From Wynn Hamlyn’s stitched-together sweaters to Paris Georgia’s one-shoulder wonders, here’s how to dress outside your comfort zone, while staying cosy.
By Jessica-Belle Greer
The knitted sweater is the ultimate comfort piece in the depths of winter, but – chosen correctly – they can also take you out of your style comfort zone, to dizzying new sartorial sites.
This is something the team at Wynn Hamlyn knows through-and-through. The contemporary fashion label began with a collection of knitwear in 2015, and as the brand closes in on a decade celebration, it has released a limited-edition collection of Basket Stitch sweaters with a significant twist. Appearing as if two different sweaters stitched together, there’s a red-meets-maroon colour-way, or ivory crashing on sand. Unexpected, yes, but unconventional yet comfortable fashion is a niche where New Zealand fashion designers fit so well.
Take Rachel Mills’ Buster crop, which is made from the softest merino ponte and fixed in a cropped wrap style. Carefully circling around the ballerina connotations of a wrap cardigan (often fixed with a pretty tie) this dances between style codes of softness and strength. Also raising the barre is Marle’s Yana top – made with cotton, silk and cashmere yarn, and featuing a bold cross-over detail at the chest the creates the effect of cut-outs for a new creative talking point.
Meanwhile, Marle’s Julius cardigan is knitted with a wool-cashmere yarn, and with two smart black buttons (where it could cross-over at the front) it has the look of a double-breasted blazer. Likewise, Taylor’s cropped Perpense cardigan looks like a soft jacket when worn open to the front, the collar folded back softly to create a languid of lapel. Made from a mohair and wool blend, it can also become a wrap or a crop, which can tie to the front or to the back in a bow.
Beautiful knitwear knows no bounds. Claudia Li’s Cowl Neck Convertible vest, available from The Shelter, has differing front and back lengths, which encourages it to be thrown on as a chunky scarf or shawl, or worn over an outfit for added layering. Wraps have been making a more youthful comeback in recent collections, and Moochi’s Olo cape has side split detailing, which lets the arms be free and the styling options be endless.
With more skin in the game, Knuefermann’s backless Arlo knit (available as both a top and a dress) is knitted into a low back (or front) in a snug design that appears to defy gravity. Also appearing to wrap around the body, is Wixii’s striking Z silk cashmere blend top with one fully-fashioned sleeve that furls around the neck, in a design that is both seamless and skin-baring. The well-and-truly thoughtful design also includes an adjustable drawstring tie on the other side of the garment, so various lengths and ruching can be achieved. In a deep red Carmine, it is simply striking.
For those new to asymmetric styling, lean in slightly with Paris Georgia’s Manahou top from the brands Elemental range, where the right side is slouched and swirled over the shoulder with insouciance.
Already luxuriously askew, there’s no need to keep turning these styles over in your mind. Shop the classic-with-a-twist pieces below.
left to right: Wynn Hamlyn Basket Stitch Sweater – Ivory/Sand, $595, Rachel Mills’ Buster crop – Livid Grey, $239, Wynn Hamlyn Basket Stitch Sweater – Red/Maroon, $595, Marle Yana Top – Hummus, $320, Taylor Perpense Cardigan – Regetta, $467, Paris Georgia Manahou Top, $290, Moochi Olo Cape,$349, Marle Julius Cardigan – Ink, $450, Knuefermann backless Arlo knit dress – Light Blue Cashmere, $450, Knuefermann Arlo Top – Green Cashmere, $349, Claudia Li Cowl Neck Convertible Vest, $794, Wixii Z Silk cashmere Top, $345