Nothing screams 'Christmas is near' like everyone wearing a Fair Isle jumper which looks like it's been unearthed from the depths of your dad's 80s wardrobe. With roots tracing back to the remote Shetland island of Fair Isle, where artisans began knitting intricate, multicolour patterns back in the 19th century, the print has now been reinvented in a way that's slightly more avant-garde, with fresh shapes and colours.
In 2024, the Fair Isle feels anything but passé, being brought back on the fashion scene by Celine, Molly Goddard and Ganni. Interpretations of the design surfaced at Chanel as models paired the vintage trend with an embellished brooch, crisp white bib-style collar and monochromatic diamond-patterned skirt. Meanwhile Celine took a traditional approach, and one that's very much Aspen-inspired, by styling a Fair Isle knit with butter yellow fur coat, denim jeans and tan knee-highs.
We can all agree that the colder months have prompted us to invest in knitwear that feels like a warm embrace, and the Fair Isle trend has trickled down into celebrity wardrobes, too. Case in point: Alexa Chung, who nailed the trend by pairing her jumper with a leather jacket, tailored white trousers and black loafers. Other celeb fans of Fair Isle include Kate Middleton, Hailey Bieber and Jennifer Lopez - proving our collective craving for comfort and statement dressing - something the eclectic jumper delivers in spades.
For those seeking a more accessible Fair Isle jumper, the high street is brimming with options, including my personal favourite Freba Zip Cardigan from Aligne. This version, which features a full-length zip, is perfect for layering over a crisp white t-shirt, high-waisted jeans and chunky boots.
Shop: Aligne's Influencer-Favourite Fair Isle Knit
Aligne aligne.co
Aligne describe the Freba Zip as Après-ski style, so could equally be paired with salopettes as denim jeans. The Fair Isle print is also extremely wearable and versatile, mixing a baby blue with brown and white tones. Plus, the double-sided zip is there for easy on and off.
For knitwear that resonates with high fashion and modern versatility, look no further than the Fair Isle. Plus, there's no shortage of options - including bold iterations and more traditional designs to cosy up to. Shop the best Fair Isle knits below.
Shop: The Best Fair Isle Knits
Nextwww.next.co.uk
Next's iteration of a Fair Isle jumper features a beige print and grey detailing. With a brushed finish that promises both warmth and comfort, this jumper is among the most cosy you'll own. Style with black jeans and ballet flats.
Nobody's Childwww.nobodyschild.com
Red doesn't always have to be festive - in fact this cardigan proves just that. With soft ribbed trims, a classic crew neck and button-down front, all that's missing is a pair of leather trousers and boots.
M&Swww.marksandspencer.com
Of course this wouldn't be a jumper round-up without mentioning M&S. This warm jumper is available in two colourways, a muted brown and go-all-out festive red.
COSwww.cos.com
If you prefer something a little more muted, this monochrome Fair Isle jumper from COS could be the one for you. Knitted from a RWS wood blend and adorned with a black and white pattern, this jumper is the most versatile to style thanks to its basic colour-way.
Reiss www.reiss.com
A super fuzzy design, this jumper from Reiss boasts ultimate cosiness ahead of the freezing cold months. It also has a uniquely modern twist on the classic Fair Isle print, which is great for those of us who prefer our outerwear to be a little more contemporary.
John Lewis www.johnlewis.com
Another great Fair Isle knit comes from John Lewis, which again features a fairly neutral design that's not as in-your-face. This jumper would look good styled over a crisp white shirt and tailored beige trousers.
HUSHwww.hush-uk.com
The Chloe cardigan from HUSH has a mohair-blend fabric that has a brushed finished, which makes it equal parts cosy as it is polished. Layer a t-shirt or bodysuit underneath the cardigan and wear semi-closed, with some denim jeans.
H&Mwww2.hm.com
A Fair Isle knit jumper with a roll-neck as opposed to a crew-neck, this one from H&M has chic ribbing at the cuffs and hem, as well as long raglan sleeves. It's also available in two different colourways; navy blue and greige.
KITRIkitristudio.com
If you're after a thicker cardigan, this one is made from a gloriously soft wool blend. A hybrid between a jacket and a cardigan, the Pandora cardigan is perfect for those days where it's not cold enough to wear a coat once it moves into spring.
Frameframe-store.com
If you're looking to invest in a Fair Isle jumper you can wear year after year, this Frame one would be the best pick. Knitted from a luxurious alpaca yarn blend, this oversized jumper has a slightly cropped fit and classic round neck.
Ralph Laurenwww.ralphlauren.co.uk
Ralph Lauren lead the way for traditional outerwear, particularly when it comes to its knits and jackets. The Fair Isle Wool-Blend Roll Neck is another great example of that, with its relaxed fit, long raglan sleeves and roll neck.
Main image credits: Instagram/@lucywilliams02, @emmalanestylist, @anoukyve
Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia. Gemma specialises in all things clothing and enjoys outfit planning (especially for holidays), scrolling social media for the next trend and shopping (probably for a new coat).