In the colder months, a neutral knit takes some beating. But this season, an influx of unexpected cuts, joyful detailing and bold print has come to join the usual staples.
Call it the Claudia Winkleman effect. The presenter’s Traitors wardrobe has become a touchstone of British winter dressing, and chunky knits with statement twists have become a focal point of her surprisingly covetable Highland-goth aesthetic.
The catwalks have also had a shaping influence. From Miu Miu’s ongoing penchant for sporty stripes to Khaite deftly shifting the argyle print renaissance into the mainstream, designers have injected plenty of personality into the knitwear category.
Now is the time to play with new cuts (this will be the winter of the scarf knit), try a personality sweater, or enjoy the dopamine boost offered by the tactile, “fuzzy” fabrics that have infiltrated the high street. Here are the best buys to help you go forth in style – and warmth.
Unexpected cuts
A detachable scarf or draped detail here, an asymmetric collar or cape there – unique cuts are shaping up to be one of the biggest knitwear trends of the year. They’re perfect for minimalists looking to shake things up without straying too far from the usual neutral palette. Most intriguing of all is the open-back jumper, which gives a nice nod to the “naked back” trend seen on many a runway (Talia Byre, Tove, Kent & Curwen) at London Fashion Week.
Shop unique knits
Personality knits
The great thing about a statement sweater is that it does all the talking for you, an option that’s proving popular at brands like Essentiel Antwerp. “Our most expressive styles are always the first to sell out,” says Head of Design and Artistic Director, Tom Depoortere. “Statement knits resonate at this time of year because they add joy to the colder months. When the days get darker, a bold knit transforms from a simple layer into an instant mood lifter.”
Depoortere suggests maximalist styling to get the most out of a personality piece. “More is more,” he says. “Mix patterns and textures to create a look that feels layered and unexpected.” There’s also something to be said for keeping the rest of the outfit simple.
Add colour to your wardrobe
Tactile textures
For a subtle statement option to embrace the season’s tactile fabrications, opt for mohair, brushed cashmere and anything with a little fuzz. There are plenty of pleasing iterations on the high street (try Cos or The White Company) but for an investment piece, look to Stockholm-based Soft Goat.
“Let the knit lead,” says the label’s brand director, Amanda Grahn Pettersson. “Pair a bold style with your favourite denim, tailored trousers or layer it for depth. Keep everything else simple so the knit takes centre stage; comfortable, confident and expressive.” Three words to dress by, this season and beyond.
Get the textured look
Argyle print
This recurring fashion favourite dates back to the Scottish Clan Campbell of Argyll in the 17th century. It’s had various moments in the spotlight since then, but its current renaissance can be seen everywhere from Prada to Zara via Khaite’s AW25 show. There, argyle knits in shades of chocolate brown and sky blue were sumptuously styled with leather trousers and cropped fur jackets.
Historic inspiration
Go grey
The fashion gods have spoken: this is the season to go grey. With your knitwear, that is. The oft-overlooked neutral feels on-point at the moment, not least because it was everywhere on the autumn/winter 2025 catwalks. Slate has never looked more sumptuous than at Victoria Beckham’s show, while Stella McCartney played into the colour’s corporate associations. Pair a knit in palest grey with your winter whites for a fresh update.
Shop sumptuous grey knits
Tanks and tees
The knitted tank now feels like a permanent category in itself, and it’s joined this year by a newer addition: the knitted T-shirt. Both are trans-seasonal hero pieces that will layer seamlessly from autumn into winter, worn alone or over a white shirt or long-sleeved cotton T-shirt. Most of the best options out there are neutral, but there’s something irresistible about Me+Em’s scallop stripe cashmere iteration in an on-trend combination of burnt caramel and blush pink.
Knitted tanks and T-shirts to try
Sporty stripes
The rugby shirt revival and endless sporty stripes have brought a collegiate mood to the catwalk for the past few seasons. Since spring/summer 2023, the look has been near synonymous with Miu Miu, where stripes in multiple colours and widths have become a signature. This season, try a collared “polo sweater” for a preppy update, or layer a crew-neck over a shirt in either a block colour or clashing stripes.