Last Updated on August 24, 2023
Curious about the knitwear trends for AW23? Here, I’m sharing the biggest and boldest of the lot as we gear up for a new season. When it’s hot and sunny outside, the last thing you want to talk about is knitwear but fashion moves fast. Copenhagen Fashion Week has just concluded and London Fashion Week is coming up imminently, where we’re about to see the fashion trends for Spring Summer 2024! If you work in fashion, it doesn’t matter whether it’s hot or cold outside – you’re always thinking about the next season. It just makes sense that my mind would be on knitwear.
For AW23, there are some familiar trends and some new ones to get excited about. Perhaps the most controversial trend of the balaclava is making a comeback after the designers Lanvin, Rokh and Jil Sander sent the headwear down the runway. Whether you love it or hate it, the balaclava definitely keeps the cold at bay. For some easier knitted looks for autumn winter to style, you might prefer the effortless and timeless knitted dress, which also appeared at Fendi, Gucci, Jil Sander, Max Mara…the list goes on.
Mohair is having a moment too, adding a different dimension to knitwear this season, camel is everywhere and expect to see preppier knits for AW23. Let’s take a closer look…
Next, check out our trend report for AW23, read more about the bag trends for AW23 and the shoe trends for the new season.
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Knitted dresses
It wouldn’t be winter without knitted dresses making an appearance. Whenever you’re bored of your big jumpers, these make for a stylish and comfortable alternative. Embrace the colour of the new season a la Fendi, keep it matchy matchy like Max Mara or embrace a bold colour as seen at Gucci.
Chiara Knitted Midi Dress, £230, Stine Goya – buy now
Striped sleeveless midi knit dress, £40, Monki – buy now
Pink Shoko two-tone ribbed-knit dress, £160, Staud – buy now
Preppy details
Knits are about to get a whole lot more preppy, after sporty Varsity-style and polo-neck cardigans and sweaters were seen at Gucci, Etro and Fendi to name a few. Avoid going too hard on the trend and team your knits with jeans and skirts.
Decker dropped-shoulder cardigan, £125, Varley – buy now
Graphic Cotton Vest, £165, Ganni – buy now
Mohair Knit Jumper, £125, & Other Stories – buy now
Mohair
Mohair is making waves in AW23, after the cosy fabric was spotted at Balmain, Gucci, Etro, Jil Sander, Paco Rabanne and many more runway shows. You might think it’s a one-trick pony, but this look at Balmain proves it’s so much more than cardigans.
Striped Mohair-Blend Cardigan, £895, Marni – buy now
Oversized fluffy jumper, £54.99, H&M – buy now
Mohair Scarf In Apple Green, £180, Victoria Beckham – buy now
Camel
Camel is another knitwear trend that can do no wrong. Whether it’s a sweet button-up cardigan or a head-to-toe monochromatic look, it just works. Make like Max Mara with a knitted dress (you’ll be ticking off two trends in one go, thank you very much), worn with a matching longline cardi. Heaven!
Cropped Cashmere Crew Cardigan, £110, Boden – buy now
Fantino Cashmere Collared Cardigan, £298, Reformation – buy now
Knitted Jumper Mini Dress, now £22.50, ASOS DESIGN – buy now
Exaggerated shapes
Launchmetrics / Alexander McQueen FW23
Add some oomph to your knitwear with exaggerated sleeves, oversized fits and more shape than ever before. These structured sweaters move away from the cosy, comfy look (although that’s very much a winter wardrobe staple) and towards a more polished era for knitwear. These are smart enough that you can wear them out for dinner and drinks, but they still do the job at keeping you warm.
Oversized Cashmere-Blend Half-Zip Jumper, £190, Cos – buy now
Rib-Knitted Cotton Jumper, £67, Arket – buy now
Gigot-sleeve wool-blend cropped cardigan, £1,490, Alaïa – buy now
Balaclavas
And last but by no means least, we have the trusty balaclava. The headwear has been doing the rounds for a few seasons now, but judging by their appearance at Lanvin, Rokh and Jil Sander, we’re not letting them go just yet. While they can be tricky to style, they’re fast becoming an it-girl accessory so I say give it a go!
Brixton Balaclava – Cherries, £225, Shrimps – buy now
Crochet Balaclava, now £27.50, Damson Madder – buy now
Villars Ribbed Wool-Cashmere Balaclava, £185, Cashmere in Love – buy now
