How To Look Good In This Years Fair Isle Trend
When it comes to styling your Fair Isle sweater, simplicity is key. Choose one bold color from your sweater and let that be the focal point for the rest of your outfit. Pair it with a pair of jeans or slim joggers for a chic, effortless look.Avoid wearing yoke designs if you have round shoulders or are top-heavy, as they can accentuate these features. Similarly, steer clear of pairing your Fair Isle sweater with other retro-inspired clothing that may clash with the vintage vibe of the sweater.To add some depth to your outfit, layer your Fair Isle sweater over a country-inspired piece, such as a plaid shirt or a flowy blouse. This will create a visually interesting and harmonious look.Fair Isle patterns have experienced a resurgence in popularity recently, with high-end fashion brands like French Vogue and Marks & Spencer featuring them prominently in their collections. For those who grew up in the 80s and 90s, Fair Isle patterns may evoke memories of childhood clothing staples. In recent years, Brora has been at the forefront of this trend, offering a range of Fair Isle cardigans, sweaters, and sleeveless jumpers for adults as well as kids. The brand’s cashmere Fair Isle cardigan is a particular standout, and its instant popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of this classic pattern.
How to style an outfit with Fair Isle
Embracing the eclectic charm of a Fair Isle cardigan, you can effortlessly layer it over a patterned shirt and a gathered mid-calf skirt featuring another bold print. However, this bold combination requires confidence to pull off without appearing as though you got dressed in the dark. For those who appreciate boho chic but prefer to keep things more understated, pair the cardigan with a plain skirt and add some rugged boots for a stylish contrast.When pairing your Fair Isle cardi with country-inspired attire, such as my trusted Barbour jacket, opt for a crisp white shirt to maintain a sense of calm. Alternatively, you can also team it with dark wash jeans and a grey jumper for a timeless look.For those who prefer a more classic approach, the Fair Isle sweater presents an opportunity to add a pop of color and pattern to an otherwise plain outfit. Simply choose one dominant color from your top and find matching hues for your pants and shirt – if you’re wearing both. This understated yet elegant combination showcases the cardigan’s unique charm.
Is Fair Isle better with a skirt or pants?
For women who adore Fair Isle, pairing it with a flowy skirt is a great way to channel a Scottish lass vibe. Imagine running through heather-covered hills with your skirt fluttering in the wind – it’s a romantic and carefree look that’s perfect for those who want to evoke a sense of nostalgia. However, not all women may be able to pull off this style, especially as they age. Instead, many women over 50 will find that Fair Isle looks better paired with jeans or other pants. A classic cardigan like Brora’s Fair Isle wool design, styled with a crisp white shirt and narrow trousers, is a great way to achieve a timeless look. To make the most of this style, opt for simple and slim-fitting pants that won’t compete with the Fair Isle top. Straight-set seams and set-in sleeves are also key to creating a flattering silhouette that’s reminiscent of old-fashioned charm. While athleisure pants can work well too, avoid wide-legged joggers that can add volume at the ankles and make you appear rounded.
What looks better: a jumper with a Fair Isle yoke or an all-over pattern?
When it comes to Fair Isle styles, many designs feature a yoke that adds visual interest to the garment. While these patterns can be flattering on slim women of any age, I believe they can be detrimental for those who carry extra weight or have certain body types.
The yoke can create an inverted triangle silhouette when paired with jeans, which is lovely on slender figures. However, if you’re carrying extra weight or have a curvier physique, the yoke pattern may accentuate any rounded shoulders or back fat, creating an unflattering appearance from behind.
Furthermore, the semi-circular shape of the yoke can draw attention to heavy busts, making them appear rounder and larger. It’s essential to consider your body type before purchasing a Fair Isle garment, especially if you’re concerned about how it will look in the rearview mirror.
For those who don’t want to feature a yoke pattern, an all-over design can be a great alternative. This style is reminiscent of Prince Albert’s iconic sweater from 1922 and can be worn as a layering piece or on its own. The structured shoulders help create a more defined silhouette when viewed from behind, which can be particularly flattering for those who want to appear younger.
In conclusion, while yoked Fair Isle designs can be lovely on some figures, they may not be the most flattering choice for everyone. It’s crucial to consider your body type and choose a style that creates a silhouette you feel comfortable with. The Brora sleeveless vest is an excellent example of an all-over design that can add visual interest without emphasizing any areas you might want to minimize.
How to get a traditional look with Fair Isle without looking frumpy
While Brora’s Fair Isle styles paired well with wide-legged corduroy trousers on young girls and women, it may not be as flattering on those with curvier silhouettes. Similarly, jumbo cord is best reserved for tall and slender individuals when paired with loose Fair Isle jumpers. When it comes to retro fashion over 50, it’s essential to strike a balance between paying homage to the past and avoiding looking like you’re still stuck in decades gone by. Instead of going all out with a vintage look, incorporate one or two statement pieces – such as a Fair Isle sweater – into your outfit and pair them with modern, authentic styles from the same era. This approach will allow you to nod to the past without appearing outdated. When it comes to accessorizing for cold weather, consider adding woolen gloves or a country-style jacket to your outfit to give your look context without looking staid. This combination would be perfect for a leisurely country walk with the grandkids.
How warm is traditional Fair Isle?
If you’re struggling with inconsistent temperature regulation, Fair Isle is a warm and cozy layer to consider. This type of pattern involves weaving together two or three colors of wool in a specific way, where one strand of wool is pulled across at the back after a few stitches with another color. The small scale of this pattern ensures that the excess yarn doesn’t trail behind, avoiding any awkward snags when putting on your garment.The resulting double layer of wool provides excellent insulation, making it perfect for braving the cold winds in the Shetland Isles. For a stylish look, you can pair your Fair Isle sweater with jeans and tuck it in – or leave it slightly undone, depending on your personal preference.To avoid feeling overheated, consider wearing a breathable cotton shirt or camisole underneath your woolly garment. Additionally, wool can be itchy for some people, so this extra layer of comfort is always welcome.
Are modern Fair Isle sweaters worth buying?
The oversized Fair Isle acrylic sweater from H&M is a versatile piece that can be styled with narrow leggings or pants. If you’re looking for lightweight alternatives, consider wool blends or synthetic fibers. The timeless nature of Fair Isle patterns means you’ll love rediscovering them in your closet years to come.I purchased my cardigan as part of my Fall capsule wardrobe in 2020, knowing its four-color design would allow me to pair it with future capsules based on these colors. Clothes need to work hard, so don’t buy a Fair Isle item solely for one outfit. Instead, ensure the colors can be incorporated into several looks spanning Autumn through Spring.The M&S Fair Isle funnel neck oversized jumper features a deeper yoke effect, making it more flattering on older women. Check the current prices of my recommended Fair Isle buys, as many have excellent reductions at the time of writing (Mid January 2021). The Bloomingdale’s cashmere option is particularly impressive given its affordable price.As of 2023, Fair Isle remains a popular trend, with Brora offering stunning examples. Most retailers featured here will have restocked similar items, so it’s worth exploring their current offerings. If you click on an affiliate link in this post and make a purchase, I typically receive a small commission at no additional cost to you – thank you for your support! Please note that only purchases made through the UK site are affiliated.