Fashion-Mommy reviews: A Fair Isle Cardigan from Woolovers
When it comes to clothing, I love style classics. Pieces like the little black dress, a beige trench coat, wide leg trousers and pure indigo jeans are all pieces that can be worn time and time again, always in style by virtue of not being in fashion. And another item that can be added to the mix is the Fair Isle knit, whether it be a cardigan or jumper.
Fair Isle knits are a traditional craft that has been around for hundreds of years, with the knits being used as currency when trading with passing ships. In recent years, the traditional designs have taken on a fashionable edge, notoriously when they became the knitwear of choice for Sarah Lund in ‘The Killing’. One of my favourite fashion films, ‘The Edge of Love’ was another showcase for the Fair Isle style, showing just how great it looks teamed with retro tea dresses. Celebrities love a little bit of the knit too, with Victoria Beckham, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez just some of the ladies who have succumbed to the pretty pattern.
Knitwear experts Woolovers have an amazing collection of knitwear that incorporates Cashmere, Merino Wool and Lambswool designs. The company asked if I would like to choose something from their current range to review, and I decided that the perfect design for wearing right now, that would also be a transitional piece come Spring, was the Lambswool Fair Isle cardigan. This is a knit that comes in a range of really beautiful colour options, including red and grey, but I chose the classic navy option.
This cardigan is a great mixture of modern styling and Fair Isle nostalgia. The boxy shape makes this great for casual wear, like teamed with jeans in the photograph above, but it can also be worn over a dress or, as I styled it, teamed with a skirt for a more formal look. The knit has a jacket styled shape, which makes this a great choice in Spring when it can be worn instead of a coat or jacket. It is 100% Lambswool so feels very warm and substantial when you are wearing it, even in our current cold weather.
I styled my cardigan with a tulip style skirt from Betty Jackson at Debenhams, and vintage style t-bar Mary Janes from Clarks in navy. With navy tights, this picked up the navy of the cardigan. I added a set of 1930s original pearls to play up the nostalgia element of Fair Isle knits, and was really pleased with the look.
I am wearing this in a size large, which was plenty big enough for me (size 16-18) and meant I could wear this with all the buttons fastened without any puckering. I turned the waistband under slightly to make it sit on the band of the skirt, but would wear this loose and open with jeans.
You can currently get up to 50% off sale at Woolovers, and there are also deals offering two knits for £55, so now is a good time to check out the range for yourself.
*I was sent this cardigan in return for an honest review.
8 Comments
Paola
They do have interesting designs in them. Will keep a look out for me.
myunsettlinglife.blogspot.co.uk
fashion-mommy
Definitely worth a look.x
Jen
Ooh looks really nice! I have a knitted tunic in fairisle which I live in during the winter.
fashion-mommy
It’s such a classic style isn’t it.x
Louise
Love that cardigan, such a lovely colour and looks great with the skirt too 🙂
fashion-mommy
Thank you – there are lots of gorgeous colours on the website – I’m tempted by the grey and red too.
Caro | The Twinkles Momma
Ohmygoodness — I WISH I could post a pic with my comment!! I’m wearing a Fair Isle cardigan today too!! LOL! When I saw the title of your post I HAD to pp over and have a look!! Not quite the same, but very nearly!! 🙂 #FashionFriday
fashion-mommy
Ha! Great minds and all that. But so warm too.x