How to Style Summer Knitwear

English summer can be incredibly unpredictable. Some days can even include all seasons in 24 hours! At Rowan, our knitwear has always reflected this unpredictability, with our Spring Summer collections including everything from light, sleeveless summer tops and t-shirts, to a variety of sweaters and cardigans.

Our current season is no exception. You will be able to find something for every taste and type of weather. Many garments can be combined and styled together, or even simply work as layering pieces, ideal for those cooler summer evenings.

MODE at Rowan

Our fashion-forward MODE at Rowan Collection Four is full of mix-and-match pieces that work well together. Sage and Olive - the lovely wrap cardigan and shorts co-ord by Chloe Thurlow in our Cotton Cashmere yarn - are designed to be worn together, but are equally stunning on their own. Another great combination is the Silk Dress by Quail Studio in Cotton Glace, and a cardigan such as Floss, knitted in Summerlite 4ply and Kidsilk Haze.

There are so many other great ways to style the beautiful tops in the collection. Dijon by Georgia Farrell is a perfect match for one of the gorgeous shawls such as Ecru by Jen Geigley, or Summer White by Annika Andrea Wolke. Taking a shawl with you can be that perfect extra layer when the evenings get a little cooler, without having to carry an extra piece of clothing with you.

Bright colours and bold patterns

If your summer style is eye-catching and unique, the ‘Nostalgia’ collection in Magazine 69 or the colourful Essential Brights Collection by Quail Studio might be perfect for you. The choices are endless here, with options for confident knitters and beginners alike.

If you’re adding knitted garments to your summer wardrobe for the first time, why not try a vest top like Aqua or Flamingo from Essential Brights? Aqua, knitted in Cotton Glace, features a cute border that adds a stylish twist to the garment. Flamingo, worked in Handknit Cotton, features an easy eyelet pattern and can be made as a cropped or a long version. Both of these bold vests will add a pop of colour to jeans or shorts, or they can even be thrown over a summer dress for a unique look.

For a more challenging summer knit, why not add Melissa or Joan by ARNE & Carlos to your wardrobe? Both garments feature beautiful geometric designs, and are knitted in Summerlite 4ply and Fine Lace respectively. Or, you could try your hand at embroidery this summer with the gorgeous Deanna by Lisa Richardson knitted in Kidsilk Haze.

If you favour a more classic look of garments that can be worn the whole year round, Cotton Classics by Martin Storey might just have the right design for you. Clean lines, muted colours and a variety of techniques make this a beautiful collection for women. Techniques include intricate cables, knit and purl stitch combinations and rib patterns. These knitted garments work beautifully with tailored trousers and relaxed tops for a comfortably classic look.

Men’s knits for summer

Of course, our 50s inspired collection ‘Nostalgia’ in Magazine 69 also has plenty of stunning knitted menswear pieces to choose from. The choice of cardigans has something for every taste. Ranging from a beautiful cable cardigan (Clayton by Martin Storey in Handknit Cotton) to a striking colour-blocked cardigan (Clyde by ARNE & Carlos) in Cotton Glacé. If you prefer a more subtle look, choose Humphrey by Lisa Richardson, knitted in Summerlite DK. Alternatively, Martin Storey’s latest men’s collection, Union, is full of stylish wardrobe staples.

Share your makes

Hopefully, we have inspired you to add hand knits to your summer wardrobe this year. We can't wait to see what you create and how you style your knits, so please share your creations with us on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #knitrowanbyme.

VIEW ALL POSTS