Conventional wisdom says that to look chic on vacation, you need a combination of the following: a gorgeous swimsuit, a few pretty dresses, a few shorts or T-shirts that make you feel great, a good hat or two, and versatile sandals. But to really make your vacation look shine? Alexa Chung has an unexpected suggestion.
The British queen of smart and edgy style, Chung has championed the grey jumper, at best a winter essential and at worst a boring but essential piece, as a holiday essential this summer. And no, she’s not on a cold beach in the Hebrides, but on Hydra in Greece, where temperatures are consistently in the mid-30s.
If the thought of cashmere touching your skin in this heat makes you sweat, please forgive me.
First, Chung makes the case not only that: to wear a jumper, but you can also use it as a styling tool – see how she completed a very standard day at the beach/walk by the harbour in a white vest top, white skirt and khaki sun hat by tying her grey knitted jumper loosely around her shoulders.
Then there are the vacation scenarios where the temperatures are soaring but the cold still hits. A stormy boat trip is one example, courtesy of Chung. Instead of shivering in the breeze, she pulled a sweater over her swimsuit and tied a patterned scarf through her hair, creating an effortlessly chic look. You might also need a braid if you’re sitting in the shade or dining out in the evening.
You don’t have to wait until the holidays to incorporate classic winter knits into your summer wardrobe; with our heat wave starting to wane this week, you can keep the warm-weather spirit alive by continuing to wear your summer dresses and shorts, but adding a neutral sweater to the mix; either by wearing it over or tying it in any of the myriad ways possible.
“The grey jumper is a hardworking hero that works no matter the season. Even at the height of August, it manages to be both cool and classic, modern and relevant,” says Rachel Carvell-Spedding, founder of British knitwear brand Navygrey, which has a range of classic knits that are perfect for adding an Alexa touch to your summer outfits – I wore the grey Field Crew jumper repeatedly on a recent holiday to Ireland, using it as an extra layer when the weather was chilly and tying it around my shoulders or waist when there was just a slight breeze.
“We always need a good knit or sweatshirt to hand during the colder British summer months, especially when layering is key,” adds Carvell-Spedding. “Jumpers offer versatility and style when worn as scarves or belts. I also love adding layers to my knits – a cardigan over a thinner knit, or a thinner knit over the shoulders of one of our thicker summer cottons. The knit also makes a much more stylish jacket in the summer – you can wear it over your favourite summer dress or with a pair of denim shorts – it enhances the look without adding the bulk that a jacket can often do.”
The other advantage knits have over bulky jackets: “It’s easy to pack and easy to keep on hand, whether you’re traveling by plane, car, or bike.”
There’s a certain art to sweater styling that you can try to master here, too. Of course, the old-school favorite of throwing it over your shoulders like a golfer is perfectly acceptable. A modern twist is to pull the sleeves in more to create a more scarf-like effect, which has the added benefit of holding your neck in place. Let one side hang off your shoulder for a more casual feel. Another faux pas beloved by the street style set is to tie it together at the center of your chest, with one arm over your shoulder and the other under your opposite arm. Meanwhile, knotting your knit at your waist is a lower-profile, sportier approach.
You may already have an Alexa-style knit in your wardrobe, but if you’re looking to invest in something new, there are some great options at every price point. If you want something lightweight but flimsy, you can choose any colour you like, but grey, cream and navy shades are the most long-lasting.
Herd, Aethel, Bramble Green and & Daughter are four great specialist brands to look at, while on the high street you can rely on Uniqlo, Cos, Arket, Rise & Fall and Sezane. Never be afraid to size up for a looser fit, or head to the menswear section where you can usually find simpler, more classic cuts. Or, raid your husband/boyfriend’s wardrobe – you’ll achieve exactly that casualness that comes so naturally to Alexa.
Knitting styles to try now
Navy merino crew neck, £95 Rise and Fall; dark beige merino knit, £57, Sunday
Atlantic grey ‘weekend comfort’, £225, Navy blue grey; men’s blue cashmere, £99.90, Matchless
Brown cashmere, £155, Because; cable knit, £325, & Girl child