Knitwear was seen all over the AW14 catwalks - yay for a trend that's cosy AND cool - and this season, there are great styles out there for all shapes and sizes.
I've trialled some key styles to bring you my top tips on what knits work for different figures, and how to wear this season's comfiest trend.
The Jumper Dress
Left: Jumper dress, £45, River Island
I tried on two really similar jumper dresses here, to show you how it can be the small details that make the biggest difference.
The finer style of this knit along with the cowl neckline is far more flattering for a figure like mine, where you're bigger on top.
The lighter weight of the knit drapes more comfortably across the body while the shorter sleeve-length works well for creating balance.
Underwear can make a real difference to your look; try a smoothing slip dress underneath a jumper dress for a more streamlined silhouette.
Right: Jumper dress, £14.99, H&M
The fuller neck of this H&M number isn't so great when you're bigger on top, as it can add unwanted volume. With chunkier knits like these, you also need to be careful with how 'oversized' you go. On me, for example, this dress is way too big and ends up swamping my figure.
That being said, I love the length as it means you can style with skinny jeans, leggings, or even opaque tights - just remember to keep it as streamlined as possible for a better contrast.
The Cardigan
Left: Long line Cardigan, £45, Evans
Oversized cardigans are a great staple and work for all shapes if you use the right styling techniques. For example, try copying the catwalk and wearing a belt over your knitwear to either create, or accentuate the waist.
For a flattering look on any body shape, try a longline cardigan like this rust-coloured knit. The length is great as it skims over the body and will disguise any areas you'd rather not highlight.
Right: Cape Cardigan, £55, Wallis
The black cape-style cardigan, however, is a tricky one for curvier shapes as the style adds volume around the waist and bust - a much better type for straight up/down figures, and petite girls.
It does work best undone as opposed to zipped up (like I'm wearing it here) but it's not the best for defining shape and I wouldn't advise it for anyone who carries their weight around the middle or hasa larger bust.
The Jumper
Left: Jumper, £75, Label Lab at House of Fraser
A great jumper is a winter wardrobe staple and so easy to wear over jeans for a casual-but-cool vibe.
The best option for me, (and anyone who carries their weight around their middle or is bottom-heavy), is this longer style.
Longer lines like this will skim areas you'd rather not draw attention to, like your tummy or thighs, and will create an optical illusion to draw the eye down and not focus on problem areas.
Be aware of your choice of bra though – seam free styles work best under knitwear for a smother silhouette.
Right: Jumper, £20, Dorothy Perkins
For me, shorter styles are a no-go as they cut my body in an awkward place and therefore highlight my hips and thighs – not flattering for anyone who is curvier on the bottom half.
This style also bunches around the tummy area, so you need to be careful with what you style it with. Avoid jeans if you usually carry weight around the waist and opt for something like a leather pencil skirt which will sit better.
Always be aware of sizing though, as sometimes anything too chunky on the top half can add volume so don't be afraid to go up or down a size to get the look right.
