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Five Key Knitwear Styles For AW13

Introduction

As we wave goodbye to the last spells of summer sunshine, many of us are forced to say hello to winter knitwear.

However, this year, instead of frowning at this frightening fact, why not embrace the bad weather and have fun with these five key knitwear styles…

1. The Roll Neck

Timeless, versatile and effortlessly stylish, the roll neck jumper is the perfect knitwear option for the transitional months between autumn and winter.

Whether you’re hitting the town, the office or just out on an evening stroll, it’s ideal for creating interesting, layered outfits.

Use underneath a blazer when you want to look your smartest, or beneath a classic blouson jacket for an on trend, casual feel. For a slightly alternative, high fashion approach, why not wear the roll neck under a shirt, as well as a jacket/blazer? It was the go-to look on the AW13 runway at RAKE.

Key colours to look out for this season include Buddhist oranges, winter whites and concrete greys – as seen on the catwalks of E. Tautz and Topman Design. If colour isn’t your ‘thing’, a solid black version is a timeless and classic addition to any capsule wardrobe and can be used to create sharp all-black ensembles.

It’s worth mentioning, roll necks come in a variety of forms. However, there are two main styles you should be concerned with this season: lightweight and heavy gauge.

Lightweight versions often come in cotton or merino wool and are best integrated within smart ensembles or used as layering pieces due to their breathability. Heavier wool blends, on the other hand, offer a cosy, tactile appeal and look great dressed down with jeans at the weekend.

On The Runway

Roll Necks On AW13 Runways At RAKE (TOP), Topman Design (MIDDLE) & E. Tautz (BOTTOM)

Outfit Inspiration

Key Styles

• Reiss Moon Extra Fine Merino Roll Neck Bordeaux
• He By Mango Silk Wool-blend Turtleneck Sweater
• Allsaints Nord Cashmere Roll Neck Jumper
• Ami Roll-neck Sweater 165854
• Topman Navy Merino Roll Neck Jumper
• Ps Paul Smith Roll Neck Jumper
• John Smedley Belvoir Rollneck Merino Wool Sweater
• Uniqlo Men Extra Fine Merino Polo Neck Sweater A
• Topman Green Marl Roll Neck Jumper
• Topman Burgundy Textured Knit Roll Neck Jumper
• Wrangler Roll Neck Jumper Cable Knit
• Margaret Howell Mhl Knitted-wool Rollneck Sweater

2. The Chunky Shawl Neck Cardigan

For ultimate warmth and graceful style, the shawl neck cardigan is your winter go-to. Whether you opt for a chunky version or the lightweight kind, the addition to your wardrobe will be one you won’t regret.

Why so? Completely timeless and infinitely versatile, the shawl neck has already had its virtues touted and been personally recommended by Matt Allinson in his recent AW13 capsule wardrobe additions article, so you know it will slot seamlessly into your rotation.

Although merino wool versions are perfect for layering over the top of your shirt and tie for a stylish take on business-casual, the chunky shawl neck is the style we are advocating this year.

The perfect alternative to traditional autumn outerwear, it offers protection against the elements and allows you to create some truly unique layering combinations. For example, try layering a denim jacket or Oxford shirt and v-neck jumper combination underneath. If finding a suitable transitional coat is proving a tough job, the chunky shawl neck cardigan is your saviour.

All that is left for you to decide on is the colour and pattern (if any) that best suits your personal style. Green, orange and cream are the season’s most favoured hues, whilst Aztec and Fair Isle are popular patterns that resurface every year.

Outfit Inspiration

Key Styles

• Polo Ralph Lauren Cardigan In Chunky Knit Shawl Neck
• Superdry Oslo Shawl Cardgian
• Levis Cardigan With Shawl Collar And 2 Pockets
• Uniqlo Men Heavy Gauge Shawl Collar Cardigan
• Hackett Shawl Collar Cardigan 163834
• Steven Alan Cleveland Shawl-neck Cardigan 164902
• Reiss Amo Salt & Pepper Cardi With Pockets Grey
• Reiss Wayfield Textured Shawl Cardi Oatmeal
• Boglioli Chunky Knit Wool Cardigan
• He By Mango Shawl Collar Cable-knit Cardigan
• Selected Homme Page Shawl Neck Cardigan
• Mens Barbour Fair Isle Martingale Cardigan

3. The Cashmere Jumper

For those who like the finer things in life, the cashmere jumper is a must-own. Elegant, timeless and extremely versatile, it is a little piece of luxury that every man should consider investing in – especially with UNIQLO’s 100 per cent cashmere jumpers starting at an extremely reasonable £79.90.

Although fashion is all about experimenting, we suggest sticking to smarter pieces when considering items to pair with it. For an evening outfit, wear underneath a blazer and over the top of a shirt and tie, whilst on your feet, some neat Oxfords will complete the look perfectly. During the day, keep it simple by wearing solo with dark denim and casual loafers.

Keep in mind that although cashmere naturally provides great insulation, it comes in a finer gauge that will require you to add more layers as the weather grows colder. When the time comes, try throwing a structured, textured jacket – a tweed blazer is ideal – over the top.

For further inspiration on how to style, turn to the catwalk of Burberry Prorsum, who paired this type of jumper with luxurious overcoats and beautifully tailored jackets.

Runway Inspiration: Burberry Prorsum AW13

Key Styles

• Uniqlo Men Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater
• Uniqlo Men Cashmere V Neck Sweater A
• Burberry Prorsum Cashmere Crew-neck Sweater 163230
• He By Mango V-neck Cashmere Sweater
• Todd Snyder Waffle-knit Cashmere Sweater
• Reiss Harp Cashmere V-neck Jumper Blue
• Paul Smith London Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater
• Allsaints Nord Cashmere Crew Jumper
• Uniqlo Men Cashmere V Neck Sweater A
• Allsaints Elba Cashmere Crew Jumper
• J.crew Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater
• He By Mango Cable-knit Cashmere Sweater

4. The Statement Knit

If you’re the kind of guy who likes to stand out from the crowd, the statement knit will be right up your street.

Not only is it bold, quirky and eye-catching, it was a big favourite on the AW13 runways. Graphic takes were the most popular, with Christopher Shannon, Matthew Miller and J.W. Anderson choosing to apply printed text or vivid images to traditional crew neck sweaters.

To incorporate a statement knit into your own outfits, try pairing with classic, neutral (beige/brown/grey/black) pieces – allowing it to become the focal point of your ensemble. For further styling tips, look no further than our recent break down of the trend.

Other stand out options to consider this season include block-colour jumpers and patterned versions, which were prominent within AW13 collections from Marni, Jil Sander and Jonathan Saunders.

On The Runway

Men’s Statement Knitwear On AW13 Runways At Christopher Shannon, Matthew Miller, J.W. Anderson, Jonathan Saunder & Jil Sander

Outfit Inspiration

Key Styles

• Reiss Jaguar Boiled Wool Jacquard Jumper Grey
• Topman Samsoe And Samsoe Pattern Jumper
• Allsaints Icon Crew Jumper
• Topman Villain Colt Jumper
• Ps By Paul Smith Patterned Merino Wool Sweater
• Burton Grey Diamond Pattern Jumper
• River Island Black Fair Isle Colour Block Jumper
• River Island Navy Angular Colour Block Jacquard Jumper
• Reiss Roamer Monochrome Boiled Wool Jumper Black
• Paul Smith Slim-fit Ombre Houndstooth Wool-blend Sweater
• Raf Simons Striped Knitted Crew Neck Sweater
• Jil Sander Mens Needle Punch Crew Neck Knit

5. The Classic Crew Neck

Favoured by some of our greatest style icons – McQueen, Newman, Dean – the crew neck jumper is (and always will be) a wardrobe essential.

Its greatest strength lies in its versatility. Wear under a blazer for a night on the town, or on top of a button-down shirt whilst going about your daily errands. Jeans, chinos or trousers are all appropriate for your bottom half.

However, the most popular way of styling the crew neck for AW13 was ‘up’, with the likes of Hermes, Armani, Louis Vuitton and Prada all choosing to incorporate block-colour versions into smart-casual and even formal ensembles. With this in mind, why not give your traditional work attire a twist by switching your shirt for a lightweight merino jumper, a la Rag and Bone (below)?

In terms of colour, every man should own a navy and grey crew neck. If you have the timeless bases covered, why not consider adding an autumnal shade such as burgundy, olive green or mustard to your collection this year?

On The Runway

Outfit Inspiration

Key Styles

• United Colors Of Benetton Wool Jumper In Slim Fit
• Bellfield Jumper With Crew Neck
• Fred Perry Crew Knit Sweater In Navy
• He By Mango Wool Cotton-blend Sweater
• Paul Smith London Crew-neck Merino Wool Sweater 168010
• Topman Charcoal Crew Neck Jumper
• A.p.c. Merino Wool Crew Neck Sweater
• Allsaints Riviera Crew Jumper
• J.crew Cashmere Crew Neck Sweater
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Billy Webb