Sometimes Life IS Fair…Fair Isle, That is.
This fall/winter you don’t need to hit the slopes to sport the Fair Isle pattern, which is actually a knitting method. Marc Jacobs, Max Mara, Proenza Schouler and Rag & Bone all showed this pattern in their collections.
Proenza Schouler Fall/Winter 2010
It seems like this would be an easy trend to wear. But, beware, it is not as easy as ordering a sweater online or walking into a store and grabbing one. These sweaters can easily go from chic to the “ugly sweater” category quickly.
Cooperative Fair Isle Sweater, $69 from Urban Outfitters
Too much pattern, too many colors and oversized, bulky sweaters are decidedly unflattering. Sure, you want the pattern to be noticeable, but covering your whole top in a large pattern doesn’t work well on many people. The pattern should be around the neck, or if you are slim, in the middle. A few bands of the Fair Isle pattern are ok, just don’t get lost in it.
Fair Isle Sweater, $198 from Rugby
Too many colors will compete with the already bold pattern. Stick with a piece with two to three main colors, with an accent color. If you have to question whether it is too much, it probably is.
Paul Smith Fair Isle Scarf, $181.50 from MyWardrobe.com
Bulky and oversized sweaters in the Fair Isle pattern will age you. Can’t you see your grandmother in a bulky Fair Isle sweater serving turkey and gravy? Look for sweater or cardigans that are slim cut.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Fair Isle Legwarmers, $128 from ShopBop
If you want to wear this pattern, but are nervous about wearing a whole top, try accessories. There are scarves and hats you can choose from to get your Faire Isle fix; you can even go bolder with the color and print since the pieces are smaller. So, there is no excuse to wear this trend at least once this fall/winter!
Still need inspiration? See some of my favorites and lookbook.
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