Yes, you can wear knits in Singapore without getting heatstroke. Here’s how.
I love snuggling up in knitwear when I’m travelling to a snowy destination. But does this cosy fabric have to be strictly reserved for winter? I tested it out in the Singapore weather so you don’t have to, and here’s my verdict. (Spoiler: I didn’t melt under the heat, much to my surprise!)
First, the planning. With the help of hello ronron’s soft knits, I prepared five knitwear outfits to try over the course of five days. Waking up on Monday with (almost) a week’s worth of outfits on my clothing rail was an unfamiliar feeling – I’m not usually this organised! Cut to my realisation that outfit prepping is a lifesaver on busy mornings, but I digress. Read on for the knitwear pieces I tried and loved, even in tropical weather.
Monday: A black dress for any occasion
Everyone needs a little black dress, and hello ronron has the sleeveless Angelique Dress and an off-shoulder Camille Dress to choose from. With a work event on my cal, I opted for the former with black boots and gold accessories. This sleek number is an easy go-to for any smart casual function, with a high quality cable knit fabric that’s thick enough to cut a flattering silhouette, even after a heavy meal. If your de facto outfit is a LBD, I recommend trying it on for size.
Tuesday: A wear-with-everything short sleeve
When I’m debating whether to go for long sleeves or sleeveless, a short-sleeved blouse is usually the answer. Hello ronron’s Lynn Top is a form-fitting staple that pairs well with almost any bottom. This versatile pick features a ribbed texture, cap sleeves and a flattering scoop neck design. For a minimal outfit that’s a little less ordinary, I skipped the usual skirt or pants pairing and wore this top under a slip dress instead. It was a winner – a comfy look that drew in compliments throughout the day.
Wednesday: A halter top, ‘cos the weather was hot
Mid-week rolled around and the weather was blazingly hot. I had originally planned to wear a midi skirt, but a glance out the window warranted a change in my plans. Thankfully, I had the Rosa Top on my rail: a surprisingly breezy knitwear option to bring this comfy fabric into warm days. Slightly sheer, this soft knit piece gets bonus points from me for having adjustable straps and a chic keyhole detail. I threw this on with denim cut-offs and strappy sandals for the dream summer outfit.
Thursday: A knit midi for the office (and the bar)
Now that we’re easing into more work from office days, it’s time to bring back work-appropriate looks to my outfit rotation. I decided I couldn’t go wrong with a midi skirt and a simple top. Hello ronron has just the thing with its Sylvie Skirt. This soft knit midi features natural shell buttons that took me from day to night. I simply unbuttoned the last button for a higher slit length that turned my office look into an outfit for the bar.
Friday: A long-sleeved blouse for chilly days
Created with loungewear-level comfort, the Agnes Top deserves a spot in my knitwear lineup. As much as Singapore’s tropical weather can be blazingly hot, there are stormy days too. When the rain had me craving a bowl of piping hot soup, I pulled on the Agnes Top for extra cosiness. I love how it can be dressed up or down: worn with tailored trousers for a meeting, or paired with a denim skirt for a casual coffee run.
So, would I wear these knitwear pieces under the hottest of Singapore’s rays? Honestly, I’d give the knit midi skirt and the long-sleeved blouse a swerve. They’re too warm for over 30°C heat but are ideal for days when you’re popping in and out of the AC. Instead, the sleeveless and short-sleeved tops are lightweight enough to see you through a sunny day (especially when paired with shorts or a skirt). For in-between weather or those can’t-decide-what-to-wear occasions, the midi dress is my pick.
If you’re keen to jumpstart your knitwear rotation, shop them from hello ronron. Fun fact: every piece is made from fully fashioned knitwear. This is a method where the parts of a garment (the front, back and sleeves) are knitted into the exact right shape before being sewn together, eliminating cutting to reduce wastage of fabric. Gentle on the environment and soft on the skin, what’s not to love?
This post is in partnership with hello ronron.