One of the biggest parts of fall and winter fashion it knitwear. But knitwear isn‘t simply knitwear. There are plenty of fabrics and material that can be used to eventually turn into knits. And one is the most luxurious choice and therefore a staple and an investment piece for most of us. It‘s cashmere of corse. The popular, soft, cozy, and comfy fabric has dominated winter wardrobes for decades, entered high street, and even named a color. So what‘s the fuzz about cashmere? Is it worth the hype? And what are some good cashmere outfits?
So why is knit not a fabric?
Most likely, the confusion starts when customers realize buying a „knit“ can mean a variety of actual materials. The label can show rayon, wool, cotton, and many other materials while being a knit. Why so? Because knitwear isn‘t the actual product clothing or accessories are made of. It is the way the product is crafted. Simply put, the way it goes from source to fabric is (1) picking a product (cotton, wool, cashmere, or others) and then (2) crafting in a suitable way to gain yarn (this can mean twisting it or pressing it) and finally (3) weaving it into (pieces or meters of )fabric to eventually tailor an actual piece of clothing, like a sweater.
Cashmere or wool?
The term ‚animal hair products‘ is a little confusing. It makes people think of fur or calfskin. But the term is used for fabrics such as wool and does not include skin or other parts of the animal. Think shearing a cheep. For example: While cotton is a plant based product, wool is an ‚animal hair product‘. Wool is most often sourced from sheep, alpacas, camels, and goats. Cashmere is much more specific as it must be sourced from the Kashmir goat. A little bit like champagne or Parmesan. All champagne is sparkling wine, but only a very few sparkling wines from a specific region can call themselves champagne. And all Parmesan is cheese, but it is the region and the way of craftsmanship that makes a Parmesan. In comparison, goats can give their hair for any wool production, but only the Kashmir goat‘ hair will eventually become cashmere.
Are there different qualities of cashmere?
Yes. As explained above the process from sourcing a product to gaining final clothing comes with a few steps. In these steps there are massive quality differences. The yarn can be voluminous and soft but also thin and thready. The weaving can be perceive but also loose and airy. And the final clothing production has a whole world of quality differences as well. But the good news are that even the high street brands have improved their qualities quite a bit over the years. Especially labels like COS who have had a focus on cashmere garments for some time now. So there are many options to style cashmere outfits.
How to style cashmere
First of all, there is no exact way to do anything when it comes to styling. But if you’re looking for some tips, you might want to consider these:
(1) A cashmere seater can be easily dressed up or down. It takes you from a windy walk through the park to a festive occasion or the office. (2) Soft cashmere knits go well with denim, silk, different leather, and corduroy. (3) Find a color for an investment piece that you love and wear with everything. This can be a neutral, but if your style is more playful or sporty, this might be a red, green, or navy. (4) Cashmere goes really well with cashmere. So if you get a cashmere beanie, you might want to get the scarf as well. Or if you get cashmere lounge pants, you Gicht want to get that sweater as well.
Classic cashmere outfits
For a classic style, combine your cashmere sweater with more classic shapes, like boot cut jeans from Citizens of Humanity and masculine loafers from Tod’s. Give your Look final touches with a cross-body bag from Marni and your favorite jewelry.
COS
Guest in residence
Style with
Elegant cashmere outfits
Enjoy a luxurious day in fall by being wrapped in cozy cashmere with a cashmere maxi dress. For an effortless add a pair of tights of your choice, sneakers from Chloé, hoops from Swarovski, and the Brooklyn shopper from Coach. If you want to wear your cashmere dress to a more festive occasion, simply wear it with boots and an evening bag like a velvet clutch.
Brunello Cucinelli
Khaite
Style with
Casual cashmere outfits
A cashmere cardigan might be one of the most versatile pieces in a wardrobe. It works well as a layering piece between shirts and blazers and likewise, can be worn as the main piece to pants, skirts, over dresses, and so on. For a casual look wear it with a graphic T-shirt from Polo Ralph Lauren and workwear pants from Carhartt. Add a pair of Ugg boots and your favorite everyday bag.
Allude
Loro Piana
Style with
Playful cashmere outfits
When talking about cashmere, very often it’s described as ‘versatile, timeless, class’. Although that is true, cashmere can also be funky, trendy, and playful when a piece is special in its pattern or shape. Sweater wests are always a great choice for effortlessly making a statement and bright colors bring a sunny mood to rainy days. Simply add a Max Mara skirt, a pinky ring from 42 suns, and kitten heel bots from Tôteme.
Susie Kondi
Lisa Yang
Style with
Want more inspiration for fall fashion?
Weekly inspiration
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