The easiest way to style knitwear is to start with the outfit formulas you already know. If you practically live in joggers and trainers, swap your usual sweatshirtfor a knitted jumper or hoodie. If denim is more your thing, throw a knitted layer over a tee and let the textures do all the work.

Matching sets are the obvious starting point, but they aren’t the only option. Wearing the top and bottom together gives you a clean, coordinated look, while separating them means you can get more outfits from the same pieces.

Footwear is another easy way to change the direction of a knitwear outfit. A classic low-profile trainer keeps things clean, while a chunkier runner or lifestyle silhouette gives a relaxed co-ord some more weight.

Women’s Knitwear Outfits

For women’s knitwear, matching sets are an easy way to create a full outfit without spending ages figuring out what goes with what. The key is choosing the right footwear and proportions to stop the look feeling too uniform.

For a more fitted take on the co-ord, the Forena Women’s Kelsey Fitted Zip Through Knit Jacket works with the matching Forena Women’s Kelsey Knit Pant in Chocolate Delight. The fitted shape of the jacket balances the relaxed leg of the knit pants, while the New Balance Women’s MR530 Trainer keeps the whole thing casual. The brown tones also make this an easy outfit to carry into autumn.

If you want something a little more relaxed, the Forena Women’s Lexi Full Zip Knit Hoodie and matching Forena Women’s Lexi Knit Pant create a softer mocha and Snow Pearl combination. Finish it with the adidas Originals Women’s Handball Spezial Trainer for a low-profile terrace-inspired finish. The contrast between the relaxed knitwear and the slim shape of the Spezial keeps the outfit from feeling too heavy.

For a slightly more fashion-led streetwear take however, the adidas Originals Women’s Essentials Knit Cardigan and matching Essentials Knit Pant create a coordinated base, while the adidas Originals Women’s Samba Jane Trainer brings a different feel to the outfit. The strap-over design of the Samba Jane takes inspiration from ballet flats, so it’s an easy way to move your knitwear away from traditional loungewear and towards a more styled everyday look.

Men’s knitwear can go in a few different directions, from full co-ords to more broken-up outfits that use one knitted layer alongside denim or a graphic tee.

For the easiest full-look option, the Celebre Fluffy Knit Sweat Jumper and Celebre Fluffy Knit Open Hem Jogger give you a matching black base. Add the Celebre Pocket Tee underneath and finish with the Vans Authentic Trainer for a simple, low-key finish. The fluffy texture adds interest to what is otherwise a straightforward black outfit, while the Vans keeps it rooted in classic skatewear.

If you prefer to break up the matching set, the Celebre Knitted Funnel Neck Zip Through Top works over the Celebre Waiter Graphic Tee, giving you a layered look rather than a traditional co-ord. Add some Celebre Loose Fit Denim Jeans and Saucony ProGrid Omni 9 OG Trainers and you’ve got a more varied everyday outfit. The loose-fit denim gives the knitted top some contrast, while the retro running shape of the Saucony keeps the proportions relaxed.

For another take on the matching knit formula, the Celebre Fluffy Knit Quarter Zip Rugby Sweatshirt and Celebre Fluffy Knit Open Hem Jogger work together in Smokey Taupe. The rugby-inspired neckline gives the outfit a slightly sportier feel than a standard jumper, while the Converse Chuck Taylor Throwback Ox Trainer adds a classic finish.

These outfits show why knitwear doesn’t have to mean dressing up or going full loungewear. Switch the trainers, introduce denim or layer a tee underneath and you can take the same knitted pieces in completely different directions.

Autumn is when knitwear really comes into its own. The weather is cooler, but you don’t necessarily need to jump straight into heavy outerwear, making knitted pieces ideal for layering.

Start with a simple T-shirt underneath a knitted jumper, zip-through or cardigan. From there, relaxed denim or knitted joggers give you an easy base, while a lightweight jacket can be added when the temperature drops.

Colour can do plenty of the work, too. Chocolate brown, taupe, cream, grey and black all slot easily into an autumn wardrobe, but you don’t have to keep everything neutral. A brighter knit can lift a darker outfit, while a tonal look gives texture more room to stand out.

The same goes for footwear. Low-profile trainers such as the Handball Spezia lwork well when you want a cleaner silhouette, while retro runners like the MR530 or ProGrid Omni 9 add more weight to relaxed knitwear.

You can also get more wear from your knitwear by splitting up matching sets. Wear the Kelsey knit pants with a simple top one day, then use the matching jacket with denim the next. The same approach works with the Celebre sets, giving you more outfit combinations without needing more clothes.

How to Wash Knitwear Without Shrinking

Knitwear needs a little more care than your average T-shirt or pair of joggers, particularly when it comes to heat.

Always check the care label before washing and follow the recommended temperature and cycle. Avoid excessive heat when washing or drying, as this can cause some knitted fabrics to shrink or lose their shape.

If the care instructions recommend laying a piece flat to dry, follow them rather than hanging the garment up while it’s soaking wet. The weight of the water can pull the knit out of shape.

It’s also worth folding heavier knitwear rather than leaving it hanging for long periods. This helps the garment retain its shape and means your favourite pieces are ready to go when the temperature drops.