Fair Isle sweaters to keep the cold at bay

Hey guys, in case you didn’t know, it’s freezing outside… Baltic in fact. 

In my mind, winter ends as soon as the last of the Christmas wrapping is swept up. Sadly, such is not the case and temperatures have only dropped here in recent days – if the frost  (snow, in parts!) didn’t tip you off, then your colleague’s rosy cheeks or the fact that you can actually see your breath probably did. 

As a perennially cold person, layers are – and always have been – my best friend. I’ve learned the importance of planning for every eventuality (particularly where the Irish weather is concerned) and I think it’s fair to say, I’ve perfected the art of dressing like an onion. For those of you who have to leave the house today (sigh), I advise doing the same. 

I’m afraid it’s not sexy, but the formula is as follows; on top – vest, long-sleeved top, jumper (usually an Aran knit or a Fair Isle sweater), coat, scarf, hat, gloves. On bottom – thermal leggings, knee-high ski socks, trousers, shoes. As I said, it’s not sexy, but it’s effective.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect excuse to add a Fair Isle sweater to your wardrobe, then consider this it. A style of jumper characterised by a very specific knitwear pattern, Fair Isle sweaters are so-named after an island in Shetland where the design began in the early 19th century as a pattern for fishermen’s caps and sweaters.

Relying on a restricted palette of around four or five colours (at least in its most traditional form), it’s become synonymous with après-ski dressing… making it the perfect choice when it’s cold out. 

Below are some of our current favourites. 

Molly Goddard Lennon Fair Isle-Knit Tank, €381, Matches Fashion

Turtleneck Jacquard-Knit Jumper, €34.99, H&M

Grey Fair Isle Cropped Jumper, €24, River Island

Embellished Fair Isle Jumper, €110, Boden

Slouchy Fairisle Jumper, €69.99, Superdry

Twisted Fairisle Knit Jumper, €63, Warehouse

Brush Fair Isle Yoke, €78.86, Radley London

Fair Isle Tabard Jumper, €34, Monsoon

Pink & Blue Colour Pop Fairisle Tunic Jumper, approximately €35, Simply Be

Rhea Fair Isle Jumper, €91, Hush

Victoria Beckham Embroidered Fair Isle Sweater, €177, Net-a-porter

Riley Fair Isle Jumper, €36, FatFace

Jacquard Knit Sweater, €39.95, Zara

Pilcro Merino Fairisle Jumper, €215, Anthropologie

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