Knitch Magazine

Spring is just around the corner and knitwear for spring is quite popular with many of your favorite designers again this year. We expect knitwear in the collections of designers such as Michael Kors, Rodarte, and Chanel, and they have not disappointed. But many other designers are embracing the knitwear trend this season as well.

The trends we are seeing run the gamut of style, from soft pastels and neutrals to bold colors, and the big trend—STRIPES! Stripes were everywhere! From the demure, soft, tone-on-tone stripes in Jason Wu’s collection to the bold, bright multi-colors by Tommy Hilfiger. From the narrow little stripes from Chanel to the big wide stripes in the Juicy Couture collection. We are used to seeing stripes in the Resort collections, but it was very present in the spring collections this year.

As always, color is important and pastels are always big in the spring lines. They get a little modern twist on this spring’s runways though. Open knits are another trend we saw a lot of and when done in pastels and neutral tones, the look is toned down and seems softer, especially when styled with other soft colors and more subdued accessories. Adam interpreted two trends, working stripes in soft tones with a touch of glitz for a wonderful day-to-night sweater. Alberta Ferretti actually combines open knit, neutral tones, AND stripes into one amazing sweater that is a must-have for any warm weather wardrobe! It echoes some of the Resort looks, but still has an edgy urban feel. Another combination of these three trends came from Oscar de la Renta, in a sexy cropped sweater with open knit and stripes worked in a neutral khaki tone.

Colorful striped pieces in delicious rainbow hues thrilled many attendees at the shows this season. Christopher Kane brought the rainbow to life in his long-sleeved striped sweater worked in crayon colors. We always look forward to knitwear from Isabel Marant, and her spring runway was a joy for knit lovers. This striped sweater is bold and graphic with a handknit look and feel. We love the loose ends and boho appeal. Nicole Miller gave us some wonderful striped pieces for spring as well, including not only sweaters, but skirts and dresses as well.

Neutrals are always popular, no matter the season or the designer. And while some designers embrace neutrals more than others, most collections include something for those of us who just want something simple and chic and elegant that we can wear with a variety of other pieces. Derek Lam understands that desire for simple chic knitwear and had several pieces in his collection, including his white sweater. Doo.Ri put a little twist on the classic with an interesting silhouette. Sportwear guru Michael Kors always pleases with his simplicity and elegance, as do Marc Jacobs and Max Azria. Newer designers such as celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe and Steven also gave us versatile pieces in neutral tones.

As you can see, the oversized sweater is still in style for spring 2012. We saw this trend in the fall collections as well and it’s a look everyone can wear. Just remember to pair an oversized sweater with a fitted skirt or pants.

Knitwear is definitely not just for cooler weather. So enjoy and embrace your love of knits, whether you actually create them for yourself or love those designer pieces (or both!). If you’ve never knit yourself a warm weather sweater, now is the time! Choose cotton, linen, or bamboo for a cool, breathable knit you will love to wear.