THE KNIT LIST: HERE'S HOW TO STYLE YOUR JUMPERS THIS SEASON

It’s jumper season. There's something nostalgic about reaching for that first knit of autumn – maybe it's because it means change is in the air. The leaves are crisper, nights are darker and the vibes are cosier. Something that doesn't change, though? Our love for knitwear. From cropped jumpers to oversized jumpers, this humble wardrobe staple's ability to bypass time is exactly why it's on runways and in your wardrobe season after season.

Whether it’s a cream, green or black jumper, all the best styles come in one classic pattern: cable knit. We’ve got Irish fishermen to thank for the invention of this iconic pattern, and brands like Polo Ralph Lauren for putting it on the fashion map. After becoming a quiet-luxury staple – especially slim-fitting V-neck styles – it would be distasteful to divorce the cable-knit jumper from its similarly preppy soulmates: structured skirts, crisp-collared shirts and autumn-appropriate riding boots. 

 

GET THE LOOK:
Polo Ralph Lauren cable knit jumper in navy, £189
Barbour Robyn trench showerproof in mist/hessian tartan, £269
ASOS DESIGN tailored pleated mini skirt in stone, £24
ASOS DESIGN cinched seam detail shirt in white, £24
Simmi London Oakleigh riding knee boots with buckle detail in black, £55

Named after the Scottish island of its origin, this design is formed by knitting numerous coloured yarns together into a geometric pattern. Fair Isle knits are an emblem of the cosiness and slow lifestyle of the countryside – and ever since the royals endorsed them decades ago (see: Princess Diana, who knew good knits), they’ve retained their reign over autumn/winter wardrobes. Refresh yours for the new season by teaming them with exaggerated silhouettes, elevated accessories and statement boots in trending shades.

 

GET THE LOOK:
Reclaimed Vintage fairisle printed heavyweight jumper in cream, £42.99
ASOS DESIGN slim barrel jeans in rinse wash, £34
Topshop Pearl point toe ankle boot in burgundy eel, £45
Kylie Skin Lip Oil - Hazelnut Creme, £24
Pieces oversized chunky droplet earrings in gold, £10

Another fine Scottish export, argyle is the ultimate symbol of refined taste. Although it's a pillar of prep – thanks to cultural influence via the royals, golfers and (iconic) films like Clueless – it's also the ultimate pattern to subvert. Rave Review's AW25 show flipped traditional argyle on its head with rebellious styling in the form of unapologetic pattern-clashing and punk palettes – and we're taking notes for our own A/W styling.

 

GET THE LOOK:
New Look argyle print crew neck jumper in grey, £25
Barbour Wilma maxi skirt in Dundee tartan, £100
ASOS DESIGN Minnie ruched detail loafer in black, £28
ASOS DESIGN real leather buffalo harrington bomber in black, £195
Kaiia exclusive slim round clear lens blue light glasses in burgundy, £12

Shaggy jumpers are an example of the perfect kind of organised chaos – an intentional tangle of unruly fibres that create fuzzy, dimensional silhouettes. From mohair blends to brushed yarns, these textural jumpers will elevate even the most casual of looks. Lean into the snug warmth even further by doubling up on the softness with the rest of your outfit too – tuck yours into knitted midi skirts and corduroy trousers, and add faux-fur accents.

  

GET THE LOOK:
& Other Stories mohair super soft hairy knit sweater in burgundy, £96
ASOS DESIGN fluffy maxi skirt co-ord in charcoal, £30
ASOS DESIGN Lagos elasticated ballets in black suedette, £22
KIKO Milano Long Lasting Colour Lip Marker - 107 Plum, £12
ASOS DESIGN tubular handle canvas tote bag in brown leopard, £16

Suffering from a serious case of leopard-print fatigue? Allow us to introduce you to its successor: deer print (better known by its much cuter nickname: Bambi). This represents the latest stage of cottagecore’s revolution, and knits with these mottled white spots and neutral palettes shine brightest when paired with hyper-femme styles. Take a break from the rich burgundy, navy and charcoal dominating AW25 and go all-in on coquette instead: longline jumpers paired with polka-dot tights and bloomers, baby pink and ruffles everywhere.

 

GET THE LOOK:
ASOS DESIGN oversized knit jumper in bambi print, £32
Simmi London Benton knee high chunky biker boots in brown, £55
ASOS Design scrunchie with frill and bow detail in pink, £10
Stradivarius frill culottes in white, £25.99
Calzedonia Sheer polka dot tights in black polka dot, £16.99
​

Tucking in a jumper is a minor gesture that gives major style points. For ultimate cool-girl styling, nothing compares to a French tuck – simply tuck the front of your jumper into your bottoms, and let the back fall loose.

The crew-neck jumper is a classic that you probably already own, recognised by its simple round neckline. Styling-wise, most trousers will go with this classic silhouette, but you can't go wrong teaming your crew-neck with smart styles or structured dark-wash jeans. And keep up the understated vibe with monochromatic tones. But if you’re ever in doubt about your crew neck + trouser combo, break up any potentially mismatched elements by layering something underneath – like an oversized white T-shirt – so it peeks below the jumper’s hem.