The Best Cosy Jumpers by British Designers This Winter

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If you’re anything like us and you rediscover your love for the oversized cuts, rich fabrications and deep colour palettes that go hand-in-hand with winter fashion every time the season comes around, then the recent drop in London’s climate must have come not just as a breath of fresh air but a well-directed breeze towards your knitwear wardrobe.

If it’s in need of a refresh, and even if it’s not, it’s time to familiarise yourself with the work of some of the best UK designers’ – from luxury labels to affordable high street iterations – and the spin that they’re putting on this winter staple for AW17.

Loved not only for her directional design aesthetic but her focus on sustainability, British-born Stella McCartney forever sits at the top of our new-season wishlist, be it for that all-important investment coat or something a little more directional. This heavy ribbed-knit jumper is the master of sports-luxe style; it’s cropped to the waist, features a statement hood and it taps into the trend that’s showing no signs of waning: the statement sleeve.

Shop the look at Net A Porter.

Nothing spells effortless style quite like the jumper dress and Finery’s chunky roll-neck iteration is perfect for those inevitable ‘nothing-to-wear’ days. Layer up with thigh-high boots to eschew the need for tights and add statement earrings for a dressed-up edge, minimal planning required.

Shop the look at Finery.

Sitting somewhere between high street and high end, Reiss creates classic seasonal pieces that you’ll wear time and time again. But then there’s this jumper, and it ticks all our AW17 trend criteria. Boxy in silhouette with a graphic, Burberry-esque pattern and spun from a soft mohair and wool blend, it’s a trend piece without the designer price-point, so what’s not to love? Brave bare legs while you still can and wear it with a suede mini skirt.

Shop the look at Reiss.

There’s always something a little unique about JW Anderson’s designs and this Italian-made roll-neck, whilst undeniably easy to wear, features statement ribbed detailing at the neckline as well as the designer’s signature exaggerated sleeves – this time finished with a chunky roll-up cuff. Dress it up with a pillarbox-red midi skirt and white ankle boots or go for something a little more low-key and style it with leather leggings and sneakers.

Shop the look at Net A Porter.

Cease the hunt for a chic take on the Christmas jumper; Bella Freud has the answer. Her Fairytale Of New York knit is spun from a fine merino-wool composition to a wearable slim fit and is emblazoned with her signature typography which spells out a tasteful nod to the festive season that, whilst appropriately joyful, doesn’t pigeon-hole itself into December. Wear it now with 1970s-inspired wide-leg tailoring and tuck it into a tulle midi skirt come spring.

Shop the look at Bella Freud.

There’s something beautifully sensual about an oversized knit that reveals a slash of skin, be it across the décolletage or, in the case of this Chinti & Parker design, at the back. Crafted from the softest cashmere and wool blend and finished with an oversized velvet bow, this piece is all about the texture. It sits somewhere between effortless and elegant and proves that when done right, knitwear can make for the ultimate day to night companion.

Shop the look at Chinti & Parker.

Everyone’s favourite British highstreet retailer, Topshop, is once again, a haven for all-things new-season. Topping our list of places to go for that quick-fix trend piece, its items like this frill-neck knit that seem so affordable that they need little consideration when it comes to purchase… right?

Shop the look at Topshop.

Putting a modern spin on the classic British cable knit, Victoria Beckham once again gives everyday dressing a fashion-focused edge – it is, after all, what she does best. This cream jumper showcases a whole host of knitting techniques that combine to create something so cosy you’ll want to wear it on downtime, so chic that it lends itself just as well with a pair of cigarette pants and point-toe sock boots. In essence, it’s the ultimate in versatile winter staples.

Shop the look at Net A Porter.

Not technically a jumper but a beautiful example of knitwear turned modern (so it’s made its way into the line-up all the same), Warehouse’s open-shoulder midi dress is part of their recent collaboration with fashion journalist, Pandora Sykes and therefore, it gives us even more reason to believe it’s the one item our wardrobes are absolutely in need of. It’s ribbed through the body to elongate the silhouette and it’s detailed with self-tie straps that give its 1990s-inspired silhouette a relevant twist.

Shop the look at Warehouse.

Purveyor of all-things British, it’s no surprise that Burberry have pulled out all the stops when it comes to their knitwear collection this season. This oversized cardigan is a little bit bohemian and a lot luxurious; its spun from a rich wool-cashmere blend and it’s comprised of a patchwork design, tactile fringing and Fair Isle paneling, epitomizing the phrase ‘statement piece’. As much an impressive work of construction as it is a functional cover-up, there’s no denying its worthy of a top spot on that winter wishlist.

Shop the look at Burberry.

Mustard yellow – a colour only a few of those more fortunate of fashion mavens can successfully pull off without looking like, well, a jar of mustard. If you happen to be one of them, now is the time to celebrate the shade in all its retro glory. Still not convinced? French Connection have the answer with their high-neck jumper; an oversized silhouette complete with textured laddered detailing and a manageable high street price point. Work the look with high-rise mom jeans or go all-out Daphne and Velma and try a patchwork mini skirt or wide-leg cords.

Shop the look at French Connection.

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