They’re nothing if not resourceful. Fashion insiders — specifically editors, some now in their fourth consecutive week in the chiffon trenches — have taken to updating their outfits with an easy styling trick in Paris: tie a jumper into a scarf, layered on top of more knitwear, or your coat.
The hack, purveyed by Jennifer Lawrence over recent months, has gained traction once again thanks to regular sightings on the catwalks this season. It was perhaps best sold by London label 16Arlington — there, designer Marco Capaldo sent men and women out wearing thick knits tied to the left, for an eye-catching asymmetric effect. Long grey skirts, patent leather trousers — regardless of what you pair it with, a contrast sweater scarf can elevate a look.
Elsewhere, Moschino saw flurries of layered sweaters, Tod’s went heavy on the stacking of thinner cardigans, and Alexa Chung gave the look a twirl on the front row at Chloé last week. Taking it a step further yesterday, Rokh flipped it, making flat, teal scarves cut to appear as jumpers.
“It is a free and simple way of updating your wardrobe on a budget,” says stylist Catherine Hayward, former fashion director of Esquire who now counts Daniel Craig among clients. “This old school preppy style, first seen on Ivy League students during the Sixties and Sloane Rangers in the Eighties has had a makeover.”
When it comes to styling it up, she suggests trying “asymmetry, a fancy bit of layering or an unusual knot over one shoulder — this neo-aristo vibe will impress creative friends with your new-found fashion nous and will almost certainly confuse your parents, your boss and the staff in your local supermarket.”
Stylist Karen Clarkson, who has dressed Cate Blanchett, Lashana Lynch and Georgia May Jagger, is another supporter of this quick fix. “It looks so nonchalantly chic, not to mention an ideal way to get the most wear out of your wardrobe.” The jumper double drop also “allows you to wear older knits which might even be a little moth-eaten”.
To look like the Chelsea set — last weekend, many mothers who brunch were spotted with block-blue and white striped or red knits tied over quilted overcoats — go big on colour and texture. “Clashing colours can be fun,” says Clarkson, “but go for tonal colours if you’re feeling more minimal.” Editors in France are opting for navy blues, blacks and camels.
“Tie it in a knot at the front and then twist the knot to sit on one shoulder, allowing a sleeve to fall front and back,” she says. Like Princess Diana at the polo circa 1985 — just skewed.
