Style · December 18, 2023

The Festive Knitwear Edit

Photos by Beatrice Granados, post includes press samples

When it comes to Christmas, I’ve been known to embrace a good bit of themed dressing. Anything that has me resembling a Gibb brother, Miss Piggy in a Muppet’s Christmas Carol (niche, but the tartan is not to be sniffed at) or a misplaced bauble are all references that won’t be lost on my festive wardrobe. And what’s December without the sparkle? The sequins that catch the light, shake and move as you put on Shakin’ Stevens for the 4^th time in a row and the dresses that seemingly come out of retirement for one month only.

But what about the cosies? The clothes that will truly feel like a warm blanket when you’re horizontal reaching for the Radio Times? The knits and the blouses paired with check skirts that echo a stay at Balmoral? Admittedly, I’m more Bromley than Balmoral, but there’s something about a classic knit and some tartan that feels like Christmases gone by (or my secondary school uniform, but maybe that’s coming back around too). Anyway- in the spirit of an after-lunch Boxing Day walk, these photos were taken on a blustery afternoon in Deal- sharing some of my favourite things in my winter wardrobe, for Christmas and beyond…

Highland Fling

(Dress: Hill House Home, Jumper: Yan Tan, Boots: L.K Bennett)

When it comes to everything from tartan, rich winter florals and tulle, look no further than Hill House Home. With classic feminine shapes to their iconic Nap Dress style (which is not only *the* most comfortable but loves layers just as much as it does worn solo), they’re the perfect brand for pieces that will carry you from a Christmas Day playing hostess to a New Years’ bundled up on the sofa watching the hootenanny.

On top of that, festive dressing isn’t complete without a traditional aran cable knit, and the ones from my pal Jules’ Yan Tan Revolution are the best (I’m currently dreaming about adding the Camille Rouge to my festive wardrobe). All sustainably made in the U.K, these are knits with a difference and will go with literally anything in your wardrobe; pyjama bottoms, leggings, sequinned flares- the LOT.

Coastal Grandma

(Cardigan: Zara, Skirt & Blouse: Vintage, Coat: BA&SH, Trainers: Superga)

Maybe change coastal to Christmas and here we have it! After falling into a continuous jeans cycle over the last few months, it’s been nice to reintroduce skirts into my day to day, and thanks to seeing a *lot* of checks and tartan on the girlies (and nanas, who have arguably been doing it just that bit longer)- it’s been nice to have a go at styling my favourite everyday items (e.g this blouse and cardigan) with something a little bit more unexpected. This would also look so fun with a chunky heel too (being wary of anything *too* delicate which could make it a bit ‘proper’) and some fun chunky earrings and socks, to make it a great fancy dinner outfit too.

Tomato Girl Winter

(Jumper: Vintage, Cardigan: Sézane, Scarf: Mulberry, Skirt: Vintage, Trainers: Wales Bonner x Adidas)

Although I have yet to dabble in the red tights and phenomenon (I think there’s a part of me that worries if I look down my legs will transport me straight back to 2008), I have always been partial to a tomato or a cherry knit (or three)- and paired with a white skirt, I’m quite into this modern take on Mrs. Claus and a bit of ever-so-subtle Christmas cosplay. It’s no secret Sézane are some of my absolute favourites for knits (I don’t think I’ve ever met a Sézane cardigan I didn’t like), and I’ve also quite liked using a cardigan or jumper as some sort of scarf stand in too when this Mulberry number or Amy’s TBCo bad-boy are absent (More! Warmth! Please!)

Pastels for Winter

(Blouse: Vintage, Knit: Toast, Cords: Sézane)

And if checks, wearing three lots of red in one outfit and head-to-toe tartan all sound a bit too Little Women for you come Yuletide, there’s something about winter pastels that I love which truly transcend the seasons. A pop of yellow, a peachy pink or lilac all feel slightly less intentional (and ever-so-slightly spring like) and also happen to all look amazing with silver come evening time, without feeling too traditional (not that this girl minds, of course)!