Trying to find the equilibrium between warmth and elegance at this time of year ultimately comes down to one thing: a knitwear rotation that has been thoughtfully, almost artfully, assembled. In theory, it sounds easy, but to the uninitiated, curating a capsule of knits that truly serves your wardrobe is something of an acquired skill.
A truly elevated knitwear collection rests on several core pieces. First come luxurious base layers—a soft cashmere or merino knit that sits neatly beneath everything else, then a cardigan with structure and intention, the kind that feels polished enough for the office but relaxed enough for evenings at home. And then there is the pièce de résistance of winter dressing: the chunky turtleneck. A few seasons ago, the term conjured memories of bulky, fusty silhouettes, but today’s interpretations are a different story. Designers have refined the proportions, sculpted the neckline, and balanced volume with precision, resulting in knits that bring instant elevation to denim, leggings or tailored trousers.
From COS’s cult Chunky Cashmere Funnel-Neck to Rise & Fall’s beautifully engineered merino styles, the landscape of knitwear has never been stronger. Keep scrolling to shop the styles that have earned a place in my own rotation.
Shop The Best Chunky Turtlenecks
A cult item, this chunky wool jumper pairs a sculptural funnel neck with an oversized, easy-to-style silhouette. The rich brown shade adds warmth to winter dressing, while the clean lines make it feel so premium. Wear it with wide-leg trousers for a quietly luxurious look.
Zara's feels very oversized "The Row” at a fraction of the price. With a slouchy silhouette, dropped shoulders and a refined ribbed finish, it’s the ideal throw-on knit for creating effortless, minimalist outfits all season long.
H&M is a great place to find expensive-looking knitwear at a great price and this wool-blend jumper is soft, cosy and endlessly versatile. The relaxed fit makes it ideal for layering, while the premium-feel texture gives the whole look a chic upgrade without stretching your budget.
Made from 70% merino wool and 30% cashmere ,the Rise & Fall high-neck jumper marries luxury and practicality in one deceptively simple silhouette; a relaxed high neck, softly dropped shoulders, and a generously draped cut that makes it feel more like a piece from a designer brand.
Crafted from a substantial heavy-gauge knit, this roll-neck jumper brings a refined, architectural feel to winter outfits. The streamlined silhouette and luxurious handle ensure it works just as well tucked into tailored trousers as it does with weekend denim.
Proof that cashmere can be both bold and understated, this chunky funnel-neck style comes in a deep, rich red that feels fresh yet timeless. The thick, plush knit offers maximum warmth, while the minimalist design keeps it looking effortlessly polished.
Another lovely find from Rise & Fall, this Cashmere-Merino blend has rib detailing for a beautifully textured finished. Warm, weighty and ultra-premium, it’s the kind of knit that instantly makes an outfit feel considered and expensive.
A slightly less chunky option if you're looking for something more refined, this cropped turtleneck is crafted from regenerative wool, giving it both eco-credentials and incredible softness. The slightly shrunken length works perfectly with high-waist trousers and skirts.
This cashmere-blend turtleneck epitomises elevated basics. The dark grey hue is effortlessly chic, while the soft, lightweight feel makes it perfect for layering under coats or half-tucked into tailored trousers for an understated, Scandi-inspired look.
A clever two-in-one design, this merino jumper features a detachable roll neck that lets you switch between a classic turtleneck and a clean crew-neck silhouette. It’s a versatile layering hero that adapts to changing weather.
While the cream option has already sold out, H&M’s 100% wool jumper in brown brings a refined elegance to the chunky turtleneck silhouette, thanks to its ribbed texture and softly dropped shoulders.
The cashmere brand all the It girls are wearing, Soft Goat's signature ultra-soft cashmere, the Girlfriend Turtleneck is a luxe wardrobe staple. The greige shade is the ultimate quiet-luxury neutral, while the relaxed cut delivers an effortlessly elegant silhouette you’ll reach for year after year.
It doesn't get much better than Lisa Yang cashmere. Refined, timeless and impeccably crafted, the Heidi sweater is quintessential minimalist knitwear. Made from pure cashmere with a clean crew-neck finish, it’s the kind of forever piece that anchors a capsule wardrobe and elevates even the simplest outfit.
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