ALIGNE Knitwear: What to Buy for a Modern Wardrobe

I trust people who have spent years buying clothes for other people, because they know what actually sells and what only photographs well. Dalbir Bains was one of them, a veteran buyer and fashion executive, and she founded ALIGNE in London in 2020. Ginny Seymour, another buyer by background, joined in 2022 and reimagined the label into the shape it has now, so I think of ALIGNE as having two chapters.

Seymour's version is built on British tailoring: a shaped waist, ease through the rest of the silhouette and good fabrics. The label's own story ties that to women's confidence and a small East London team. The Daphne blazer has sold more than 20,000, which tells me that proportion is a better sales pitch than any slogan. Clothes that make you feel sure of yourself by getting the cut right, rather than asking for attention, are my favorite kind.

ALIGNE's interest in proportion shows up in the knits as much as in the tailoring. The Daphne Fleck Waisted Cardigan and Chase Peplum Knit Sweater both make shape part of the design, and the Aggie Merino Argyle Cardigan brings a traditional pattern into the mix. I would wear the Daphne over a simple skirt or trousers when I want the waist to do the work, then let the argyle carry a quieter outfit.

The Judith Merino Jumper is the cleaner line for days when I want less going on. My practical tip is to decide whether the knit or the rest of the outfit should set the shape, then keep the other half plain.

This is the most recognizably ALIGNE territory, a strong jacket or blazer that gives the outfit a clear outline. The Daphne High Neck Blazer and Bonnie Ponte Waisted Blazer put the waist at the center, the Brody Bomber Jacket shifts the mood away from tailoring, and the Anouk Double Faced Jacket is the relaxed one. The Abigail Cardigan and Adrianna Crew Neck Knit Jumper sit nearby for when a jacket feels like too much.

Picture her leaving the office in the Bonnie Ponte Blazer over a simple knit, then keeping it on for dinner. What I would skip: judging a jacket on the hanger. Try it over the layers you really wear, because it should move easily as well as look precise.

The trousers are where a sharper top half can meet a looser line. The Markus Ponte Trouser is the straight tailored note, the Riley Check Trouser adds a pattern, and the Meryl Balloon Jean brings a rounder denim shape. The Kayleigh Leather Culotte and Millicent Satin Trouser in Navy bring in different textures.

In my fashion dreams, I wear the Riley Check Trouser with a plain top and one of the waisted jackets, letting the pattern speak without a second print. My test is balance: when the trouser has volume or texture, keep the top clean and close.

The tops make the polished side of ALIGNE feel less formal. The Janey Ruched Sleeve Top is the soft detail, the Dana Sheer Top is a lighter layer, and the Ester Polo Top brings a familiar collar. The Sue-ellen Sheet Knitted Shirt, Leona Scarf Satin Top and Olsen Knitted Shirt give me a few more textures to choose from.

I would put the Ester Polo Top under a blazer for a workday, or let the Dana Sheer Top be the first layer for dinner. One small rule: with a detailed sleeve or collar, keep earrings and necklaces spare so the clothes keep their own rhythm.

ALIGNE's best idea is not one heroic outfit but a way of getting dressed that gives the wearer room. A waisted blazer sets the outline, then knitwear or loose trousers change the mood around it. I like a label that can be polished and a little unbuttoned, and whose clothes do not need a special occasion to make sense. I want the shape to do enough, and then I can decide how much of the day to show up for, although I admit the blazer usually decides for me.