The buzz about bridal sweaters first began back in January last year when New York Magazine’s Wedding issue featured a cover image of a bride wearing a cream Joseph jumper over her silk-taffeta Carolina Herrera skirt. And we're not talking a dainty cardigan or fur stole - oh no. It was a full-on cable-knit crew neck.
‘They add so much softness and texture, which I found to be extremely romantic,’ New York Magazine's Weddings Editor Lauren DeCarlo said at the time. ‘Since I received emails from brides saying that they've been inspired to wear a sweater to their winter wedding. I'm thrilled that people are inspired to think a little bit outside of the traditional box.’
She’s right that even a quick scan of Pinterest – aka, the wedding heartland – shows loads of brides adopting the trend. Classic chunky whites over a traditional full skirt or bright knits to give the look a pop of colour… everyone’s doing it. And we can kind of see why. 'It' knits are all over the catwaks, from Burberry to Isabel Marant, and the fact they seeped into bridal is suggestive of the new dressed-down-ness that’s everywhere on the red carpet. (Think K-Stew matching her ballgown with Converse).
Olivia Palermo in her Carolina Herrera cashmere sweater [OliviaPalermo.com]
Now Olivia Palermo has jumped on the bridal jumper bandwagon. Ever fashion forward, the star wore a simple cream cashmere sweater covered in ostrich feathers - also by Carolina Herrera - to get hitched to Johannes Huebl this week. She teamed it with a full skirt overlay made of tulle that cinched at the waist and cascaded out in layers of satin and silk. It's already won applause from the fash pack for being an interesting and unexpected choice, but still seriously chic and the perfect balance to the uber-feminine skirt. And if it's good enough for Olivia...
The trend is certainly a more relaxed and casual option, especially for a countryside wedding and even if not for the ceremony, it makes for a cosy cover-up at the evening reception, especially if it's a winter wedding. As well as cashmere, faux or vintage fur is a more glamorous option than a cable knit.
So would you, could you wear a sweater to walk down the aisle? Let us know your verdict...