The Knitty-Gritty

© Flickr / Fdecomite

Fall is in the air, sure, but it’s that wishy-washy, unpredictable Miami sort of Fall that’s constantly got us in a pickle about what to wear. We can wear jeans without melting, and even a light jacket over our dresses after the sun goes down, but the season’s coveted chunky knits remain elusive. Ever wish a sweater had air conditioning?

Welcome the open-knit sweater with open arms, Miami – the antidote to the in-between-seasons wardrobe slump. Extremely versatile and perfect for layering, these big-stitch sweaters are chic and comfortable, not itchy or stifling like some mammoth wooly sweaters tend to be. Northerners may have the cable knits and ribbed turtlenecks, but the open-weave was made for the tropics.

Open-knits have been on the rise since Spring, where they infiltrated the runways of Issey Miyake and Rag & Bone; Stella McCartney showed shapely, over-sized sweaters, and Alice + Olivia experimented with knitwear for Fall 2011. Even the Olsen twins incorporated some handmade knits into their collection for The Row, and this week Gareth Pugh debuted his fascinating, sci-fi inspired collection, rife with gridded sweaters and intricate lattice work.

How can you work this loopy, tactile trend? Here’s six ways to do it right.

© Reed Krakoff, Opening Ceremony, Josie Natori, All Saints, Rag & Bone, ZuccaAdd texture and intrigue to a simple ensemble with a casual cardigan - a basic tank and high-rise pencil skirt get a fresh twist of modernity when you swap a traditional sweater for this Open-Knit Mesh Cardigan from Reed Krakoff. In easy, effortless nude, this sweater harmonizes beautifully with prints and sheen; try it over a metallic skirt or floral sundress to work spring’s styles well into winter.

There are a slew of sweaters to get you through the season – the All Saints Grid Jumper is a cool, Gareth Pugh-esque alternative to Spring’s sheer, filmy blouses. Throw it over a slinky, body-skimming tank dress for a textural take on layering – black-on-black is classic, but experiment with other colors, too. If you’re feeling daring, team it with a high-waisted skirt or jeans and a bright bandeau.

If you don’t dare to bare, this subtly striped Rag & Bone Pendle Sweater is slouchy and airy. Elegant in ivory, this neutral beauty is ready to wear with just about anything, but we think it would be extra-sweet with blush-hued shorts and strappy sandals, or a hip-hugging tube skirt in ultra-fine jersey and hefty wooden-wedges.

The texture of the Zucca Dekoboco Wide Knit Tunic is nubby and substantial, but the all-cotton yarn keeps it cool. Plus, the shape is adorable – wide boat neck, dolman sleeves, just-below-the-hip length. Work it with your sleekest skinny jeans or leggings to avoid extra bulk, and add jewel toned suede pumps and a serious statement necklace.  Or, take it in a different direction by swapping the denim for hot pants that just peek out below the hemline, and the pumps for extra-pointy patent leather flats or ankle boots.

This trend also translates well into dress territory – an open-knit material skims the body rather than clinging to it. A tribal-printed ruffle along the hem offsets the simple shape of an Opening Ceremony X Pendelton Mesh Cotton Knit Dress, a casual, comfortable piece easily styled with a distressed leather jacket and boots, or mary-jane pumps and chunky jewelry that echos the tribal-trend.

Our favorite piece has got to be the Josie Natori Katakana Dress – intricately hand-knit into webs of open-weave, this 100% cotton dress comes with it’s own slip so you don’t need to add a thing. Its perfectly pretty on its own, so don’t adorn it too much – luxe brown leather sandals, a few gold-wire bracelets, and a swipe of bright lipstick let this slouchy sweater sing for itself.

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