The Fashion Memo

The Ultimate Knitwear Guide: Key Styles To Wear Now

Cooler days call for more layers, making winter the perfect time to invest in classic and characterful knits. Discover the five essential styles every woman should own in our definitive guide

Words Colleen RossFashion editor Jasmine Dunne
Fashion
A characterful or classic crew neck is a must-have in every woman’s closet

The crew neck

A crew neck is undoubtedly the most versatile piece in this knitwear roundup, but there are still a few things to consider when searching for the perfect piece – natural fibers, texture, and whether you’re lacking something light or heavy for layering. Character matters, too, and Loewe’s jacquard-knit sweater has plenty. Knitted from a fuzzy wool blend, it depicts one of British artist Louis Wain’s cats against a bucolic backdrop, making it the perfect way to add personality to your look. Elsewhere, La Ligne’s ‘Hamish’ style has an argyle pattern that’s both trending and timeless. If you’re after something a little more pared-back, Brunello Cucinelli’s sumptuously soft cream style is just the ticket. It has a slightly loose fit that’s ideal for lounging but polished enough to wear out of the house, too.

  • LOEWE
    + Luis Wain knitted wool-blend sweater
    €1,050.00
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  • LA LIGNE
    Hamish argyle wool and cashmere-blend sweater
    €255.00
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  • BRUNELLO CUCINELLI
    Ribbed-knit sweater
    €1,500.00
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  • THE ROW
    Maira cashmere sweater
    €1,350.00
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Styled with a tee underneath or statement necklace, the V-neck is easily elevated

The V-neck

There’s something about a V-neck sweater that feels super-elevated, making it suitable for the office or, with the right styling, a party. A classic choice, Arch4’s ‘Holyhead’ sweater is spun from sky-blue cashmere for exceptional softness, while Rùadh’s ‘The Sanderson’ style comes in bright poppy-red cashmere and has a loose fit. Wear it with high-rise jeans, an oversized coat and loafers for an easy winter look. Alternatively, reach for &Daughter’s ‘Glenn’ version, which has been made by hand in Donegal, Ireland, from sumptuous wool and is a highlight of our NET SUSTAIN edit.

  • &DAUGHTER
    Glenn wool sweater
    €336.00
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  • RÙADH
    The Sanderson cashmere sweater
    €1,035.00
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  • SAINT LAURENT
    Cashmere sweater
    €1,500.00
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  • HIGH SPORT
    Billie wool sweater
    €417.00
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The turtleneck

Ask any fashion editor what their go-to knit is and chances are they’ll say a turtleneck. Why? Because it’s versatile and can make even the simplest outfit feel polished with next to no effort. The Row’s ‘Mariam’ sweater looks sophisticated paired with tailored pants and loafers for the office but can also be styled back with relaxed denim and a field jacket for weekend walks. Alternatively, dress up a blazer or lace-trimmed slip dress with Toteme’s sumptuous beige design. Our top styling trick? Tuck your hair into the turtleneck and frame your face with a pair of hoop earrings.

  • THE ROW
    Mariam cashmere turtleneck sweater
    €1,840.00
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  • PROENZA SCHOULER WHITE LABEL
    Sol knitted turtleneck sweater
    €393.00
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  • GIVENCHY
    Draped wool-blend turtleneck sweater
    €840.00
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  • LESET
    Jesse wool mock neck sweater
    €267.00
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Always polished and versatile, the turtleneck sweater is every editor’s top choice
The cardigan – whether pared back or creatively embellished – is a winter-wardrobe staple

The cardigan

The cardigan’s comeback is well and truly cemented, with celebrities, fashion editors and content creators all favoring a cozy button-down design. Few cardigans are chicer than The Row’s ‘Loneke’ style, which is spun from soft wool with classic cable ties. Size up for an even looser fit and pair it with straight-leg jeans or tailored pants, socks and loafers. If you prefer neat, boxy shapes, try Guest In Residence’s ‘Ava’ cashmere and silk-blend cardigan. Alternatively, Gucci’s version from our NET SUSTAIN edit is made with the brand’s ‘GG’ motif in contrasting lilac threads.

  • THE ROW
    Loneke cable-knit wool cardigan
    €1,325.00
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  • GUEST IN RESIDENCE
    Ava cashmere and silk-blend cardigan
    €434.00
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  • PROENZA SCHOULER
    Rocio cahsmere-blend cardigan
    €930.00
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  • LOULOU DE SAISON
    Aidar merino wool and cashmere-blend cardigan
    €175.00
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From half-zipped to rugby-striped styles, the polo adds a sporty touch to relaxed looks

The polo

Fashion’s obsession with polo knits shows no sign of slowing, with tastemakers taking to the streets during fashion month wearing various iterations of the preppy style. Finally, a spectator sport we can get behind! The key to keeping your look elevated is to choose polos in the finest materials, such as wool or cashmere, and pair them with polished separates. Crafted in Los Angeles using the softest cashmere, The Elder Statesman’s ‘Laurel’ version comes in vibrant fern green that works perfectly with blue denim and neutral tailoring alike, which means you can wear it to work as well as on the weekend. Alternatively, for a sportier take, opt for a polo with collegiate stripes, such as Sea’s ‘Hester’ sweater, which is playfully detailed with embroidery and a contrasting collar.

  • THE ELDER STATESMAN
    Laurel cashmere polo sweater
    €843.00
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  • GUCCI
    Striped wool-blend half-zip polo sweater
    €2,300.00
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  • VICTORIA BECKHAM
    Milano merino wool and cashmere-blend half-zip sweater
    €474.00
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  • SEA
    Hester embroidered striped cotton and cashmere-blend rugby shirt
    €308.00
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    x small - out of stock
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