Knitwear isn’t just for winter: it’s a timeless essential that adapts perfectly to any season. In this guide, we’ll explore how to style your favorite knitwear pieces year-round, from sunny summer days to cozy winter evenings, with tips to keep them looking their best for years to come.
What Makes Knitwear a Wardrobe Essential?
Knitwear has earned its place as a year-round staple thanks to its unique blend of comfort, practicality, and style. Whether you’re layering up in winter or reaching for something breathable on a breezy spring evening, the right knit can adapt to the season without compromising your look.
Versatility is where knitwear truly shines. From relaxed days at home to weekend countryside walks, it seamlessly transitions across settings and occasions. Dress it up with tailored trousers and a blouse, or keep things cosy with jeans and wellies – knitwear fits the mood, whatever it may be.
Styling Knitwear by Season
Having knitwear pieces in your wardrobe that you can wear all year round is an absolute must. Below, we’ll walk you through the essential items you shouldn’t be without each season – and how to style them into the perfect outfit.
Spring Layers: Light & Breezy
Spring might bring longer hours of sunshine, but in the UK, that’s no reason to ditch your layers just yet. With Hartwell, every spring is a chance to master the art of styling one outfit that works for both sunny afternoons and cooler evening outings – all without compromising on style.
The key is layering – but with lightweight pieces that don’t necessarily cover you entirely. Remember, spring days can make you break a sweat, so you need breathable moments where your knitwear won’t feel suffocating.
That’s where our ARIA Partridge Knitwear Top comes in. Unlike other knitted vests, it’s looser and doesn’t cling to the body, giving your skin space to breathe. And because it’s sleeveless, you’ll want to pair it with one of these two options, depending on your mood or personality that day:
If you are feeling bold, you should go for our HILLA White Luxury Blouse with embroidered detailing on the cuffs, puff sleeves, and a frill neck that shines whether worn under the knitwear or on its own. Now, if you prefer to keep it low-key, the ALIX Funnel Neck T-Shirt blends elegance and comfort, proving that beauty truly lies in simplicity.
Summer Knitwear: Yes, It Works!
Did you think knitwear was just for winter? That might be true in tropical parts of the world, but here in the UK – and across much of Europe – it’s always wise to keep a light knit close by. Summer knitwear comes in handy on cooler evenings, or when you’re in the office or anywhere with strong air conditioning and things start to feel a bit chilly.
The best knitwear piece for summer is something lightweight, like our AMANDA Pheasants Round Neck Top. Pair it with skinny jeans and an embroidered shirt layered on top, or better yet, with our RUBY Classic Navy Cotton trousers for a fancier look.
We don’t recommend knitted vests quite as much as we do in spring, since summer tends to be the season of t-shirts and short-sleeve shirts. Wearing a vest without any kind of sleeve underneath isn’t always the most flattering combo, but if it’s your thing, go ahead and rock it.
Autumn Vibes: Texture & Warmth
With autumn comes prime knitwear season. We know not everyone dares to wear knit in the summer, but now that the temperatures are dropping, there’s really no excuse not to.
As the cooler months approach, layering becomes the secret to effortless style – and that’s where the AMELIA Cardigan and the CHELSEA Long Sleeve step in. The AMELIA, in a rich forest green, is the perfect throw-on piece, adding warmth and refinement to any countryside or city look.
Meanwhile, the CHELSEA, with its deep burgundy hue and delicate pheasant detailing, captures the essence of British heritage while offering a touch of individuality. Worn together or styled separately, these pieces are timeless investments that turn crisp autumn days into an opportunity for elegance and comfort.
If you feel knitwear is too plain or doesn’t help you stand out, don’t worry, there are other pieces that can elevate your look and make you feel ready to be featured in a fashion magazine.
Here, statement trousers will be your best friend. At Hartwell, we’ve got the MIA Tweed Printed Leggings, combining comfort and British fashion in one, and the ROSIE – Luxury Velvet Jeans, whose rich texture and striking colour stand out from miles away.
Winter Coziness: Function Meets Style
This is it – in winter, knitwear stops being a fashion choice and becomes a necessity.
That doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style, though.
One smart tip is to prioritise quality over quantity: buying 10 pieces of knitwear from a fast fashion shop might get you through this winter, but opting for high-quality pieces – like those at Hartwell – means fewer items that will last you for many seasons to come.
If you’re after a knitwear top that works for the office, a countryside walk, a city outing, or just your everyday errands, the AMANDA Foxes V-Neck Top is the perfect choice. Layer it over a shirt for a more professional or academic look, or go casual and laid-back with a plain tee underneath.
We’ve all been there – bundled up in so many winter layers you can barely move your arms. That’s why every coat we design is made not only to look great, but to keep you feeling comfortable too. For days like these, our JUNE Wax Jacket and POPPY Jacket are your go-to options: warm, stylish, and built for freedom of movement.
How to Care for Your Knitwear: Tips That Last a Lifetime
As we always say at Hartwell, we focus on using high-quality fabrics and materials to create our garments, so they can stay with you for years – enhancing your outfits season after season. That said, knitwear does require a bit of extra care to help it last even longer.
The first tip is to hand wash whenever possible, using a gentle detergent (there are plenty made specifically for knitwear) and to dry flat. If hand washing isn’t an option, make sure to set your washing machine to a cold cycle only – hot water can cause all types of knitwear to shrink or lose their texture.
When it comes to drying, avoid hanging your knitwear. Instead, reshape the piece and lay it flat on a table or drying rack. It might take a bit longer to dry, but it will significantly extend the garment’s life and prevent it from stretching out of shape.
For storage, fold the garments gently and keep them in fabric bags. These have been shown to be more effective at keeping moths away than plastic ones, and they also last longer and are much better for the environment.
Embrace Knitwear: Your All-Year-Round
No matter the time of year, high-quality knitwear can breathe new life into your wardrobe with comfort, elegance, and something ready to take you through every occasion. With proper care, your favorite pieces will last long beyond seasonal trends, which is why at Hartwell, we focus on timeless designs and quality materials that stand the test of time.