Usually, ‘chunky’ is a word I don’t want to associate with my upper body. Chunky is not flattering. Chunky is not chic. So why, then, am I so enamoured with the chunky knit jumper? Maybe it’s the weather, or my tendency to go into hibernation for the first two months of the year. Whatever it is, I find myself casting aside my form-fitting dresses and cute cardigans in favour of an abundance of wool.

As the name suggests, chunky knit jumpers are tricky to wear because they can make you look a little… well, chunky. All that extra bulk can pad out your shoulders, giving you a distinct Dwayne Jonhson vibe. And no one wants that. Fortunately, after weeks of trial and error and more than my fair share of fashion faux pas, I’ve devised a strategy for successfully styling the chunky knit…

H&M jumper and necklace, Zara jeans, bag and flats c/o Sarenza, Topshop ring

• Balance out an oversized top with skinny jeans – roll them up to just above the ankles for extra leg-lengthening loveliness
• Layer underneath with a long sleeve tee rather than wearing a coat, which will add more bulk
• Wear delicate flats or heels, not big boots or trainers
• Add detail to a plain jumper with a statement necklace
• Keep a sense of proportion by pairing your oversized jumper with a small bag

“Do you know what time it is?”
“A watch doesn’t really go with this outfit, daddy.”
Clueless

Topshop leather trousers, Uniqlo cashmere jumper, H&M blouse, wedge heels c/o Sarenza, Lauren Elan necklace, Miss Selfridge necklace

I loved the 90s. The 90s was my TIME. My most important teenage years took place between 1997 and 1999 – I experimented with hair mascara (and boys), wore a Slipknot hoody, swapped Bliss for Elle Girl and watched many, many rom coms. Back then, fashion blogging was still a twinkle in Susie Bubble‘s eye and magazine editorials were far too serious, so all my style inspiration came from music and movies.

I went through phases – in 1997 I was obsessed with The Spice Girls and wore stacked Buffalo platform trainers with embellished jeans and slogan tees. After watching Clueless for the first time I took up pleated skirts and knee high socks. Then came my The Craft inspired goth phase, complete with heavy eyeliner and swathes of black lace. The 90s was the decade of the fad and my friends and I always participated – from Cleopatra’s goggles to All Saints and their baggy cargo pants.

I think today’s outfit has a distinct 90s vibe. Maybe it’s the preppy shirt-and-jumper (so Cruel Intentions) or the pointy court shoes (very Posh Spice). All I know is I’ve spent all day looking up my favourite 90s film quotes and reciting Shaznay’s rap from Never Ever. Can we have the 90s back, please?

Do you remember the 90s? Which trends sum up the decade for you? And can you name the film that’s inspired today’s post title? 10 points to the first correct answer!