Item of the week: the grey sweater

What it is:

While not exactly the most electrifying item of the week, the grey sweater
reigned supreme on the runways of the autumn/winter 2023 season. Among the
frills and florals, this minimalist pullover style was spotted throughout a
vast number of collections, often paired with statement pieces and
contrasting colourings that made it a must-have layer for the colder months
ahead. While the silhouette of the sweater differed from line to line, from
bulging sleeves to exaggerated hemlines to structured shoulders, the
look-and-feels were also not constrained to one style, with designers
exhibiting an array of materials and prints to elevate the look.

Why you’ll want it:

The grey sweater is a simple, yet effortless addition to a wardrobe, and
can be embraced by a wide group of consumers as an easy option that works
all year round. As a staple item, the sweater is versatile and doesn’t fall
out of fashion regardless of the season or time period. This essential
garment is something that shoppers will return to year after year, and
doesn’t require them to step outside of their comfort zone. It can simply
exist as an easy throw on, a layer for warmth or an item that can be paired
with just about anything.

Where we’ve seen it:

While the grey sweater may admittedly be not the most exciting garment, for
autumn/winter 2023 designers took the simple piece to the runway with
updated iterations that made it more engaging. While Victoria Beckham,
Loewe and Patou played with varying proportions, Isabel Marant and Jil
Sander experimented with metallic detailing for their own fluffy sweaters.
Hermès, Zegna and Kolor updated the look with patchwork, merging differing
materials and prints. Meanwhile, Prada kept it simple, showing a range of
minimalistic grey sweaters that were paired with textured midi skirts. For
Giorgio Armani and Fendi, the sweater was used as a ‘logomania’ piece, with
enlarged prints coursing through the knits.

How to style it:

With such a simple item, styling allows for many possibilities. The colour
itself is neutral, making it a one that works well with just about any
other hue, once again making it adaptable depending on the wearer’s
desires. Particularly good combination colours are that of red, lilac and
blue, all of which were deemed to be colours of the AW23 season, and were
also seen in abundance on the runways. It is also possible to take cues
from designers when styling the piece, like Prada, which showed its grey
sweaters with sheer midi skirts or matching, structured overcoats, or
Kolor, whose sweater was layered with an oversized cardigan in a matching
grey.

Ultimately, the grey sweater was a stand out product for this season,
favoured by designers and consumers alike as a versatile item that never
falls out of fashion. Its appeal spreads across consumer groups and
seasons, making it a great investment piece that will last all year long.