5 AW26 Knitwear Trends to Know: Vests, Cables & Cardigans

Why This Piece Stands Out

Bows have moved beyond accessories and packaging this season, showing up as structural details across categories, from footwear to knitwear. The bow detail knit vest takes this trend and applies it to one of AW26's dressier knit options, adding a soft, feminine touch to a piece that could otherwise read as purely functional.

This is not a subtle nod to the trend. The bow becomes a focal point, positioned to draw the eye and give the vest a finished, polished look without requiring any additional styling effort.

How to Style It

The bow detail vest works particularly well layered over a fitted turtleneck or a crisp white shirt. For evening occasions, pairing it with tailored trousers or a slip skirt elevates it into eveningwear territory. It is a piece that bridges the gap between casual daywear and dressier occasions, which makes it one of the more versatile additions to an AW26 wardrobe despite its formal detailing.

One Piece, Multiple Outfits

If there is a single item worth prioritizing this season, it is the knitted vest. Unlike sweaters or cardigans, which can sometimes limit what goes underneath, the vest is designed to layer easily over shirts, dresses, and even lighter knitwear itself.

This versatility is what makes it one of the most practical pieces in the AW26 lineup. It works for the office over a collared shirt, for weekend outings over a simple dress, and for transitional weather when a full sweater feels like too much but bare arms feel like too little.

Building a Capsule Around the Vest

A single knitted vest can anchor multiple outfits across a week without ever feeling repetitive, simply by rotating what sits underneath it. Pair it with a button-down and trousers for a polished daytime look, or throw it over a slip dress for something unexpected. This kind of mix and match layering is central to how AW26 knitwear is meant to be worn.

The Return of Classic Cable Knitting

Few knitwear textures are as recognizable as cable knitting. The raised, braided construction gives a sweater visual depth before any color or print is added, making it useful when the knit itself is meant to carry the outfit.

Merino wool is especially suited to this category because its fine fibres can provide softness, moisture management and temperature regulation without requiring an extremely heavy garment. The exact feel still depends on fibre fineness, yarn, gauge and construction, so not every merino sweater will feel identical.

Styling Merino Cable Knits

These pieces work best as the star of an outfit rather than hidden under layers. A cable knit sweater paired with straight-leg denim and boots is a reliable formula that rarely misses. For a more elevated take, tucking it into a midi skirt with knee-high boots brings the texture into a dressier context without losing its cozy, tactile appeal.

A Lighter Take on Layering

Not every knitwear piece needs to be heavy to earn its place in a cold-weather wardrobe. Cotton crew cardigans offer a lighter alternative, ideal for transitional weather or for layering indoors where heavier wool knits can feel like too much. Available in playful shades this season, they bring a sense of ease and color into what can otherwise become a fairly neutral seasonal palette.

The crew neckline keeps the silhouette clean and simple, which means the cardigan can slot into almost any outfit without competing with other pieces for attention.

Why Color Matters This Season

AW26 knitwear leans slightly away from an all-neutral palette, and the cotton crew cardigan is where that shows up most clearly. Shades like soft rust, muted lilac, and warm ochre bring personality into daily dressing without requiring a full outfit rebuild. A single cardigan in an unexpected color can refresh an entire rotation of otherwise neutral pieces.

Comfort Meets Statement Detailing

The oversized cardigan has been a cold-weather staple for years, and this season it gets a soft update with the addition of a rosette detail, elevating it from a purely comfort-driven piece into something closer to a statement. The relaxed, generous fit remains, but the added detailing gives it a more considered, finished appearance.

This is the piece for days when comfort cannot be compromised but an outfit still needs a little more visual interest. It works equally well thrown over loungewear at home or paired with more structured pieces for a deliberate high-low contrast.

Styling the Oversized Cardigan

Because of its relaxed proportions, this cardigan pairs best with more fitted pieces underneath, such as a bodysuit or fitted turtleneck, to avoid an overly bulky silhouette. Cinching it slightly at the waist with a belt is another way to introduce shape while keeping the oversized, cozy feel intact.

Rather than buying knitwear pieces in isolation, think about how they work together. A strong AW26 wardrobe typically includes:

• One statement piece with a unique detail, like the bow vest or rosette cardigan

• One versatile layering piece, like the knitted vest

• One textured staple, like the merino cable knit

One lighter, colorful piece, like the cotton crew cardigan

This combination ensures that no matter the weather or occasion, there is a knitwear piece ready to layer into an outfit without requiring constant new purchases throughout the season.

• The most important rule is to follow the care label on the individual garment. Fibre content, yarn construction and finishing can change how a knit should be washed, so do not assume every sweater or cardigan needs the same method.

• For wool and merino pieces, use a wool-safe wash method only when the care label allows it. Some garments can be machine washed on an appropriate wool cycle, while others require hand washing or professional cleaning.

• After washing, reshape knitwear gently and dry it according to the care instructions. Fold sweaters and cardigans for storage rather than leaving heavy knits hanging for long periods, which can distort the shoulders and length.

• Airing knitwear between wears can also reduce unnecessary washing. Before storing pieces for a longer period, make sure they are clean and completely dry.

What makes AW26 knitwear different from previous seasons? AW26 knitwear focuses on layering versatility and subtle detailing, such as bows and rosettes, rather than dramatic silhouette changes, making pieces easier to integrate into existing wardrobes.

Is merino wool a good choice for sensitive skin? Yes, merino wool is generally softer and less itchy than standard wool, making it a comfortable option for extended wear, even for those who typically avoid wool blends.

Can knitted vests be worn in warmer climates? Yes, knitted vests work well as a lightweight layering piece even in milder climates, particularly in the evenings or during seasonal transitions.

How many knitwear pieces do I actually need this season? A well-rounded wardrobe typically needs four to five versatile knitwear pieces that can be mixed and layered, rather than a large quantity of single-use items.

AW26 knitwear proves that small details, whether a bow, a cable pattern, or a rosette, can meaningfully change how a wardrobe feels without requiring a complete overhaul. These five pieces work individually and together, offering warmth, texture, and versatility that carry through the entire season.

• Vogue, Fall 2026 Ready-to-Wear Fashion Shows, runway context for Autumn/Winter 2026 fashion trends.

• Vogue, Genny Fall 2026 Ready-to-Wear, reference for bow detailing and decorative treatments in Fall 2026 collections.

• Vogue, Simone Rocha Fall 2026 Ready-to-Wear, reference for rosette and floral-inspired statement detailing.

• The Woolmark Company, Wool Fibre Properties, Facts & Benefits, reference for Merino wool softness, breathability and temperature-regulating properties.

• The Woolmark Company, Why Is Merino Wool So Soft?, reference for the relationship between fine Merino fibres and softness against the skin.

• The Woolmark Company, Caring for Wool, reference for checking garment care labels and folding knitted garments rather than hanging them.

• The Woolmark Company, How to Store Wool Clothes, additional guidance on cleaning, drying and folding wool garments for storage.