How To Style Old Favorite Knits For Autumn 2023

Oh my goodness. It's full on fall colors outside, and we just had the most satisfying rain. I am loving all of it and it's inspiring me to put together outfits from my existing knit projects to live up to this beauty outside. Maybe you are looking for tips on how to style knits for autumn to make them feel new again?

Is it cooling down where you are? As you pull out your knits from storage for the fall season, do you need some inspiration to help you create new outfits for a new season?

This fall, corduroy or canvas work jackets are very much back in. Also in this year are the perennially beloved flannel button downs. I love these items because they come back year after year, in small and large ways. This year, they're back in a big way. Here are my favorite stylings that I'm enjoying in my day to day life.

Every knit featured in this blog will be something I released in a previous season. I really believe in wearing our knits over, and over, and over again until they can't be worn anymore.

These stylings ideas and concepts aren't too fussy. BUT they will inspire you to put together some fun outfits and breathe some new life into your knits, season after season. Of course, all of these tips will work for purchased ready to wear knits too! So, put on some fun music to dance to, and let's do some closet-diving!

Contrasting Colors, Lengths & Textures on Summer Knits for Autumn

Got some spring knits in traditionally spring colors like pink or light blue like my Coloring Book Tee (left)? Bring it into current styling as a summer knit for fall season by pairing it with rusty tones to create a bold contrast.

Previously, I had styled my Transition Slipover (right) with only solid items. But this year, I'm leaning hard into the plaid + cable look which amps up the amount of visual interest happening here. Meanwhile, the light neutral color of this undyed Tov yarn keeps it grounded so it isn't too overwhelming with all the different elements.

Knits with short length in the body (like this tee) or in the sleeves can be paired with work jackets or flannels to bring it into the current season. And they can create interest, even if they were originally designed or knit for a different season. Check out the way that the work jacket lengthens the body and creates a tiered look!

Pattern links:

Coloring Book Tee on Ravelry and Payhip

Transition Slipover on Ravelry and Payhip

Draw Out New Tones From Your Colors

Don't be afraid to play with color and the way the fall colors can pull out a different tone in your knits! You might find that the colors in your region might bring out different tones in your hand-dyed or heathered color knits for autumn. In my area, this is often the bright yellow gingko and red maple!

I'm wearing my Nutiden Coloring Book Raglan in rather a dark and plummy color with a red lip which pushes back against the colors a bit. This is so that I'm not just blending into the background. In the late winter light, the plum looked a lot more gray and neutral. But now, the fall red colors and the warm lighting are really drawing out the red undertone of this heathered knit.

You can add play up these new tones and rediscover beautiful yarn you've already knit up. For me, adding the bold lip and a little of blush, can really help bump up the look. Now it's gone from from comfortable daily wear (my usual thing, tbh) to a power outfit to increase my confidence. So if you wear make up, try playing with these new color discoveries in the fall light.

Coloring Book Raglan on Ravelry and Payhip

Accessorize With Neutrals For Effortless Style On the Go

On a day to day basis, let's be real. I don't have time to be putting together complicated layered outfits. That's why some of my favorite knit for autumn are ones that I can pair with a simple and bold accessory.

Here, I'm wearing my cropped Coloring Book Raglan exactly the same way I did in the original winter photos, but with a bold new jade bangle. The jade bangle look wasn't one I was super comfortable with when I was younger since it can be so bright. But of course, this dark purple-gray color goes with everything.

Similarly, the Nicole Shawl, once worn in winter situations by me over coats and other knit for autumn, can just be thrown on. And now it keeps me warm when I'm walking to pick my kid up from school. The neutral, undyed browns of the Nicole Shawl makes it the perfect thing to pair with just about everything in my closet.

Whether I'm wearing a ready to wear, home-sewn, or hand-knit outfit, adding a little accessory can really bring a little bit of joy to my day. Try having a few of these accessory knits for autumn or jewelry in your collection. Especially ones that go with everything really, which really helps me feel that much more put together for my grocery run.

Pattern links:

Coloring Book Raglan on Ravelry and Payhip

Nicole Shawl on Ravelry and Payhip

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Ready to style old favorite knits for autumn?

Whether your old knits are knit from my patterns or other designers, have a great time putting together some new outfits with your existing knits! Enjoy spending some time with these old friends, and experiencing them anew.

If you're looking for something new to knit, do consider one of the patterns I featured here. They are all super versatile and easy to use in layering for all seasons!