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I’ll Say It—This New-Season Knitwear Trend Is Every Part As Elegant as My Most Expensive Silk Blouses

By Swedan Margen

I’ll Say It—This New-Season Knitwear Trend Is Every Part As Elegant as My Most Expensive Silk Blouses

I have a bad habit of slipping into a state of slouchiness the moment the cold sets in. Perpetually afraid of being cold, I pile on as many layers as I can manage, and somewhere between the thermals and oversized jumpers, my interest in styling tends to fade. This year, however, I’m determined to approach winter dressing with a little more polish. In my search for a sleeker seasonal wardrobe, I stumbled upon a knitwear trend that feels truly special.

Building on last winter’s scarf knit moment, the chicest dressers I know are now embracing an even more refined evolution: the cape knit.

Influencer @christietyler poses outside in front of a beige brick wall wearing a grey cape jumper with a tonal grey skirt, thick black tights and black heels.

Defined by its draped silhouette, the cape knit hangs from the shoulders, creating a soft, cascading effect that moves beautifully with the body. Whilst some styles resemble ponchos, other versions feature generous panels of fabric that wrap elegantly around the neck before falling behind the back.

There’s something inherently luxurious about the way this style falls—the fluid movement of the knit and the ease of the shape bring an understated glamour to a look. Whether layered over tailored trousers and heels for a polished finish, draped over a dress for evening, or thrown casually atop jeans and boots, the cape knit always adds an element of refinement.

Close shot of Influencer @emmanuellek_ wearing a dark aubergine cape knit with gold earrings and a gold bracelet and ring.

Quietly but quickly becoming the knitwear trend sophisticated dressers are choosing over jumpers and cardigans, tread on to discover my edit of the best cape knits to invest in now.

Shop Cape Knits:

Rib-Knit Cape

This ultra-comfortable design gives your styling such an elegant edge.

stories,

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Knitted Cape Jumper

Prediction: this elegant knit won't stay in stock for long.

Flat White Lightweight Knit Poncho

Anthropologie

Flat White Lightweight Knit Poncho

The chocolate brown colour trend isn't showing any signs of slowing down.

Asymmetrical Knitted Cape - Women | Mango United Kingdom

Mango

Asymmetrical Knitted Cape

This has a slightly sheer finish, so pay attention to what you're layering it with.

100% Wool Asymmetric Knit Cape

Massimo Dutti

100% Wool Asymmetric Knit Cape

This also comes in a rich chocolate brown.

Ri Studio Grey Wool Wrap Cape Jumper

River Island

Grey Wool Wrap Cape Jumper

Just watch: the slate grey colour trend is going to be winter's favourite neutral.

Knitted Cape

Wear this over a fresh white tee or style it on its own.

Toteme, Fringed Wool-Blend Poncho

Toteme

Fringed Wool-Blend Poncho

There's something so elegant about a fresh cream knit.

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I’ll Say It—This New-Season Knitwear Trend Is Every Part As Elegant as My Most Expensive Silk Blouses - Vanity Fair Fashion