With so many good sweater patterns to choose from, working with you own style and body shape is a good place to start decision making. Sweater styling options that are as flattering as possible is one of the keys to a staple wardrobe piece that you will wear again and again. Today is the first in a series from our stylist, Maggi Toner, focusing on one or two pieces from The Fibre Co. collections that might help you commit to choosing your first handmade sweater.
THE STYLIST’S CHOICE
“As The Fibre Company stylist for the Fell Garth ll Collection, I wanted to share some styling ideas. Here are two of the Arranmore Light designs in the collection. My style philosophy is that we can all embrace our own intrinsic beauty and character regardless of what is perceived as the society norm, especially in terms of age and body shape.
The Rathbone sweater pictured above is a fabulous design by designer Holli Yeoh, great for many body shapes from slender to voluptuous. It is shown here in Odhran, a warmish yet neutral denim blue shade that suits everyone. The lovely flow and drape of the garment is enhanced by the softness and sheer luxury of the fibre. Very stylish and comfortable for those who have a fuller figure (like me!). We all have days when we want to feel relaxed or wear more layers, it’s not too low to be worn on its own or over a shirt and the neck and sleeve detail can be dressed up or down. The neckline works well across a larger bust size by breaking up the chest area and creating an open lighter feeling. If you don’t like garments too close fitting which over emphasize the figure, this has the right amount of swing. The beauty of this shape is that it is nicely fitted around the top so it doesn’t swamp the shoulders of slimmer-shaped figures. Slim or straight jeans/trousers work best with this A-Line style, as does the House of Bruar herringbone tweed pencil skirt and hand-made enamel necklace we chose for the shoot.
If you are slimmer or curvy and prefer semi-fitted classic styles, go with Beckside by Linda Marveng. The round-necked cable jumper in the ‘Orla’ shade of Arranmore Light with beautiful pink silk neps looks fantastic with the warm autumnal colouring of our model Emma Ross below. I love it styled with the traditional kilt as it has just enough cling to emphasize the waist, but not be too bulky over pleats. It goes with all the traditional style shapes, boot cut, flared or straight trousers/jeans, shorter and longer skirts, both narrow and flared. This orange/pink yarn compliments far more colours than you would imagine; green, pink, burgundy, natural tan and rich brown. The colour also looks amazing on cooler complexions too. For example, bright blue-eyed brunettes look just as good as our redhead model in this colour and it is perfect with any shade of grey or blue. I have illustrated it in an alternative colourway for other cooler complexions.
When styling Fell Garth ll the tweedy yarns reminded me of my own designs for the ‘Innisfree Collection’ so I opted for traditional Tweeds and Tartans. I know these are a favourite with The Fibre Co. Founder, Daphne – we used the classic kilt, perfect with the arran sweater. This functional country style clothing seen in the Tommy Martin photographs, easily translate to an urban environment.”
To find out more about Maggi and her commitment to fashion and wellbeing, visit her website, http://www.toneredgar.com/