Knits Will Be Stepping Out Day and Night

Knits have arrived, for night as well as day--and they may be the biggest hit of the fall fashion season. At recent showings in New York, some of America’s best-known designers came up with elegantly simple knitted looks for not-so-simple winter evenings.

From the Perry Ellis firm, for example, an elongated, black-and-white, cashmere-knit tank top was paired with a sheer, ankle-length black skirt. The separates were shown with dark stockings, low-heel shoes and almost no jewelry. (The sweater is also offered in a strapless version.)

Geoffrey Beene’s very bare, knitted tank top was attached to a shimmery, panne velvet skirt--an homage, no doubt, to the after-hours life of aerobic dancers.

The sensational sweater-dress by Bob Mackie is a long, supple, off-the-shoulder knit with a flaring skirt and glittery Lurex threaded into the Aztec pattern at neckline and sleeves. Mackie also preferred to show the neckline unadorned by much jewelry, adding only some chunky glitter earrings to perfect the model’s outfit.

An evening turtleneck by Bill Blass featured broad shoulders and pushed-up sleeves. A sumptuous satin skirt with matching belt completed the look. Blass also accessorized the outfit with nothing but earrings.

These fall knits, and many others in a similar vein, will start appearing at local stores in midsummer.