There are some fashion purchases that require a little more thought than others. A new coat, for example, can change the direction of an entire wardrobe, while a particularly good pair of shoes can make even the simplest outfit feel considered. Knitwear, on the other hand, tends to be the thing we reach for without thinking too much about it, which is exactly why finding the right pieces matters.
As the new season settles in, I'm paying more attention to knitwear than usual. Not just because temperatures are dropping, but because this is the point in the year when the right jumper, cardigan or knitted layer can make getting dressed considerably easier. The best styles don't need much around them; they can be worn with jeans one day, worked into a more dressed-up look the next and still feel like something you’d genuinely want to wear again.
That's where H&M's latest knitwear collection comes in. Rather than relying on one particular silhouette or colour story, the new selection covers the pieces that tend to earn their place in a wardrobe: easy layers, more directional knits and those slightly special styles that can change the feel of an outfit without requiring an entirely new look.
There's also something to be said for the tactile appeal of knitwear at this time of year. After months of lighter fabrics, heavier textures suddenly feel exciting again. Fine knits work well as layering pieces, whilst chunkier textures can become the focal point of an outfit in their own right. And, as our wardrobes move towards richer autumnal shades, camel, beige, burgundy, brown and black all feel particularly easy to work into the mix.
This season, knitwear is less about simply having something warm to throw on and more about finding pieces with enough character to shape an outfit. From easy daytime layers to styles that can hold their own after dark, there are plenty of ways to make the humble knit feel fresh again.
I spend a lot of time talking about clothes with my friend and fellow fashion girlie Olivia Hirst, and I was curious to see how differently we'd style the same category. Knitwear is particularly good for this, as the right jumper or cardigan can take on a completely different feel depending on what you wear with it, and although we have similar style aesthetics, as you'll see, we didn't exactly take the same approach.
Style Notes: For my daytime look, I wanted to lean into those classic autumn combinations that always seem to work. A black crew-neck jumper with shoulder pads is the focal point of the outfit, giving a familiar staple a little more structure, while barrel-leg jeans add shape and contrast. I like the way the slightly sculpted shoulders work against the wider denim silhouette, keeping the outfit feeling relaxed but still considered. Mole loafers and a beige shopper keep things simple, then the grey short trench adds another layer without taking attention away from the knit. It's an easy formula, but the mix of proportions makes it feel more considered than simply throwing on a jumper and jeans. It's the sort of look I'd wear for a day in the city when I want to feel put together without overthinking it.
Style Notes: Olivia's daytime look takes a more understated approach, pairing a black half-zip knit with crinkled wrap-detail trousers and loafers. The double-knit effect of the jumper creates the illusion of two layers, adding interest to an otherwise all-black outfit without the need for much else. "I love an all-black look, especially when there's a little detail that makes it feel more interesting," Olivia says. "The layered effect of the knit does exactly that, whilst the oversized beige trench is one of those elevated autumn basics that makes everything look more considered." A brown suede tote completes the look, adding warmth to the monochrome base. "It's an outfit I would wear for a day in the city, whether heading into the office or meeting friends, as it feels put together without being too formal", she says.
Style Notes: For evening, I wanted to move away from the idea that knitwear automatically makes an outfit feel relaxed. A brown embellished cardigan brings texture and detail to the look, while layering it over a light beige fine-knit turtleneck creates a tonal combination that feels particularly suited to autumn. Pairing the knits with a brown satin skirt changes the mood, with the fluid finish of the skirt providing a contrast to the more substantial layers on top. Brown slingbacks continue the warm colour palette, and a top-handle drawstring bag adds definition. I like that the outfit feels dressed up without relying on traditional eveningwear; it's the combination of texture, colour and accessories that makes it work. This is the sort of look I'd turn to for dinner when I want something a little more considered than my usual jeans-and-knit combination.
Style Notes: Olivia's evening look takes knitwear in a more directional, layered route, with a camel knit featuring a long scarf detail at the centre of the outfit. Worn with a black leather bomber jacket and a black mini skort, it creates an interesting contrast between the softness of the knit and the tougher feel of the leather. "I love that the scarf detail gives you different ways to wear the knit; you can drape it around your neck or leave it hanging loose," Olivia explains. "It adds something extra to the outfit, and I think it works particularly well with the leather jacket and mini skort. The kitten heels bring a cute finishing touch, too." A black top-handle bag completes the look, keeping the accessories in line with the outfit's pared-back palette. It's the kind of combination Olivia would choose for dinner or drinks, when she wants an outfit that feels a little more dressed up but still has an element of ease.
Ultimately, the best knitwear is the kind that earns its place in your wardrobe without you having to think too hard about it. With the right styling, these are pieces that can take you through the season in more ways than one—and that's exactly what makes them worth having.
