Hailey Bieber sported a camel and blue Fair Isle-style knit while out in Los Angeles last December

For those in the northern hemisphere, it’s appropriate to shrug on as soon as the nights draw in right until sweater weather deteriorates. That being said, even in season-less Los Angeles, stars like Hailey Bieber have been seen in the cozy Fair Isle knits grabbing coffees.

Taking its name from the island of Fair Isle — part of the Shetland archipelago about 100 miles off the northeastern coast of Scotland — the knitting technique first began in fisherman’s hats during the 18th and 19th century (our beloved sweaters came much later). The two strand pattern was not only artistic, but made the tall, conical shaped caps extra warm by doubling the textile mass. They often featured a knitted interior lining, too.

As she walked through the streets of L.A., Hailey paired the sweater with minimal makeup, a casual hairstyle, and sleek accessories, exuding a relaxed yet polished vibe. The cozy yet fashionable look was an ideal choice for the season, showcasing how even classic patterns can be reinvented to create a contemporary, stylish ensemble.

The typical Fair Isle knit follows an ‘OXO’ pattern, where a geometric ‘O’ is followed by an ‘X’ and repeated throughout the garment. Some knitters fill the ‘O’ shape with symbols such as crosses, snowflakes, or a central dot called a “goose’s eye”. But what set them apart from other fishing workwear was the vivid color palette.