Any fashion editor or style expert will tell you that, while you can undoubtedly rely on the high street for the majority of your wardrobe staples, there are a couple of areas really worth investing in and one of these is knitwear.
A premium piece of knit can be worth the investment and last you years if cared for correctly. There’s nothing more frustrating than shrunken sweaters, out-of-shape cardigans or bobbled jumpers, which is why opting to buy a single piece that works hard in your wardrobe over several budget options can pay off tenfold when it comes to quality and longevity.
When it comes to knitwear, pure cashmere, merino wool and silk can feel much more luxurious. It is worth remembering if you do decide to splash out on a new item, it will only last years if you spend the time caring for it – so do not just throw it in the washing machine.
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Our shopping team has curated a selection of their most coveted knitwear pieces, from staples they already own and adore to those they’re eyeing up for their next wardrobe investment. Whether you’re looking for something cosy and traditional, or a little more contemporary, we’ve picked out a mix of key styles from top brands like Cos , Toast, M&S and Uniqlo for you to add to your own shopping basket this October. Here’s what we’re shopping:
Bethan’s pick: Cos Wool Crew-Neck Cardigan – £85
I made my first real knitwear investment last winter when I purchased a black, round-neck wool cardigan from Cos for £85. I’d been on the hunt for a black cardigan and spotted a fashion influencer wearing this one on Instagram.
And while this was more than I’d typically pay for a cardigan, it ticked all of the boxes I was looking for, from the weight and chunkiness of the knit to the round neck, pockets and length. I have worn the cardigan countless times since and I adore it.
Its quality is incredible, and though I have always taken care when putting it in the laundry, it’s always washed beautifully, maintaining its shape and without bobbling. As such, I was scouting the retailer’s site for some similar options and came across this striped version of the knit . The classic cardigan is ideal for transitional styling throughout autumn, winter and even spring, and I already know it will be just as hardworking in my wardrobe as my beloved black version.
Lucy’s pick: Uniqlo’s Cashmere Crew Neck Short Cardigan – £99.90
Uniqlo is my go-to fashion brand for wardrobe staples so their pieces are a great option if you’re looking for seasonal knitwear that you can mix and match with almost any outfit. Browsing through the cashmere range at Uniqlo and this Cashmere Crew Neck Short Cardigan for £99.90 immediately stood out to me.
This autumn, I’m loving the button-up cardigan trend – I know it’s a style I will wear time and time again, so I don’t mind spending that little bit extra on a high-quality item. I also noticed that reviews for this cardigan state that the design ‘does not bobble’ meaning you can wash it freely without fear.
The cardigan comes in sizes XS to XL and while my favourite is ‘beige’, a soft mushroom brown, it’s also available in black, pink, white and mustard. There’s nothing worse than itchy knitwear but this 100% cashmere cardigan promises a super soft finish that should feel like a dream. The lightweight feel means it might not be one I reach for on a really cold day without a coat, however, it’s ideal for transitional autumn weather and the perfect knit to layer.
Phoebe’s pick: White Company’s Funnel Neck Cable Jumper – £149
I adore cable knit jumpers but find the majority come in a cropped style these days, so as soon as I spotted this option from White Company, I immediately added it to my wish list. The £149 jumper is a cosy long length that’s sure to keep you toasty warm and is available in sizes XS to XL. The chunky jumper is perfect for autumn layering and will feel extra luxurious and soft thanks to it having a dash of cashmere in its mainly wool fabric.
The jumper is a relaxed fit and has a flattering dropped shoulder and side splits. I love the bold textured diamond pattern and high neckline, as it’s super snug but less constricting than a full roll neck. I’d pair it with jeans, chunky boots and a teddy coat to create the ultimate cosy outfit.
Lauren’s pick: Mango Perkins Knitted Sweater- £35.99
I’m that gal who can’t resist a pop of pink in their wardrobe, and that fact doesn’t change when it comes to knitwear. This autumn, my beloved Urban Outfitter’s bright off-the-shoulder fit is finally on its last legs after almost a decade of wear, so it’s time to put it to bed and snap up another pretty-in-pink replacement.
Enter this fuchsia number from Mango, with its bold hue, high collar, and straight fit. I’d style it with a matching hot pink lip, a black faux leather skirt, and a pair of dark sunglasses, British weather permitting (yes, I’m pretty much stealing this entire look from the model above, but they make this fit look cooler than I ever could).
True, I don’t quite think £35.99 constitutes ‘luxury’ — but in typical Mango fashion, it looks much more expensive than its reasonable price tag suggests. I recommend it if you prefer a pop of colour in your winter wardrobe and like looking luxe without fear of crying into your overdraft.
Harriet’s pick: M&S Striped Crew Neck – £39.50
Like Lauren’s £35.99 Mango pick, I’ve gone with a lower priced choice from high street favourites Marks and Spencer, except I’ve ditched luxury price for a luxury look. A thick knitted cardigan, this crew neck find not only gives off timeless energy but has a quality to match too.
I was drawn to it in-store with its bold gold button details and monochromatic black and white stripes, this could be a workwear staple or something easily dressed down with a pair of jeans. It’s thick to the touch which to me screams a long-lasting staple without an obscene investment price tag.
As much as I admire bold colours and jazzy knitwear prints on others, it’s not my cup of tea, I’m much more of a capsule girl with black, beige, grey, white, cream and brown being my go-to’s. I know I’d be able to pair this with denim and black chunky boots, wide leg flares, or skirt and tights – multiple outfit options from one knit.
Ruth’s pick: Toast Graphic Yoke Sweater – £195
Fortunately (or unfortunately) for me I already have an extensive knitwear collection that I have accumulated over the past decade. However, if I were to invest in one garment this winter it’d have to be a chunky jumper.
This graphic yoke sweater from Toast ticks all of my knitwear boxes. Effortless with jeans, perfect with a longer tee or shirt underneath, but classic enough to throw on over a midi dress or even wear to a meal out when paired with a silk or satin skirt and heeled boots.
It’s also chunky enough that when layered correctly the wearer could get away with no coat on cold days where it is dry. Made from 100% wool spun in Donegal, Ireland it’s a pricey pick at £195 but if cared for properly would no doubt last years.
It comes in two colours, navy with a green design and dark red with a brick-coloured pattern. The only negative I can think about with this knit is that it needs to be hand-washed, so it’s not a piece for someone who can’t be bothered to do this.
Eve’s pick: Arket Alpaca-Wool Blend Jumper – £87
Despite being a complete and utter summer girly, I do love it when the weather turns crisp and I can cosy up in my favourite jumpers. And one I’ve had my eye on since earlier this year when I borrowed a friend’s, is the Arket Alpaca-Wool Blend Jumper.
With its relatively relaxed and oversized shape and wide sleeves, it’s the ultimate cosy knit that comes with an air of sophistication. It’s super soft and warm having been made with a combination of polyester, alpaca, wool and elastane and falls really nicely – ie, it isn’t stiff, like some jumpers can be.
The loose crew neckline that’s ribbed – to match the sleeve cuffs and hem – is delicate and feminine and I’d pair it with a white tee underneath and some gold chunky jewellery. While the jumper comes in a variety of colours – black, grey and more – I’m eyeing up the beige for a neutral option to wear with my favourite wide leg black and blue jeans.
It can even be jazzed up with a satin skirt and more jewellery. While it’s not a showstopper of a jumper – for that I’d go for the Oliver Bonas Orange Contrast Trim V-Neck Knitted Cardigan – it’s a classic staple that’ll be a hardworking piece in my wardrobe.
Costing £87, it’s a good quality jumper that I know will keep me warm when the temperatures drop but will also keep me looking chic and stylish. Best of both worlds.
Get it here.
Tiffany’s pick: Club Monaco Cashmere Crewneck Sweater – £270
I have been a loyal Club Monaco fan since I discovered their Cashmere Shop range 10 years ago and their sweaters are crafted from the softest fibres I’ve ever felt. Along with the modern and timeless aesthetic from the brand, I enjoyed the simplicity of wearing plain-coloured monochromes and this Cashmere Crewneck Sweater, £270, has been my go-to winter staple for the last six years.
Cashmere is great at retaining body heat so I wouldn’t want a tight fit on a sweater, this relaxed and slouchy fit doesn’t add bulk and is great to serve as the perfect mid-layer between my Uniqlo thermals and wool coat. The lovely heather grey colour easily matches with any colour, even this year’s trending burgundy. It’s an investment that’s going to be worth every penny.
