In the blink of an eye, the summer is over and the weather is on the turn. There's absolutely zero relenting for us Brits, for when autumn hits we are instantly faced with one of the most unfortunate sartorial ultimatums: wrap up or else.
For a lucky few, the drop in temperature requires little additional thought. Without batting an eyelid, some can carry on as normal, only swathed in an extra layer. However, not all of us are fated to channel a statuesque Nordic goddess in a flattering fair isle number – despite our best efforts.
Jumpers can be tricky to navigate – take a sturdy cable-knit, for instance. A disproportionate level of bulk alongside a high, rounded neckline can make you appear less 'Scandi glamazon' and more 'fisherman's apprentice'.
Luckily, there is a knit out there for everyone this season and, where possible, we encourage you to invest. There is no greater hell than an itchy piece – swerve spending an entire day regretting your jumper choice by opting for the softest cashmeres and silky merinos.
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© Imaxtree
© ImaxtreeIf inspiration is lacking, simply look to the runways. Autumn/winter 2026 truly delivered on the knitwear front, with vibrant palettes and kaleidoscopic design taking centre stage. Stella McCartney, Mugler and Rabanne injected their collections with colourful palettes executed via crochets and chevron prints, while Chloé and Bora Aksu veered towards girlier embroidery and florals. Lacoste and Zimmermann proved the enduring allure of preppy stripes and cricket silhouettes, serving up Gossip Girl vibes for all to toy with this season.
In short, splurging on one timeless knit will stand your wardrobe in excellent stead for years to come if you take good care of your wool. Shop our favourite luxury knitwear picks below.
Best designer knitwear to shop now:
Alpaca-Blend Polo Sweater
Chloé
Tap into true luxury with a lick of lilac. Chloé's unmissable polo, which is set to reinvigorate your winter wardrobe, is crafted from plush alpaca wool - perfect for embracing the cooler months ahead.
Chunky Rabbit Beanie
Charles Jeffrey Loverboy
The iconic Chunky Rabbit Beanie is back and even sweeter than before, now in fresh colourways. Crafted from ultra-soft lambswool for cosy comfort, it features floppy bunny ears and the signature LOVERBOY fox patch. The cutest autumn update - hop to it.
Ribbed-Knit Striped Wool Polo Shirt
Acne Studios
Preppy and playful, Acne Studio's striped knitted polo is a contemporary take on the classic jumper. Pair yours with a mini skirt and brogues then layer under a trench for a Gossip Girl-coded look.
Grizzly Cropped Rugby
Guest In Residence
Everyone say thank you to Gigi Hadid for creating the cosiest knitwear on the market. This Guest In Residence polo knit is a striped dream, complete with a classic collar and an autumnal colourway for the perfect preppy pick.
Appliquéd Fringed Checked Cashmere Scarf
Burberry
Cut from plush cashmere and featuring the brand's iconic checked print, Burberry's sand-toned scarf promises ample comfort wrapped up in a bold yet timeless design.
Cashmere Half-Zipper Polo Shirt
Miu Miu
Argyle prints will never go out of fashion. Tap into the timeless school-girl aesthetic with a luxury twist courtesy of Miu Miu - the brand that rules the roost when it comes to cute, preppy style.
Marzipan Jacquard Wool Cardigan
Bode
The best thing about knitwear? It can always be unisex. Bode's craft-led knit is topping our wishlist. Featuring A 70s-inspired colour palette and playful logo detailing, this layer of luxury snugness will never fail to brighten a drizzly day.
Diha Knitted Wool-Blend Shorts
Isabel Marant
Introducing knitted shorts - a snug layer primed for pairing with tights and your favourite crisp boyfriend shirt. Perfect for weekend strolling and at-home mooching, these Isabel Marant options are a must-have for those who prioritise comfort.
Nimbus Stripe Juniper Pant
The Elder Statesman
If unapologetic luxury is what you're searching for, look no further than The Elder Statesman. The brand is a vibrant source of striking, colourful knitwear for those with the cash to splash - and these trousers are the epitome of joyful dressing.
How we chose:
- Style: It goes without saying, but we're not lusting after just any piece of knitwear. When combing through the internet's top designer fashion sites for the best pieces, we ensured that each of our picks are chic and wearable, ranging from knitted midi dresses to cool-girl cardigans. For maximum wearability? Opt for a neutral hue or timeless pattern for guaranteed classic appeal.
- Brand: When it comes to investment dressing, it's certainly true that splurging on a stylish coat or a classic bag constitutes money well spent. However, pieces of designer knitwear are head and shoulders above their high street counterparts in terms of quality. All our picks are by designer labels, spanning from Zimmermann to Loewe.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
