Posts Tagged ‘knitwear’

When I first came across the term “snood”, my initial reaction was “why snood?” Because, if you think about it, the words “scarf” and “hood” do not combine to make “snood”. They make “scood”. So well done Vogue, or whoever came up with that one.

So what do I think of snoods? Well, judging by Vogue.com’s recent gallery expedition, I just don’t know.

On the one hand, I can see these things proving fairly useful during Winter’s harsher months. Gone are the days of cold necks and long draping scarf tassels catching on door handles. Not only that, but the snoods featured on this season’s runways were oozing with style, from the urban neutral tones of Missoni and Burberry to the more provocative ruby reds of Fendi. Almost like Emirates-stewardess meets ice-queen-chic, but cooler.

Then again, let’s be serious for a minute. Would I honestly go out rocking a huge knitted head-embracing concoction whilst waiting for the rest of the world to catch up with me? Because readers, my friends, family and other associates will hardly be the first to jump on the bandwagon with this daring trend. And whilst I don’t usually have a problem jumping on the bandwagon when it comes to the latest crazes, I do when it comes to questionable headgear.

In a nutshell, I think I’ll be sticking to my trusty woollen hat, scarf and mittens this season. Somehow, the idea of looking like a cosy nun just doesn’t have the same appeal as I first imagined. If I do feel the appeal, however, I think I’ll be wrapping my never-ending granny scarf around my neck and head in the hope it will look the same, or something very similar at the least.

So fear not ladies, I don’t think you’ll be needing to don your snoods just yet. Remember wedges and gladiator sandals, and how they only seemed to appear trendy at least a year after they were “reinvented”? The same went for crop tops and jeggings – us normal people need to test the water with our toes before diving head first into the trend pool. So for now, I’m just going to sit and read Vogue and laugh at all those daring fashionistas doing it wrong and looking silly in their arguably “edgy” ensembles, whilst I play it safe in my hat, scarf and mittens.

QUESTION TIME: What do you think of snoods? Will you be rocking yours this winter, or like me, will you be playing it safe with the good ol’ hat and gloves/mittens? Leave your comment below!

Fight as you might, there’s no denying that Winter is here. But fear not ladies, because if anything is going to save you from the sadistic whips of Winter’s winds this season, it’s your chunky knitted accessories.

Yes, it’s true, chunky is definitely funky. Topshop, Vivienne Westwood and Julien MacDonald were all at it this season, with scarves, jumpers and dresses emitting enough neatly-woven warmth to make your great-great grandmother proud.

Now, I know the term “chunky knit” hardly screams sex appeal, but that’s not to say you can’t be woolly and sexy at the same time. As with any fashion trend, it’s all about how you wear it.
Thankfully, knitwear, no matter how chunky, can be worn by absolutely anyone and everyone; from the lollipop-stick-skinnies to the more generously-sized apples and pears. So, as long as you accessorise with your body shape in mind, you can hardly go wrong with this trend.

Firstly, if you’re curvy, determine where exactly you are at your curviest. Those with broad shoulders should avoid covering them up with a knitted scarf, instead fixing the scarf in a neater knot around the base of the neck. Longer, narrow scarves are best for broader shoulders as they draw the eye downwards rather than across.
As for knitted dresses, jumpers and cardigans, solid colours will work better than mind-boggling patterns, which will confuse your natural shape. Don’t be too tempted to stick to darker colours however – bright colours can look just as good on curves as they can on more slender or athletic figures. This season, bring out your more daring side by experimenting with pinks and purples, and maybe some peacock blues as well!

Those of you with more slender builds: for narrow shoulders, drape a knitted scarf asymmetrically across your shoulders to instantly even out your figure. Dare to volumise with super chunky cable knits and grungy rips, and show off toned legs with a short jumper dress, opaque tights and ankle boots for cosy winter chic.

With that said, remember that no one can go wrong with a good chunky-knitted hat and matching mittens/gloves. The high street is full of funky knitted accessories, including some gorgeous fingerless-tramp-gloves-cum-mittens – some beautiful examples of which can be found by on Accessorize’s website.

So what are you waiting for ladies and gentlemen? Get chunky and get funky!