When winter comes round, most people instinctively grab hold of their trusty big winter wool coats. Whilst that is an easy option to layer over the top of your outfit, we offer a range of heavy duty, Scottish made chunky pieces of knitwear that are intended to be worn as outerwear, which we'd encourage you to consider as they act as an incredibly comfortable and cosy alternative to the traditional wool coat, not to mention that it would provide a easy point of difference to your winter outfit compared to others.
The great benefit of wearing our chunky cardigans instead of the usual winter coat is comfort.
With a winter coat - it is often quite heavy and rigid, allowing very little movement. By contrast, our chunky knitted cardigans provide both warmth and comfort. It is like wearing a blanket out, only that, unlike wearing a blanket, wearing one of our chunky shawl cardigans is generally considered socially acceptable.
Styling our shawl collar coats and jackets as outerwear, whether worn alone or over a suit, also adds a rugged yet sophisticated touch to any casual or smart-casual look.
These styles of ours present endless styling possibilities, offering warmth and texture to elevate any outfit. In this article, we’ll explore how to style chunky knits for various occasions and climates, starting with colder settings.
Colhay's Heavy Duty Knitwear
Starting off with the heaviest of the knitwear we have - the superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan and superfine lambswool shawl coat. Both of these pieces are knitted with a heavy 6 ply superfine lambswool from Todd & Duncan, the world's finest and softest lambswool at 18.5 microns in diameter. These pieces are more coat than knitwear, designed to withstand the harshest conditions while keeping you luxuriously snug.
Both the cardigan and coat feature large, practical pockets for carrying essentials or more likely for the stuffing of hands in winter, while their refined cocoon shapes add versatility across casual and formal ensembles. Whether styled with smart tailoring or more relaxed attire, these pieces are indispensable for colder climates, combining practicality with timeless elegance.
Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan - Styling Tips
Highly versatile, a shorter version of the shawl coat, the superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan's rakish charm makes it perfect for layering over shirts, T-shirts, or crew neck jumpers, offering timeless style and unbeatable functionality.
Whether braving icy winds or adding a statement piece to your outfit, this cardigan is destined to become your most trusted companion for winters to come as an elegant elevation of the wool coat.
Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan: with other Knitwear
An easy and cosy(!) way to style the superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan is with other knitwear, especially in winter. Some examples below.
The Cashmere Cotton Breton Stripe Sweater in ecru and navy pairs beautifully under the navy Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan, capturing the spirit of its nautical origins. Styled with smart grey trousers, this look strikes the perfect balance between polished sophistication and effortless charm.
The Cashmere Shirt Cardigan in camel, layered with white trousers under the dark brown Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan, creates a classic preppy look. The white trousers nod to sporty influences, adding a crisp and refined touch to the outfit.
When the Cashmere Shirt Cardigan is unbuttoned, styling a button-down shirt underneath creates a bold double-collar look. Here, the olive Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan is layered over the Cashmere Shirt Cardigan in oatmeal and paired with a denim shirt, blending textures and tones for a confident and refined outfit.
Replacing the denim shirt with a white shirt elevates the ensemble, giving it a more formal and polished appearance while maintaining the layered sophistication of combining the shawl collar cardigan with our thinner superfine lambswool tennis cardigan:
Or instead adding the Superfine Lambswool Mock Neck in oatmeal and cashmere polo shirt in dark brown underneath, the ultimate warm look is created for the winter months. The layers of beige and brown interlink beautifully, offering depth, elegance, and exceptional comfort.
Alternatively, using a burnt umber colour palette with the Superfine Lambswool Mock Neck in Vintage Camel and the olive superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan offers a warm and rich alternative. This combination exudes depth and understated elegance, perfect for the colder months.
Another great colour that goes well with the olive superfine lambswool shawl collar cardigan is oatmeal - here we have it combined with our cashmere Belmondo rollneck in oatmeal, creating a warm yet understated minimalist look. This combination is effortlessly sophisticated and perfect for cooler days.
For added warmth, swapping the mock neck for the Cashmere Ribbed Submariner Rollneck in Merlot offers a similar style with enhanced insulation. Here, the rich merlot shade pairs beautifully with the Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan in ecru, creating a striking yet harmonious contrast.
This look also works wonderfully with the Superfine Lambswool Fisherman Cable Rollneck in navy, adding a playful texture to the ensemble. Paired with the olive Shawl Collar Cardigan, it creates a rich, layered look that is both stylish and practical for cooler days.
Mixing the Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan in camel with the Superfine Lambswool Cricket Sweater, layered over a denim shirt, creates an effortlessly preppy look. The framing collar of the cricket jumper, the strong shoulders of the cardigan, and the structured collar of the shirt work harmoniously to draw attention to the upper silhouette. This combination strikes the perfect balance between casual and polished.
Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan: with a Shirt
The Camel Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan pairs effortlessly with shirts. For a smart look, it can be layered over a white shirt, while a denim shirt creates a more casual, laid-back aesthetic. Here, the cardigan in camel is styled with a white corduroy shirt and grey trousers - camel and cream always works well as a colour combination. The woolly texture of the shawl collar cardigan also works well with the woolly texture of the corduroy.
Switching the white shirt for a light denim one and the grey trousers for white, the camel Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan transforms into the perfect weekend layer. This relaxed combination is ideal for cosy, casual days, effortlessly blending comfort with understated style.
This look transitions effortlessly to a navy Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan for a more mysterious and refined aesthetic. To subtly add warmth, layer a oatmeal mock neck jumper in a skin-tone shade underneath—it’s the perfect tool for enhancing both comfort and style.
The Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan in ecru brings a refined edge to a light-wash double denim look, with each piece evoking the charm and simplicity of a rural lifestyle. This combination balances rustic appeal with contemporary sophistication.
Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan: with a casual Jacket
The Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan in olive offers a laid-back yet versatile option, pairing perfectly over dark casual jackets for a seamless transition from autumn to winter. Styled here over a black casual jacket, it creates a balanced contrast, while cream trousers brighten the overall look with a touch of freshness. Olive, black and cream are always a good colour combination to keep in mind.
Here is another example, this time, styling the shawl collar cardigan in ecru with a denim jacket:
Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan: with a T-Shirt
The shawl collar cardigan pairs beautifully with a T-shirt for a relaxed weekend look. Here, the navy shade works seamlessly with indigo jeans, creating a refined yet casual outfit that plays well with texture. A bright white T-shirt adds a fresh pop of contrast beneath the deep navy, making the look both clean and dynamic. This subtle colour coordination offers an easy way to polish a casual outfit, ensuring comfort and style with minimal effort.
Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan: over Tailoring
Despite being called a cardigan, this wool piece functions beautifully as a coat, offering a luxurious softness against the skin. When paired with tailoring in a matching color, the cardigan blends seamlessly, appearing as part of a coordinated set, making it ideal for formal or semi-formal occasions, like the look below where we have styled the shawl collar cardigan in ecru with an oat/brown houndstooth check jacket.
Its versatility extends to casual settings, where it can be styled effortlessly with jeans or chinos for a more relaxed look. The shawl collar brings an additional layer of refinement, bridging the gap between formal and casual with ease, ensuring this piece is both functional and stylish across various settings.
Similarly, layered over a crisp white shirt and paired with a white and black patterned blazer, the navy Shawl Collar Cardigan adds a subtle yet sophisticated contrast. This look pairs brilliantly with dark grey or black trousers, as showcased here.
Superfine Lambswool Shawl Collar Cardigan: Standing Collar
Styling the Superfine Lambswool Shawl Cardigan with a standing collar creates a fresh and unique silhouette for this versatile piece. Not only does this styling add a modern touch, but it also proves functional in colder weather, allowing you to forgo a scarf while staying warm. Pairing a black cardigan with similarly toned indigo denim results in a look of subtle, casual sophistication, enhanced by the understated elegance of the design.
Superfine Lambswool Shawl Coat - Styling Tips
The Superfine Lambswool Shawl Coat serves as a casual yet elegant alternative to a traditional wool coat. Perfect for brisk morning walks, it layers effortlessly over blazers or can be worn solo for a streamlined silhouette. With slightly lower armholes, it accommodates layering over light to midweight outerwear, yet its exceptional insulation makes it equally effective on its own.
The coat’s length, the longest in the collection, shields against drafts along the spine and makes it an ideal layer to cover any outfit—or even to use as the ultimate luxurious loungewear piece.
Superfine Lambswool Shawl Coat: Over Denim
For a more rugged yet polished look, pair the navy Shawl Collar Cardigan with lighter wash blue denim jeans and a coordinating denim shirt. Layering with a grey blazer ties the shades together seamlessly, creating a balanced and effortlessly stylish outfit.
Superfine Lambswool Shawl Coat: Over Tailoring
The Superfine Lambswool Shawl Coat in dark brown featured below works beautifully as a coat, hitting comfortably at the hip and layering perfectly over most suits. Its softer, more relaxed fit makes it a great alternative to a traditional overcoat. The shawl coat's refined structure is ideal for colder occasions, adding understated elegance without sacrificing comfort.
The lighter ecru shade is particularly effective at bringing vibrancy to darker suits, making it an excellent pairing for neutral tones like brown, navy, olive, or grey. Pairing it with a light shirt coloured oatmeal cashmere shirt cardigan helps tie the look together, balancing the contrast and creating a polished, cohesive outfit.
Another example of how the shawl coat can be worn over tailoring instead of a top coat.
Superfine Lambswool Shawl Coat: with Casual Jacket
The Superfine Lambswool Shawl Coat effortlessly transitions any autumn or summer jacket into a midlayer, perfect for layered styling. Here, a cream casual jacket is worn beneath a darker brown Superfine Lambswool Shawl Coat, paired with coordinating trousers. The lighter brown tones subtly soften the overall look, adding depth and warmth.
Superfine Lambswool Shawl Coat: with other Knitwear
This look is ideal for smart-casual settings, combining warmth and sophistication. The elegant length of the cardigan provides superior insulation for your legs, while the wool trousers maintain the tailored traditionalism of a classic smart look. Layering with a roll neck jumper adds a modern edge, creating a double-knit ensemble that feels both innovative and refined.
The weight of the wool cardigan adds structure to the shoulders, much like a traditional topcoat, but with a rugged twist that balances elegance and comfort. Here, we've styled the look with our ecru cashmere ribbed submariner roll neck jumper with our dark brown superfine lambswool shawl coat, creating a look inspired by natural, woodsy tones. The combination exudes warmth and earthy sophistication.
Transitioning to a richer colour palette and a thicker knit, the model wears our merlot cashmere ribbed submariner rollneck jumper paired with a navy Superfine Lambswool Shawl Coat. This bold combination offers both warmth and a striking contrast, perfect for cooler days.
The navy Superfine Lambswool Shawl Coat pairs seamlessly with indigo-wash denim. We've styled it with our cashmere shirt cardigan in dark olive, the dark olive and dark navy blue going well together:
Finally, an example where the brown shawl coat can go well with lighter coloured knitwear underneath (in this case our oatmeal crew neck):
Cashmere Shawl Collar Cardigan - Styling Tips
Crafted from an impressive 1 kilogram of Todd & Duncan’s finest cashmere, this 8-ply rib-stitch cashmere shawl collar cardigan stands as the premium product in the shawl collar style. Its cashmere construction offers a slightly more flexible stretch and a sleeker drape compared to its superfine wool counterpart, adding an extra layer of refinement. You can style the cashmere shawl collar cardigan in all the ways discussed for the lambswool version, with the added benefit of highlighting its sleek fabrication for a polished, elevated look.
For a smarter winter style with a luxurious touch, the cashmere shawl collar cardigan in a darker shades pairs beautifully with dark neutral trousers and a mid to dark toned piece of knitwear. This combination creates a go-to look for colder months, as shown in our styling:
For a classic palette and added texture, pairing the Superfine Lambswool Fisherman Cable Rollneck in ecru with the navy Cashmere Shawl Collar Cardigan creates a refined and cohesive look. The textured rollneck adds depth, while the navy cardigan provides a polished frame:
The cashmere shawl collar cardigan offers a similarly sophisticated impression as the wool version when layered over a roll neck jumper. However, its slightly slimmer silhouette adds an extra layer of refinement. The roll neck elongates the torso, while the cardigan’s straighter drape complements the look with understated elegance. By buttoning only the top button, you achieve a sense of nonchalant sophistication, perfect when paired with form-fitting pieces for a sleek, tailored effect.
The Superfine Lambswool Mock Neck in navy, layered with the dark olive Cashmere Shawl Collar Cardigan, creates a woodsy, textured look. The denim shirt in the middle breaks up the two layers of knitwear, providing some contrast. Paired with beige trousers, this outfit transitions effortlessly into classic daywear, blending rugged charm with refined sophistication.
For a simpler, collar-focused styling, pairing a cream polo shirt with the Cashmere Shawl Collar Cardigan and light white or cream trousers creates a fresh, clean look. This combination is effortlessly elegant and perfect for a polished yet relaxed outfit.
