All things 90's are in the midst of a huge revival, so be warned! By its very nature ribbing is not terribly forgiving. On the other hand, it can add curves to a chest where perhaps there are none and it also gives a really nice neat silhouette. With a little careful styling, ribbing can work beautifully. So before you write it off as a trend that's not going to work for you, there are a few tips worth bearing in mind...
- One of the easiest ways to wear ribbing is as a layer underneath something else. A ribbed top would work fantastically well under a faux fur gilet or suede waistcoat (fringing isn't compulsory) with just the sleeves peeping through. I recently bought this jumper from Topshop (£28) which I will layer under all sorts of things when the colder weather arrives. The other great thing is that it will add warmth without lots of bulk.
- Another way of layering a jumper like the one above is to wear a jacket over it, maybe a leather one or a blazer, just leaving a vertical strip of the jumper showing at the front. With some smart culottes it's a great work look - still smart but very modern. Layering a Peter Pan collar underneath it on a bib makes for a preppy look. Or, a ribbed top can make a statement in its own right, such as this asymmetric top from Topshop (£32)
- Long line cardis are a huge trend for the season and buying into a ribbed one of these isn't so much as buying into a "look" as adding a cardi to your wardrobe, which just happens to be ribbed. Given the fact that they can be quite fine knits, it's necessary to watch what peeps through from beneath - jeans for example can leave bumps where the buttons are. Leather leggings would give a smooth silhouette. Another offering from Topshop is this cardi, for £39.
- For anyone who fancies it, ribbing can be embraced as a full on look in many ways, from a jumpsuit to a dress. I love this two piece outfit from Topshop (£78) which comprises ribbed cropped trousers and a long line tunic.
- Or Zara has this ribbed dress (£15.99) which reminds me of Kate Moss in her early modelling days. See what I mean about the 1990s?
- Autograph at Marks and Spencer has this two piece ribbed dress and long line cardigan in olive. Somehow, seeing the outfit on a more mature model makes it easier to relate to as a trend. The cardigan is currently sold out and the dress is available in limited sizes, presumably because it has featured in Vogue. Not so good for us but I'm happy for M&S! Each piece is priced at £55.
- And another little gem from Autograph - this fabulous ribbed jumper and trousers ensemble. Now if I could wear this from October until April - and look as good as the model in doing so, I wouldn't mind winter approaching. The tunic top is £49.50 and the trousers are £45.
- Or maybe try a jumpsuit? Zara has this great option. Yes? No? Maybe with a white shirt underneath??
Personally I could quite happily be persuaded on any of the above. But as to a ribbed swimsuit? Maybe that's a 1990's Baywatch type step too far. So, to rib or not to rib, that is the question? I love the clean lines and muted tones of these outfits which are all quite Scandi looking. What do you all think? I predict quite a cosy winter. x
