&M, and yes, that really is the price.
Proving that knitwear can show off a little skin too, this bandeau is perfect layering under open shirts, blazers, and in fact, a ribbed knit cardigan.
It's the sweetheart neckline and voluminous sleeves that make this cosy knit feel premium.
I cannot get enough of this zip-up jumper, particularly with leather trousers and patent ankle boots.
And speaking of how to get layering right, this clever Karen Millen top has already done it for you, so you can cheat your way to earning extra style points.
Wondering how to make ribbed knits evening appropriate? Take this one-shoulder knit, add a black suit, platform shoes and a statement earring, et voilà. Party ready.
If you thought that Free People's brand of boho, beach-inspired pieces only meant floaty linen dresses, think again. There's a whole host of new knitwear for autumn, including flattering sweater dresses like this that are perfect for the city.
If you're looking for a dress that's all about shape, this fitted midi has a stretchy viscose blend that hugs the right places and flares at the cuffs and hem to create an hourglass silhouette.
There's plenty of colour too! Celebrate the season in earthy tones of green, tan, red and rust.
Now this is luxe knitwear. A sculpting body-con dress in an impossibly chic shade of chocolate with subtle cut-outs that allow only the slightest flash of skin.
Everyone owns a black turtleneck, right? If you don't, I urge you to invest in one. They go with everything in your wardrobe. Better still, make it a turtleneck dress.
Here's one for the co-ord devotees. If you lived in shirt-and-short sets all summer, here's your autumnal equivalent.
Your new weekend uniform, sorted.
Christopher Esber doesn't just do red carpet–ready dresses. There's slinky knitwear too.
If you're ready to give your jeans a break, try a stretchy midi skirt. It goes with everything your denim does (blazers, tees, shirts, etc.) but has the added benefit of being comfortably cosy.
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