As We Near The End Of Summer, You’re Going To Want One Of These Lightweight Knits

You'd be forgiven for thinking that knits are the fodder of colder months but the style set and celebs alike have decided that lightweight cardigans, sweater vests and knitted bras (thanks to Katie Holmes love affair with Khaite) should be a firm fixture in this year's warm-weather dress code. This is excellent news for our late summer wardrobes, which could do with an extra layer as the weather turns.

Way before Kendall Jenner crowned the House of Sunny Hockney dress as the cult dress of the summer, and some time after Katie Holmes broke the internet in her Khaite cashmere bra, we had the humble cardigan. The grandpa-staple hit the big leagues when Harry Styles wore a rainbow patchwork JW Anderson cardigan while rehearsing for the Today Show, and sparked a TikTok crochet phenomenon. And, according to Lyst, there has been a 6% increase in searches for cardigans week on week, which is no surprise considering the Great British summer.

Cropped (and mostly unbuttoned) cardigans, worn by the likes of Kaia Gerber, Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa, are this year’s cool-girl way to wear them - styled with a tennis skirt or paired with cycling shorts and trainers. For those of us needing slightly more layering when it comes to weather unpredictability, try pairing with straight-leg jeans for French-girl nonchalance or throw an oversized style over your favourite floaty midi dress for when the sun goes down (or hides behind a rain cloud).

We’re also welcoming the return of 'grandad' vests, lightweight knit dresses and strappy tank tops as championed by the style set at Copenhagen Fashion Week earlier this month.

And summer's most talked about brand, Jacquemus, is spearheading the trend. During the height of lockdown, the French designer released 'Jacquemus at home', a series of images shot entirely over FaceTime starring Bella Hadid and Barbie Ferreira. They were wearing pieces from the spring 2020 collection, including a green bra and statement sunglasses, lilac bodysuit and a sunshine-yellow stripe ensemble - all rendered in a fine knit. And since then, our love affair with lightweight knitted, hyper-sexy dresses and tops with ribbon straps and bodysuits and sweaters with preppy polo collars began.

The key to nailing this without crossing into winter territory - and over-heating - is to stick to lightweight, airy fabrications or clever pairings.

Balance out a knitted sweater vest by layering over a floaty maxi or try a longline heavy knit over your fave mini skirt or shorts. Knitted bra tops and slinky tanks are the perfect summer date night go-to, and for those brave enough to try a knitted dress on a hot day, ensure the sleeves are barely-there and pair with summer's favourite sandal: the Birkenstock.

Need some more inspiration? Shop our edit of the best lightweight knitted pieces:

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