Summer Knits Are the Unexpected Wardrobe Hero of the Season
Now that you’ve tucked away your heavy wool sweaters, it’s time to fill the free closet space with some seasonally appropriate alternatives. To help you navigate the world of warm-weather knitwear, we’ve highlighted nine types of summer knits that every wardrobe should have.
Take note of the staple pieces you’re missing from this list before new-season styles start selling out. Perhaps you’re after an office-appropriate cashmere shell, a crocheted date-night top, or a chunky cardigan that doubles as a swim cover-up. Shop the edit below to expand your summer outfit options.
The Sleeveless Knit TopSleeveless knit tops should be a cornerstone of your summer work wardrobe. A sweater shell looks sharp on its own while layering easily under a blazer on colder days. On weekends, style them just as you would a basic tank.
A sweater shirt offers all the comfort of a basic tee while making your outfit look a bit more polished. Veronica Beard’s short-sleeved cardigan and Gucci’s pointelle knit tee look just as chic with denim cutoffs and faded baggy jeans on weekends as they do with silk trousers and printed midi skirts mid-week.
Already craving a cozy cashmere sweater dress on a crisp fall day? Treat yourself with a summery style made from lightweight cotton or linen. Simon Miller’s fringe tank dress is practically begging to be twirled on a dance floor (preferably one that’s halfway around the globe). And how cute would that bauble-knit Frame mini dress look as a swimsuit cover-up?
If your current summer wardrobe is in need of a personality piece, snag a crochet top from Sandro, Farm Rio, or Madewell. These complement earners can be dressed up or down, and they’re cool enough to keep wearing after the current boho craze fades.
Fisherman sweaters have emerged as the must-have knitwear style of the summer, meaning Dôen’s sailor-collared Voyage Sweater and Kule’s striped Matey Sweater are flying off shelves fast. Even a chunky cotton knit can channel nautical vibes when styled in classic navy or crisp stripes.
The open weave of a pointelle knit offers a lightweight, breezy feel. A lacy cardigan or knit polo shirt will carry you through fall and spring, too, making a high-quality piece from Vince or Victoria Beckham well worth the investment.
Feeling bored with your going-out options? Simon Miller or J.Crew’s seashell-embellished tank is just as striking for a beach vacation as it is for a night out in the city.
A playful graphic sweater can brighten even the most unseasonably cold, cloudy day. Fish and fruit motifs are particularly popular this summer, so grab Staud’s tomato pullover or L.L. Bean’s fish sweater before someone else beats you to it.
Few swimsuit cover-ups offer the versatility of a cream-colored knit. A crocheted mini dress, chunky cardigan, or open-weave sweater can be worn beyond the pool, making it well worth the suitcase space.
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