fashion

This knit jumper is going viral. Here are 8 ways to style it, according to a fashion expert.

If you've been on the hunt for a solid jumper that provides maximum comfort and style, there's one in particular that has gone viral this season... and it's pretty damn great. 

Scroll through your social media feed right now, and chances are you'll find someone fabulous wearing Uniqlo's Souffle Yarn Long Sleeve High Neck Sweater

The knit is in hot demand, namely because it comes in neutral stripes and six solid colours, there's a really good size range... AND it's under $50. Specifically $49.90.

I wanted to try it out myself, so I opted for both the off white and blue. But versatility is important — I was keen to maximise as many outfits from these two new items as possible.

So I called in a pro. 

Emelia Morris is a personal stylist and fashion editor (so she really knows her stuff) and showed me all the different ways to wear the jumper this winter. 

Emelia Morris and some of her fabulous mood boards. Image: Supplied/Instagram @emeliamorrisstylist.

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I was after classic outfits that used loads of staple items I already had in my wardrobe.

"When it comes to knitwear, think of it as the versatile hero of your wardrobe. Just like most other pieces hanging in your wardrobe, your knits should pull their weight and be ready to adapt to different styles and occasions. It's all about playing around, mixing, and matching until you find what feels right," notes Morris.

So for all the fabulous inspiration (and no hard and fast rules) read on.

Look 1.

Let's kick it off with the blue souffle knit. 

"Blues blend beautifully with neutrals like indigo denim, crisp whites, blacks, or shades of beige, camel, etc. The possibilities are endless," says Morris.

"Try pairing your blue knit back with dark blue indigo denim piece, be it a maxi skirt or jeans. Layer it up with a chic camel trench coat. Finish off with your favourite sneakers or opt for a timeless black boot or ballet flat."

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This was such a great winter outfit formula. I wore the blue jumper with a trusty pair of indigo denim wide-leg jeans, a dark forest green bag I wear all the time, plus a camel trench and pair of sneakers. 

Image: Supplied.

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Look 2.

Now, let's switch gears. 

"Don't be afraid to add a long-line white tee or a crisp button-down underneath for a playful layering contrast twist. Then layer it with the blue knit. Pair it with a sleek black satin skirt and boots for a touch of urban elegance. You could even drape the knit casually over your shoulders for an added touch," says Morris.

I did exactly this, added a bag and away I went for a day of weekend shopping! 

Image: Supplied.

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Look 3.

"Another styling option for both the blue and off white knit is pairing both knits over a black ribbed knit dress or a satin/silk slip dress."

I wanted to whip the blue knit out again, so I wore it over a favourite gold satin dress of mine and loved it.

Image: Supplied.

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Look 4.

Transitioning to the off-white knit, Morris recommended trying out a tonal theme. 

"Pair back with a wide-leg beige/oatmeal pant paired with the knit, topped off with a coordinating trench coat. Elevate the look with tonal heels for a polished finish, or go for a relaxed vibe with sneakers or loafers," she said. 

Now I don't have dress-style pants that are beige or oatmeal, so I tried two different pants options and liked both. One option was some classic wide-leg white linen pants that I wore with boots, and the other was a pair of pale, creamy yellow dress pants and nude heels. I added my trusty trench coat to both and I felt fabulous. And I couldn't resist a pair of statement earrings. 

Image: Supplied.

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Image: Supplied.

Look 5.

"Swap out those beige pants for a rich chocolate brown option — for example pants or a silk skirt. Then mix it up with black boots for an elevated look or keep it casual with sneakers or loafers for a laid-back vibe."

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I recently found this brown leather jacket of my dreams at a local op shop, so you bet I was keen to style it with the off white knit. I added a pair of my trusty chocolate brown wide-leg jeans and some boots.

Image: Supplied.

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Look 6.

Leopard also happens to be trending at the moment, so Morris recommended giving prints a try, because they're a lot of fun to wear and style.

"You could pair either knits back with leopard pants or skirt, layer with white shirt or tee underneath and pair with black bomber or leather jacket. The blue would look really stunning with the contrast. Styling knits can be a breeze when you let your creativity take the lead. So go ahead, experiment, mix it up, and most importantly, have fun with it."

I sadly do not own a leopard print skirt, so I picked another skirt option that is animal print. I paired it with the blue knit, and my favourite black pointy toe shoes with studs.

Image: Supplied.

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Look 7.

"For another casual yet chic vibe, layer the off-white knit under a light denim shacket or jacket of your choice, teaming it with black pants and flats. Consider adding a cap for that extra touch of cool," notes Morris.

I don't have a light denim shacket, but I do have a denim jacket I love very much. I paired it with the off white jumper again, plus some simple black flat shoes and black pants. A classic. 

Image: Supplied.

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Look 8.

Lastly, for those laid-back days, Morris says to consider pairing the off-white knit with leggings, topped with a sleeveless puffer vest and cosy accessories like socks over the leggings, a beanie or a cap, and an athleisure bag.

This is such a fun 'going for a coffee-run' outfit for weekend mornings. I wore my off white knit with a pair of comfy sneakers, leggings and a sleeveless olive green puffer vest, as I don't own a black one. 

Image: Supplied.

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"When I work with clients, it's really important to think about the function of the pieces, how it fits in with your lifestyle and the colour harmony. We choose pieces and colours that sync with their daily lives and complement their existing wardrobe," Morris tells Mamamia

"I'm not a big one for rules when I give style advice, there's a lot floating around at the moment. I prefer to see them as guides to help you bridge things together however always allowing for creativity and personal expression. Because fashion is meant to be fun."

I loved that Morris' was able to come up with both casual or dressier options for these Uniqlo Souffle Sweaters. And the quality of the knits is outstanding considering the price tag. Big wins all around. 

Feature Image: Supplied.

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