Is it just me or does the thought of all the Christmas drinks and socialising and excess make you want to hide with a cup of tea and a blanket and watch Love Actually on repeat?
There are some incredible, gorgeous sequin covered outfits on the high street right now. It’s technically possible to spend the whole season glittering. And I love sequins as much as the next gal. But this year I’m drawn to cosy knitwear. The sky seems darker for longer and I feel cold, I must be getting old…
Minimalist wardrobes don’t really lend themselves to festive knits. I would never recommend someone splash out on a jumper which can only be worn for 2 weeks of the year. But fair isle jumpers are definitely different – they give a nod to Christmas but have that classic, I live in a fisherman cottage, vibe.
As with all purchases which might lean towards un-capsule friendly (that sequin skirt and the hiking boots you can’t stop thinking about…) it’s important to think before you buy. Here are some tips for choosing an option you wont later regret…
- Avoid anything resembling Christmas – no reindeers, snowflakes…even if they’re subtle or hidden – it’ll stop you from wearing the jumper beyond December
- Avoid an overall print. This might be the classic option, as made famous by royalty in the 1920s, but it’ll make you look like a granddad or an exchange student
- Go for colours which fit within your broader capsule colour palette to maximise mix and match
- Go oversize – bigger prints that cover the whole shoulders and you want to aim for that slouchy, sit by the fire look
- Keep it simple, Zara has some great embellished options – but no matter how gorgeous, for me they still scream “wear me in December”
- Invest if you can – the thicker and better knit the better, if you pick the right cut and colour combination this knit will last beyond because it’s a classic.
Below is the best on the high street…
Topshop, reduced to £35. The slightly shorter length and beautiful slouchy feel make this one a great option to wear with high waisted trousers or jeans tucked in.
Zara, £69.99. A pretty bold option but would look incredible if you wear a lot of black and a great slouchy cut.
H! by Henry Holland at Debenhams, reduced to £28. Another super bright option with a slightly shorter and more fitted- so easier to tuck and better for those on the petite side (unless you love the super oversize look).
Toast, £155. A classic option, pure wool knit, a definite investment piece.
Monsoon, £40. A more muted colour palette with extra cosy neck line.
& Other Stories, £89. Not quite a fair isle in the same sense as the others, but I couldn’t resist including this. The perfect knit to snuggle up in, with the fire roaring and the tea steaming…ahhhh.
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Wardrobed. 