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All The Biggest Knitwear Trends For AW21

Cosy chic.

Last Updated on October 27, 2021

The biggest knitwear trends of 2021 prove that you don’t have to dread the cold winter weather if you have the right pieces on.

I’m not a fan of cold weather, but since we were deprived of being able to feel it outside last year, I’m taking this year as an opportunity to embrace the low temperature and work on levelling up my knitwear game.

READ MORE: 15 Fashionable Festive Knits You Won’t Regret Wearing

If you plan to do the same, you can use our guide to AW21’s knitwear trends to inform your choices.

Molly Goddard aw21 knitwear
Molly Goddard AW21 / Ben Broomfield

This season, we’re not just talking festive jumpers – knitted dresses, skirts and cut out sweaters all feature in the hit list, proving knitwear really can be chic.

Here are the biggest trends to look out for this season.

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Knitted Vests

As well as quilted vests, knitted vests are also taking over for autumn winter this year.

They can help keep you warm now, but you can still wear them when the weather’s warmer too.

Polo Knit Vest, £65 Other Stories

Polo Knit Vest, £65, & Other Stories – buy now

Swan Lake Knitted Vest House of Sunny at Urban Outfitters - buy now

Swan Lake Knitted Vest, £95, House of Sunny at Urban Outfitters – buy now

READ MORE: It’s Sweater Vest Season – Here are 22 I Love

Jumper Dresses

There are days when you can’t be bothered to layer up.

If you’re like me, most autumn winter days don’t inspire you to play with your looks. The solution for this is simple, though: jumper dresses.

Dresses are the easiest way to look like you put effort into your outfit. This seasons, make sure you stock up on jumper dresses not just for the style but also for keeping warm.

Mika Dress Sezane

Mika Dress, £140, Sezane – buy now

Albaray Turtle Neck Dress John Lewis

Albaray Turtle Neck Dress, £79, John Lewis – buy now

Ribbed Knit Dress Acne Studios at Net-a-Porter - buy now

Ribbed Knit Dress, £420, Acne Studios at Net-a-Porter – buy now

Fair Isle Jumpers

Ski-style knitwear is one of this seasons key trends, so a fair isle jumper is a must.

Don’t have one yet? Check out our edit of Fair isle pieces.

Elliot Fairisle Sweater Kitri

Elliot Fairisle Sweater, £125, Kitri – buy now

Constantin Jumper Sezane

Constantin Jumper, £110, Sezane – buy now

Anna Cashmere Jumper Boden

Anna Cashmere Jumper, £210, Boden – buy now

Knitted Skirts

Pair your favourite knit top with knitted skirts — it’s almost as easy as slipping a dress on.

This season is all about texture, so these fit right in.

Slit Knitted Skirt Mango

Slit Knitted Skirt, £49.99, Mango – buy now

Ribbed Knit Cotton Skirt Anna Felicia at Net-a-Porter

Ribbed Knit Cotton Skirt, £245, Anna Felicia at Net-a-Porter – buy now

READ MORE: Chic Christmas Pyjamas Do Exist – Here Are 13 Sets You Can Wear All Winter

Cut Out Jumpers

To get more bang for your buck, go for pieces that can be worn many times and in different seasons.

As well as knitted dresses in winter, I’m also looking forward to wearing the latest must-have knit: cut out jumpers.

Cut-Out Jumper COS

Cut-Out Jumper, £69, COS – buy now

Ribbed Sweater with Slits Mango

Ribbed Sweater with Slits, £35.99, Mango – buy now

Simone Black Cutout Sweater Kitri

Simone Black Cutout Sweater, £125, Kitri – buy now

READ MORE: If You Buy One Item This Winter, Make it The Cut Out Dress

Ponchos

They’re back! Y2K style has returned to the mainstream, bringing ponchos with it.

This year’s styles are a bit more streamlined though, so there’s no need to be scared about looking dated.

Check out our edit of the best ponchos and capes this season.

Ribbed Alpaca Wool Cape Zara

Ribbed Alpaca Wool Cape, £79.99, Zara – buy now

Check Cape with Fringing Uterque

Check Cape with Fringing, £125, Uterque – buy now

Knitted Wool Cape H&M

Knitted Wool Cape, £49.99, H&M – buy now

High-Neck Cape Coat Massimo Dutti

High-Neck Cape Coat, £169, Massimo Dutti – buy now

Colourful Knits

It’s all about crossing over to the colourful side this autumn winter. That goes for every part of your outfit, so it’s a must to have a colourful knit. 

The brighter, the more versatile — they can be worn all year long, even during spring and summer.

Sweater with Boucle Appliques Uterque

Sweater with Boucle Appliques, £80, Uterque – buy now

Polo Collar Sweater Massimo Dutti

Polo Collar Sweater, £89.95, Massimo Dutti – buy now

Cable Knits

Cable knits used to intimidate me because of how bulky some of them look, but I’m ready to embrace one of this year’s knitwear trends and get out of my comfort zone.

These knits from Zara and Monki are making it easy.

Cable-knit Sweater Zara

Cable-knit Sweater, £29.99, Zara – buy now

Merino Cable Knit Sweater & Other Stories

Merino Cable Knit Sweater, £95, & Other Stories – buy now

Soft Cable Knit Vest, £30, Monki – buy now

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