40 Amazing Pieces for Sizzling Summer Knitwear Looks

I love knitwear and whilst I am very happy to stow away our more oversized, fuzzier friends to hibernate for summer, the warmer weather opens up a whole new world of summer knitwear looks to explore. Far from just a winter trend, a focus on traditional craftmanship and artisanal skills on the catwalks has ensured intricate knitwear looks have been a staple of the SS22 catwalks. Summer knits, unlike our winter staples are designed to be breathable and light; think thin ribbed knit polos, interesting open detailing, natural fibres and looser silhouettes or cut outs. Aside from a tempting array of lighter, brighter and altogether sexier warm weather options on offer, there is something chic about wearing knitwear on a sizzling day, precisely when it is least expected. Those of us in cooler climes know a light cardigan atop your basket bag is an essential, even on a warm day. Or a cute sweater vest can provide a chic alternative to a cotton tank tucked into tailored shorts, or loose jeans. On hotter days, a little openwork knit to allow airflow is essential and a loose dress, or knitted coord make for a beautiful beach-bound look. Crochet is a summer forever favourite for good reason, its breathable, versatile and can be worn in so many ways. Plus the golden glow of nostalgia is so perfectly befitting to hazy summer days (and nights). It is also prime time for sexier knits now you don’t have to brave a biting wind, with intricately strapped and cut out numbers finally having their moment in the sun. A knitted cut out dress, especially in an on trend maxi length, is a great option for balmy summer nights. Or how about trying out a new shape in an interesting knit form? A chic ribbed bandeau or intricately strapped bralette paired with wide linen trousers, makes for a chic al fresco dinner look. Just add a loose, oversized blazer when more coverage is required.

Dreamy Dresses

Reformation Castello long sleeve, maxi length open-knit dress is the ultimate summer knitwear looks. It is fitted throughout and features an open back for a slightly more romantic look.
Reformation Castello Open Knit Dress, £270

Channel Bridget (Bardot, not Jones, though she is good too), in this long cream crochet dream.

Bright lime Green Sleeveless midi dress with a rib knit fitted finish, a deep round neckline and a slit at the side is a refreshing summer knitwear look.
& Other Stories Green Ribbed Knit Midi Dress, £65

This colour is so delicious and would look great on holiday with gold accessories and a happy holiday glow.

If you are loving the green colour trend, don’t miss our round up of the most gorgeous green pieces to invest in too.

Mango  Committed Collection summer knit openwork knit long dress in Cotton and linen mix. Straight design is fitted to the boy and has a Round neck, thin straps that tie at the back which also has an Open feature detail.
Mango Knit Cotton Blend Dress, £59.99

This commited collection long and lovely linen and cotton mix dress also has a nice back detail.

100% cotton tangerine coloured midi dress cut for a regular fit, in a sleeveless design with an open-knit finish for a modern update on your summer knitwear look.
Cos Orange Open Knit Midi Dress, £89

This tangerine hue is bound to boost your mood any day come rain or shine. Pair with a neutral trench and trainers on cooler days and minimal sandals when the sun has got her hat on.

White knitted short sleeve A-line mini dress with a criss-cross bodice, cap sleeves and a small cut out at the midriff is a perfect warm weather, summer knitwear look.
& Other Stories Knitted White Cross Detail Mini dress, £75

Well, isn’t this the sweetest knitted dress in angelic white? The crossover detail makes it extra special and you can work the trends for cut-outs and mini hemlines whilst you are at it too.

Black Crochet Dress with a straight-cut neckline and thin straps. Flared hem.
Zara LONG KNIT CROCHET DRESS, £49.99

This dress is so classic. The versatile black shade and on-trend maxi length mean you can start wearing it right now and all the way through summer.

White Chloé maxi dress knitted from lightweight silk and linen white yarns into a ribbed finish. The loose top with dropped armholes is fitted at the waist to hug the hips and fall smoothly to just above the ankles.
CHLOÉ Silk and linen striped maxi dress, £1,060

This dreamy maxi dress from Chloé is knitted from silk and linen yarns in crisp white for luxe holiday perfection.

green shirt dress knitted from soft cotton in an airy pointelle stitch, so it's breathable and light enough for warmer weather. It has a loose fit reaching to the knees with dropped shoulders and a neat collar and button down front.
MR MITTENS Pointelle-knit cotton shirt dress, £450

This is a perfect example of warm weather-appropriate knitwear with its vibrant green shade, airy silhouette, and cotton pointelle knit. It would be so cute and comfy pulled on over a bikini and slides after a long day at the beach.

Cream sleeveless vintage crochet floor length maxi dress. Features back zipper, crochet fabric, a white polyester lining, a crew neckline and a crochet knitted fabric with a little stretch in it
Vintage Crochet Maxi Dress, £50

Obviously vintage is a good way to go with such a timeless and crafty trend as crochet. How on point is this floor grazing maxi dress?

H&M Black Fine Knit Silk Blend Maxi dress, £69.99

Sometimes the most simple pieces make for the most effective. This long and lovely fine-knit, silk-blend dress is one you will pull out again and again. Keep the look minimal or dress it up with impactful jewellery. It also comes in a beautiful beige.

Gold metallic Ribbed Knit Sleeveless pleated midi dress with a round neckline. Close fitting
Zara Ribbed Knit Dress, £45.99

Knitwear is a great place for a bit of unexpected shimmer. This ribbed knit dress in a metallic gold-tone will help you work understated glamour come evening.

Reformation Venete dress is a midi length dress with open knit detailing throughout and a keyhole detail on the center front. It features a self tie, halter neckline and is tight-fitting in the waist for some extra definition.
Venete Open Knit Dress, £248

This fitted cut-out option with crossover halter straps will take you straight to the party. It also comes in a beautiful bright coral-red shade that’s too good to miss if you’re looking for colour.

Rose Pink Cult Gaia maxi dress is knotted at the bodice and has cutout sides that create the illusion of an hourglass figure. It's made from a cotton-blend and has a close fit.
CULT GAIA Serita cutout cotton-blend maxi dress, £382

This dusky rose knit dress is made for summer nights. Pair with Raffia, beads, and a cocktail.

Must-Have Coords

High-waist crochet check knit mini skirt with an elastic waistband in orange and pink
Zara Check Crochet Skirt, £25.99

Such a delightful mini set, ticking off multiple trends at once with the crochet check, mini hemline, and of course this season’s summer favourite shade of zesty orange.

Nude knitted openwork maxi skirt in. a stretch close-fitting design and with a scalloped hem.
Reserved Crochet Skirt, £39.99

Work the maxi trend in this beautiful cream knitted number. It makes a great impact with the matching openwork top. Pair with a basket bag and channel Jane Birken.

olive green Hand-crocheted shorts with a high-rise waist, woven for full coverage.
SAVANNAH MORROW Lizzie crocheted Pima cotton shorts, £275

Style these hand-crocheted shorts with the matching top and gold jewelry. Throw an oversized linen shirt over for a little more coverage.

long wide leg chocolate brown openwork knit, semi-sheer design trousers with elasticated waist and matching dress/top available.
Mango Openwork Knit trousers, £59.99

The diagonal lines and rich brown colour of these knitted trousers make them look fancy. There is also a matching knit halter dress/top available for the full look, but these would also be great over a bikini with an oversized white shirt and a basket bag for a day flitting between the beach and the sights.

Green ribbed knitted midi knit with slit and elasticated waist.
Mango side slit green knitted skirt, £29.99

This colour is so yummy. This full look makes quite the impact and will work in with so many other pieces in your wardrobe. It’s also available in classic black, if that’s more your thing.

Mango Ecru openwork knit trousers with wide-leg flared design. Matching short sleeve knit top available.
Mango openwork Knit trousers, £49.99

I have basically talked myself into needing a pair of openwork knit trousers for my next beach holiday. The cream oversized matching top looks so easy to wear too, and both would mix and match with so much of your summer wardrobe.

Pink Cult Gaia 'Laila' cardigan is Rib-knitted using an open stitch and has a delicately sheer finish that's great for layering in a lovely shade of pink and can be worn with matching trousers.
CULT GAIA Laila ribbed-knit cardigan, £215

Mix and match this delicate, sheer pink set into your holiday wardrobe for a pop of colour and comfort all at once.

Cream Fine knit knitted cropped top with Fringing at the hem. Rounded neck with wide Sleeveless straps. Co-ord midi skirt available.
Mango Fringed Knitted Top, £19.99

If you have yet to dip a toe in the fringing trend, this fine knit top might tempt you. Or go all out and work the full look with the matching fringed skirt for maximum swooshability on the dance floor.

Skin-revealing Jacquemus knitted cropped top cut from linen for a close fit with halter neck straps and straps around the shoulders and intertwined artfully at the back. V-neck and ribbed hem.
JACQUEMUS Cropped cold-shoulder linen top, £135

Pair this signature sexy knit top from Jacquemus with the matching shorts. There is also a hot pink which is equally as mouth-watering.

Knitted Tops and Separates

Gold metallic knitted Recycled polyester blend top in a cropped design with thin straps and an open back with strap zig zag fastening.
Mango Gold Metallic Knitted Strappy Top, £19.99

Glisten under the stars in a touch of metallic gold knitwear for a gorgeous evening look.

Black sleeveless cropped silk knit tank top with round neck.
Ribbed Slik Knitted Tank Top, £55

This black tank is knitted in all-natural linen and silk and will be such a staple in your year-round wardrobe.

This beige 99% Cotton midi skirt features a crocheted, seethrough knitted design with a side zipper closure. Scalloped hem.
NA-KD Crochet Knitted Midi Skirt, £46.95

This 99% cotton crochet number will certainly keep you cool in the summer heat. Slip a little something underneath for more coverage, or simply enjoy the breeze. It will look great with an easy breezy oversized linen shirt over the top.

Textured cream knitted halterneck hanky hem top with ribbed round collar. Cropped silhouette.
& Other Stories Knit Halter Top, £45

This nostalgic hanky hem shape looks chic in textured cream knit form. Also the trousers are so good.

Silver metallic thread knit vest top with v-neck with silver imperfect ring details on the straps.
River Island Silver Metallic Knitted Top with Ring Detail, £20

The irregularly shaped ring details at the straps really elevate this shimmering metallic silver knitted vest.

Cornflower blue open-knit top with thin tie straps close to the neck and scalloped hem.
Zara Blue Openwork Knit Halter Top, £19.99

This cute tie-neck top with scalloped hem also comes in a beautiful beige option, either way it’s delightful.

Sleeveless white knit top with ribbed round neck and scalloped edges on the sleeves. Blue crochet mini flower detail on the front and blue and white crochet detailing at the cropped hem, creating a scalloped finish.
Zara Floral Crochet Knit Top, £32.99

So pretty.

Beige Knitted in a lace stitch, this short-sleeve jumper is made from a blend of organic cotton, recycled cotton and recycled polyester. Designed for an oversized fit, the jumper is styled with a slightly U-shaped neckline and rib-knitted trimmings.
Arket Lace Knit Jumper, £59

Arket always brings us the classic items we will want to pull out again and again, and this recycled organic cotton lace knit jumper is no different.

Cream knitted sweetheart neckline bandeau top with ribbed detailing and piping on the bust.
Reserved Ribbed Knit Top, £25.99

Give the bandeau trend a try with this chic cream knit with ribbed detailing.

Multi-coloured vertically striped knitted midi skirt with elasticated waist and fringing detail at the hem.
Reserved Cotton Knitted Fringed Striped Skirt, £29.99

Yes to the multicoloured, vertical stripes and crafty fringing on this fun knitted skirt.

CHLOÉ Cashmere tank, £525

Chloé’s cashmere tank is the ultimate luxury with its hand-crafted finish, forever versatile in timeless black.

V-cut rib knit tank top with an elasticated finish in a Second skin fit.
& Other Stories Rib Knit Tank Top, £35

This rib-knit tank top comes in many colours, including a gorgeous green, beautiful red, and bubblegum pink, but you will get so much wear out of this classic white.

Orange Fitted tank top featuring a deep neckline and a keyhole detail at the chest.
& Other Stories Keyhole Tank Top, £45

Look how good this orange number looks with 70s indigo denim and gold jewelry.

Short sleeved green openwork knit top with round neck and ribbed cuffs and hemline. Cropped close fit.
Reserved Green openwork knit short sleeve top, £19.99

This short-sleeved green openwork knit is an easy win for your wardrobe.

baby pink and white striped Polo shirt with a collar, short sleeves and a button placket at the front.
Zara STRIPED KNIT POLO SHIRT WITH RIBBED TRIMS, £22.99

There is also a similar version to this knitted polo top in green and white, either way, it’s cute.

Red fine openwork sleeveless knit top with v-neck scalloped edges and ribbed bottom.
Mango Openwork Red Knit Top, £19.99

There is a lot of detail in this scalloped edge, openwork knit top in a gorgeous poppy red shade.

Jacquemus beige Le Bandeau Beijo bralette, knit from a linen-blend to a flattering halter neckline with a cut out under the bust and a plain straight back.
JACQUEMUS Le Bandeau Beijo bralette, £115

If you want to go all out, of course Jacquemus has you (not so) covered. This intricately strapped and cut-out linen knit bralette is a statement maker. Slip a blazer over it when you’re not feeling all out sass.

Cute Cardigans and Knitted Sets

kaleidoscope pattern crochet knit long sleeve cardigan with round scoop neck and two dainty ties at the front.
SEA Hayden crocheted wool-blend cardigan, £561

Crochet is ever the queen of summer knit trends and shows no sign of shying away from its moment in the sun in 2022 either. You may have spotted this kaleidoscope pattern crochet cardigan around and about. It will be great over your summer bralette or a little cami if you don’t want to flash so much flesh.

Rose Carmine multi coloured crochet-knitted cardigan with horizontal and vertical stripes to create a unique patchwork effect. It's woven with shimmering metallic threads and has a relaxed silhouette enhanced by dropped shoulders and wide sleeves.
ROSE CARMINE Metallic crochet-knit cardigan, £850

A multicolored crochet dream.

Cream coloured Knitted cardigan with a crocheted look. Classic style with a rib-knit collar, buttons down the front, dropped shoulders, long sleeves, and ribbing at the cuffs and hem.
H&M Knitted Cardigan, £29.99

A cardigan is a good light layer option to have around on summer days, especially if you live in cooler climates. An easy neutral option will work with anything and everything.

Open cardigan with sleeves falling below the elbow and front tie fastening.
Zara Orange Pointelle Knit Cardigan, £29.99

The colour of the moment. Or one of them, at least. This tasty orange treat of a tie-front cardigan is a summer dream. You can even wear it for swimming apparently.

Long sleeve cream knit cardigan is defined by an asymmetric button placket. Cropped silhouette with Ribbed endings hem and Fold-up ribbed cuffs.
Asymmetric Knit Cardigan, £65

A (slightly) warmer weather update on the ever-popular & Other Stories Asymmetric knit cardigan, now in cream and with a cropped silhouette.

Bright green cardigan in ribbed knit with a plunge neckline and secures with a golden metal hook that spells out the house Jacquemus logo.
JACQUEMUS La Maille Pralù Longue ribbed-knit cardigan, £265

When else does this cardigan get to shine better than in the warmer months, when the minimal fabric becomes a real advantage.

Cream Rib-knit cardigan finished with ruffled cuffs. Secured with duo front ties.
& Other Stories Tie Front Knit Cardigan, £65

Let this tie front number have its moment and wear it with next to nothing underneath to show off the tie strap detailing.

Red knit co-ord is made from softly ribbed cashmere that's partly recycled in an effort to reduce waste. The bralette has crossover straps that create an alluring keyhole detail at the front and the cropped cardigan fastens with buttons.
REFORMATION Rosalia cropped ribbed recycled cashmere bralette and cardigan set, £228

The summer months are also prime time for road testing the knit bralette trend. The matching cardigan helps you ease into the vibe.

Lilac Knitted pure cashmere, LOULOU STUDIO bralette lightly ribbed and twisted through the straps.
LOULOU STUDIO Qamea twisted ribbed cashmere bralette, £110

Nothing feels more luxurious than soft cashmere and it looks great in delicate lilac. Button the matching cardigan over it if you aren’t feeling full-frontal midriff exposure.

Orange V-neck rib knit cardigan jacket with long sleeves and Scalloped finish. Bejeweled button fastening at the front.
Zara RIBBED JACKET WITH BEJEWELLED DETAIL, £25.99

This sheer finish ribbed cardigan and matching cropped vest are a more subtle take on the trend and the colour is delightful. Let’s not ignore these openwork trousers either.

For more summer inspiration, check out the top 7 swimwear trends for 2022 next…….

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