New knitwear

The chill is setting in, which means winter knits are on show. Style director Louise Hilsz shares some hot trends and tips for this wardrobe staple.

Red

This winter’s hot hue is red, thanks to its significant visibility at New York Fashion Week. Red cardigans were a street style highlight, and Daughter's Poppy Red Ada Cardigan was named the "it-knit" this season. Celebrities like Bella Hadid have also popularised the look, tapping into nostalgic 60s sweater sets and early 2000s preppy styles. Furthermore, red is a key "pop of colour" in otherwise neutral outfits, aligning with a broader trend of incorporating brighter hues. Its versatility allows for various styling options, and a general shift towards practical yet fashionable capsule wardrobe items has further fuelled its appeal, all amplified by social media influence.

Ruby Matilda cardigan, $329. Country Road Fluffy Knit Short Sleeve Top, $179. Gorman Sweetheart Cardigan, $289. Ganni Future Wool Mix Oversized Sweater, $649.

Neutral

Neutral knitwear is a winter wardrobe staple. Perhaps due to its exceptional versatility in layering with various outerwear and undergarments, its effortless pairing with diverse colours and patterns, and its timeless aesthetic that transcends fleeting trends, ensuring longevity. These pieces offer a foundation for building a cohesive and sophisticated wardrobe, providing comfort and practicality for colder months. Their understated elegance and adaptability make this hue indispensable for creating stylish and functional winter looks.

Seed Lofty Textured Roll Neck Knit, $210. Karen Walker Cable Knit Cropped Sweater Grey Marle, $495. Tuesday Label Drew Jumper, $249. Coop Bow-Delicious Top, $189.

cardigan

Cardigans offer versatile layering options; drape them over tees or button-downs for mild days, or layer under jackets as temperatures drop. Experiment with silhouettes by belting longer styles for definition or embracing the comfort of oversized versions with slim bottoms. Embrace autumnal colours like green and mustard, and consider textured knits for added visual interest. Complete your look with cosy scarves, stylish hats, and boots, adapting the cardigan's chunky, fine-knit, long, or cropped style to suit the occasion and your personal taste for a comfortable and fashionable fall ensemble.

Sills Bodo Ribbed Cardigan, $399. Gregory Farrah Knit Cardi, $399. Glassons Oversized Button Up Knit Cardigan, $40. Wynn Hamlyn Flower Cardigan, $520.

Preppy-sweater

Preppy knitwear is the hottest trend for this category due to a potent mix of nostalgic appeal, fueled by social media's #oldmoney aesthetic and celebrity endorsements, alongside modern reinterpretations that offer fresh takes on classic styles. This resurgence also reflects a desire for timeless and versatile pieces that provide a polished alternative to more fleeting trends, with high-fashion designers further validating the look and influencing broader consumer preferences for this enduring and adaptable style. To style preppy knitwear, focus on layering classic pieces like crew necks or cardigans over collared shirts, paired with traditional bottoms such as chinos, tailored trousers, or pleated skirts. Opt for timeless knitwear styles like cable knits, argyle patterns, or striped sweaters, and complete the look with classic footwear like loafers or ballet flats. Accessorise with scarves, belts, and simple jewellery, and consider modern twists by playing with proportions or incorporating unexpected pairings for a fresh take on this polished aesthetic.

Polo Ralph Lauren Cable-Knit Cotton Crewneck Sweater, $279. &DAUGHTER Cricket V-Neck Slouchy Cable, $989. Guest In Residence Striped Rugby, $1040. Tommy Jeans Star Knit Cardigan, $229.