It’s always Fair Isle weather with these classic knits

Fair Isle knits have achieved iconic status, whether being sported by members of the Royal Family, Mick Jagger or Hailey Bieber.

They’re nearly evergreen — if not seasonless. A few years back, JLo wore a black and red Ralph Lauren sweater, paired with a gauzy black, full-length skirt while on the arm of Ben Affleck. Princess Diana rocked a hot pink knit with green stripes and a cream turtleneck. The updated version? Kate Middleton at the Christmas tree, wearing a wool-alpaca turtleneck design in burgundy and grey, complete with gold buttons on the cuffs and shoulders.

So where does Fair Isle originate? Well, Fair Isle, an island north of Scotland in the Shetland archipelago. The design began there in the early 19th century as a pattern for fishermen’s caps and sweaters. And these days it’s been taken on by design wizards from Thom Browne and Chanel to Celine, and Balenciaga. There are so many out there to choose from right now, but here are my current favorites:

Let’s start in the bedroom. The Fair Isle 4-piece Quilt Tote Set ($28 on macys.com) is an easy way to spread festive decor around — with a full/queen quilt and shams in a bright red Fair Isle pattern, with a tote bag thrown in for good measure.

If you’re in the market for a classic sweater, the Fair Isle Sweater in Merino Wool ($173.60 on www.brooksbrothers.com) is a gorgeous blend of shades of merlot, lavender and cream. The crewneck design is perfect with almost any turtleneck or button-down beneath. I even love it over a sheath dress, for a night out.

A little more casual but with a big turtleneck statement is the Fair Isle Turtleneck Sweater ($59.40 on luckybrand.com). Its ribbed collar stands upright and its cute boxy fit is just right for jeans, skirts, and work pants alike. I love its slouchiness, mixed with a pretty blue and white snowflake pattern, that can be worn all winter into spring.

And what about Fido? He won’t be forgotten if you snag the Fair Isle Tan Alpaca Dog Sweater ($135 on caninestyles.com). Knit from luxurious Peruvian alpaca wool, it’s a classic Fair Isle patterned weave of tans, oranges, browns, and creams, with super softness, insulation and durability.

As for kitty, there’s the Missy Cat Sweater ($31 on missymomo.com), an unbelievably cute confection that will render your feline even more adorable than ever.

The winter winds won’t get the better of you if you’re armed with the Fair Isle Fringe-Trim Wool-Blend Scarf ($115 on ralphlauren.com) The fringed and deep-hued knit will keep you warm in all kinds of weather. As will the Ladies Pachamama Pure Wool Helmsdale Bobble Beanie ($25 on www.houseofbruar.com). As hats go, this is about as adorable and cute as things get; its chunky pure wool knit and country style meshes with a Fair Isle pattern, muted colors and a woolen pompom.

And let it not be said that we forgot about our tootsies. The pretty and colorful Fair Isle trouser socks two-pack ($22.50 on jcrew.com) are extremely cozy and come in a bevy of colors, so your winter can be warm and beautifully patterned, and never, ever boring.

Fair Isle Fringe-Trim Wool-Blend Scarf (ralphlauren.com)
Missy Cat Sweater (missymomo.com)
Fair Isle trouser socks (jcrew.com)

 

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