Last Updated on October 13, 2021
The chill has well and truly arrived.
While most of us are getting excited for Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas, I’m doing what can only be expected from a Fashion Writer and focusing all of my attention on my winter wardrobe.
READ MORE: It’s Time to Invest in a Decent Winter Coat and Zara Has So Many I Want
It’s time to start thinking about how to keep cosy in style this season and knitwear is the obvious choice. This year however, there’s one specific style that’s set to be everywhere: fair isle.
It’s a classic piece of course, but this season it’s going to explode.
Loewe, Balenciaga and Molly Goddard are just some of the many designers that pegged 2021 as the year of the fair isle knit, each pairing the classic with more modern pieces in their AW21 showcases, such as cargo pants, tulle skirts and dark denim jeans.
The trend has been quick to catch on, with fair isle knit sweater vests spotted on influencers and street style icons at Copenhagen and Paris Fashion Week. Even Alexa Chung is a fan.
If you’re still not sure about making it part of your ensemble now that the cooler weather has come, our edit might change your mind.
Designer brand Ganni offers up a uniquely Ganni twist on the trend with a sweater vest featuring the brand’s signature smiley.
If you’re looking for more affordable picks that won’t burn a hole in your pocket, Boden has a jumper that’s also perfect for Christmas.
Need more options? Below is my selection of the best fair isle knits available right now.
READ MORE: It’s Sweater Vest Season – Here are 21 I Love
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Buy now

Fair Isle Shetland Wool Sweater, £185, Toast – buy now

Relaxed Fair Isle Jumper, £95, Boden – buy now

Print Knit Cotton Sweater, £35.99, Mango – buy now

Este Longline Cotton Cardigan, £260, Olivia Rubin at Coggles – buy now

Carla Fair Isle Jumper, £498, Molly Goddard at Farfetch – buy now

Fair Isle High Neck Jumper, £209, P.A.R.O.S.H at Farfetch – buy now

Jacquard Knit Sweater with Pompoms, £29.99, Zara – buy now

Recycled Wool Smiley Vest, £155, Ganni – buy now