Fashion

Sweater weather: These are the best chunky knits to shop now

By Josefin Forsberg

We are currently craving texture, and nothing adds interest like a chunky sweater. Easy to style and an everyday staple, these are the best knits to shop now

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It all started with the iconic crocheted cardigan that Harry Styles wore last summer. Courtesy of JW Anderson, the chunky silhouette and the kaleidoscopic colours had the internet rush to recreate the look. Of course, every other TikTok on our daily scroll was dedicated to reviews and how-tos. Still, while we gave up on learning how to knit and moved past any remnants of corona related hobbies, we desperately looked to reinvigorate our knits.

But while rummaging through our wardrobes from past seasons, one type of sweater is notably absent—the crocheted cardigan's cousin from up north, our new silhouette to idolise: The chunky sweater. Whether cable-knit or garter stitched, roll-necked or half-zipped, round or V-neck, we are currently craving adding to our collections.

But when faced with all of this sartorial choice, one question remains...

What are the best chunky sweaters to shop now?

Looking to the runways for inspiration, the Vogue Scandinavia team has spotted three trends to consider when bracing for the cold. We saw a wide variety in the sweaters presented for the autumn/winter season from Paris to Copenhagen. Still, two commonalities could be seen all over the catwalks: The oversized, chunky silhouettes and three distinct shades, specifically the classic cream, pops of highlighter hues, and army green.

Below, we've gathered the best sweaters and why you should invest in them now.

Cecilie Bahnsen autumn/winter 2021.

Ganni autumn/winter 2021.

MM6 Maison Margiela autumn/winter 2021.

The best white chunky sweaters

This season, one of the most popular takes on the chunky sweater trend came in a classic creamy colour. Preferably a roll-neck with cable finishing, the style is an ever-green everyday staple that will be brought out of storage like clockwork for years to come.

A go-to on those mornings when you don't know what to wear (worn with tailored trousers and sneakers, as expertly presented by Ganni), the bulky style saw some innovative styling tricks on the runways. Danish designer Cecilie Bahnsen styled her signature feminine silhouettes over the sweater, while MM6 Maison Margiela opted for a deconstructed knit paired with high-shine vinyl trousers and heels.


Chunky white knits

Oversized cable-knit sweater

Stella McCartney

SHOP NOWEUR 770
Distressed cable-knit wool sweater

Tibi

SHOP NOWEUR 425
Zip-knit jumper

Cos

SHOP NOWEUR 89
Chunky knitted jumper

P.A.R.O.S.H.

SHOP NOWEUR 375
Chunky knitted jumper

IRO

SHOP NOWEUR 445
Oversized chunky knit

Ganni

SHOP NOWEUR 375

Missoni autumn/winter 2021.

Stine Goya autumn/winter 2021.

Ganni autumn/winter 2021.

The best colourful chunky sweaters

While the weather may be gloomy and grey, our wardrobes certainly do not. Opt for sunshine shades paired with wide-legged denim for an instant mood boost, while Acne Studios provides us with the perfect option to lean into the trendiest colour of the season: lilac. However, if lilacs or tangerines are too bold, a powder pink pairs easily with any muted closet colourway.

Styling the colourful sweater relies on an assortment of autumnal basics. Tucked into a knee-length black skirt, paired with loafers, the half-zip yellow sweater at Ganni leans into the academic aesthetic we favour for autumn. Then there's the combination of texture and print as proposed by Missoni, which – if kept in the same colour family – is a comfortable yet chic combination.


Colourful chunky knits

Pink chunky knit sweater

Weekday

SHOP NOWEUR 49.50
Scharla oversized sweater

Stine Goya

SHOP NOWEUR 388
Grayson cable-knit

Cecilie Bahnsen

SHOP NOWEUR 1050
Multi-coloured knit sweater

Monki

SHOP NOWEUR 40
Chunky knit mock-neck jumper

Acne Studios

SHOP NOWEUR 490
Mélange cable-knit sweater

Ganni

SHOP NOWEUR 295

Simone Rocha autumn/winter 2021.

Holzweiler autumn/winter 2021.

Max Mara autumn/winter 2021.

The best green chunky sweaters

Whether you prefer to describe it as army or khaki, the colour to keep in mind for autumn is this mossy green. Norwegian brand Holzweiler opted to keep the colour top-to-toe in its autumn/winter 2021 runway show, while Max Mara leaned into the woodsy vibe with a sheer checked skirt and cognac leather boots. Simone Rocha expertly layered their signature sweater with a crisp cotton shirt and a black tulle skirt, contrasting the chunky combat boots.

Here, we propose that you pick up on the colour combinations. Don't be afraid to go matchy-matchy or to break up the look with a stark white or dramatic black, and if in doubt, always opt for brown leather.


Chunky khaki knits

Recycled wool-blend jumper

Ganni

SHOP NOWEUR 206
Tie-detail knitted jumper

Baum Und Pferdgarten

SHOP NOWEUR 198
Cable-knit signature jumper

Simone Rocha

SHOP NOWEUR 936
Seven Half Zip Sweater

Weekday

SHOP NOWEUR 55
Cashmere and wool sweater

Stella McCartney

SHOP NOWEUR 650
Camilia cashmere turtleneck sweater

Anine Bing

SHOP NOWEUR 500

What to pair your new sweater with

Now that you're set for the colder climate, it's time to consider the rest of your wardrobe. One knitted sweater – no matter how cosy – doth not an autumn outfit make. Why not peruse our selection of the best black boots for the upcoming season? Or consider a floor skimming coat to add dramatic flair? What is a knit without a pair of jeans – our favourites, for now, are in a wider silhouette with an excess of fabrics. Or if you've forgotten your gloves at home, we bet that these fuzzy bags will come in handy.