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Transitional Season Essentials: Lightweight Knitwear

Introduction

Last week I encouraged you to start planning for the much maligned and often misunderstood transitional period: that moment in time when summer hasn’t finished but pretty much all retailers have decided that it has. Retail wise, this is a tricky time of year – sales are all but done and stock levels are getting low. New stock is beginning to flood into store but most shoppers are still looking for bargains. However, rather than sifting through the dregs left behind by others, what any sartorially-inclined man worth his salt should be doing is looking toward the next season. He should be planning his future wardrobe and preparing for that sudden drop in temperature that so often catches others off guard. Lightweight knitwear will play a key role in many of your wardrobes in the very near future. It will become your go-to for layering and covering up during those chilly evenings, and it will also begin to define your style and continue to keep you warm as we head closer to Christmas.

A Lightweight Touch

I’m sure that most, if not all, of us are well acquainted with lightweight knitwear: crew necks, v-necks, cardigans, roll necks etc. I’m equally sure that most of us have a least one or two pieces in our wardrobes already. Being such basic items, you might think it’s a fairly easy thing to wear. You would be right – it’s extremely easy to just layer a crew neck merino jumper over your tee or shirt and walk out the door, but doing that can often be a little ‘safe’. Whilst there is and always will be a place for dressing down and dressing well, we should be utilising this time to experiment and push our personal style forward. Wearing your lightweight knitwear in a slightly different way is an easy and effective way of giving your existing looks a shot of individuality. It shows that you’ve considered more than just the clothes you have pulled on – you’ve thought about HOW you are wearing them. The unexpected is often what sticks in the mind and lightweight knitwear can definitely be used to make a similar impression on those around you.

Lightweight Knitwear Tips

But first, a couple of tips on what you should be considering when looking to add lightweight knitwear to your wardrobe:

• Fit ? we all know this one, it’s a basic requirement of good dressing, but we’ll keep repeating it until everyone listens. Or at least until Matt Allinson forms the ‘Fit Police’ and deals out some rough justice to those with blatant disregard for this most crucial of matters. If you’re going to be predominantly wearing your jumper on its own, opt for slimmer fitting pieces – you don’t have a bottom layer to cover up so you can afford to go a bit tighter. This will naturally be a very streamline look, so excess material is a big no-no. If you’re wearing a jumper or cardigan over a shirt, give yourself a bit more room – any bunching under the jumper will ruin your outfit’s clean lines and just looks sloppy.
• Quality ? we say this an awful lot, but quality does make a difference. Natural fibres will keep their shape better and be warmer. Of course, not everyone can afford to buy high-end items, but if you search hard enough on the high street and pay attention to the labels you’ll be surprised at what you can pick up. For example, UNIQLO’s range of extra fine merino and cashmere knitwear is excellent, and a hallmark of their collections each autumn/winter.

Key Style: Bold Colour Jumpers

A bold coloured jumper worn on its own will forever be a great look – crew or v-neck, it doesn’t really matter. Combine one with some casual tailored trousers and a pair of desert boots for a solid, relaxed outfit with plenty of structure and forward thinking fashion elements. If you want to take the aesthetic to the next level or truly separate yourself from the crowd, create a stronger divide between the jumper and the trousers by tucking in the jumper or wearing a statement belt in a complementary/contrasting colour (just bear in mind your body shape). When choosing your trousers, try to avoid anything too formal; this is a look that has inherently casual properties so suit trousers are a no go.

Outfit Inspiration

• Reiss Prince Fleck Print Trousers Blue

Lookbook Inspiration

Further Reading

For more inspiration and further reading around the subject of transitional knitwear, check out these related articles on FashionBeans:

• Men’s Fashion Basics ? Layering & Fabric Combinations
• Spring Knitwear
• Autumn/Winter Essential: The Shawl Neck Cardigan
• Men’s Knitted Jackets ? An Autumn/Winter Alternative
• How To Wash Your Knitwear
• Autumn/Winter Wardrobe Staple: Merino Wool

Final Word

Lightweight knitwear is a wardrobe staple and hugely versatile, but it can also be a safe option. Men tend to stick with what they know and it can be hard to break the cycle – yet those that do will reap the rewards. Hopefully I’ve given you a little bit of inspiration today and encouraged you to start experimenting with your current knitwear collection as we transition into autumn. But before I sign off, I’d like to say one more thing: never, ever, EVER go bare-chested with just a cardigan over the top. Just, NO. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. How do you wear your lightweight knitwear and what are your go-to styles? Until next time, Will

Will Colman

Currently studying English Language & Literature at the University of Brighton, Will covers a variety of topics related to men’s fashion, with a particular focus on debating new trends and collections as well as discussing many of the issues affecting today’s fashionable gents.