COSY JUMPERS FOR COLD DAYS

Ah autumn. Or is it winter already? Either way, it’s time to dig out the jumpers and wrap up warm when inside or outside. The thing is, my current jumper selection is looking a bit sad. I have an amazing one from FatFace that I got last year, but other than that everything is either old and frayed or is more of a technical fleece layer. What I need is a couple of new cosy jumpers to pull on when I get in from the cold or am heading out in jeans for brunch.

So, as the fashion bloggers do (!), I’ve scoured the internet and have shortlisted a few casual knits and sweaters in the hope you can decide which one or two I should actually buy. I have a few rules in my head; there are no hoods here, I want to feel smart, and be able to wear a hooded jacket over the top, and there are no technical pieces – this is all about feeling cosy and relaxed. Apparently I have a thing for stripes at the moment…

FatFace – Islay Pattern Jumper

I started here because my current favourite kit is from there, and I could probably live in FatFace clothing exclusively if I had the money. The Islay Pattern Jumper (£45) is a crew neck jumper in wool blend has a traditional look that I love. I’d go for the sea green.

White Stuff – Forager Stripe Jumper

The Forager Stripe Jumper (£59.95) is lightweight but feels cosy (I went to the shop to see). As with most of the jumpers in my selection, this has a relaxed fit – no-one wants to feel constricted in their knitwear!

Gap – Fair Isle Crewneck Pullover

With the traditional Christmas jumper look, the Fair Isle Crewneck Pullover from Gap (£54.95) is long in the arms which I love – they help keep my wrists and hands warm. Of the two colours available, I would choose the black.

Next – Navy Star Drop Shoulder Sweater

I’ve shortlisted two knits from Next. This Navy Star Drop Shoulder Sweater (£26) is simple but bold; I really enjoy the little stripes around the sleeves.

Next – Rainbow Stripe Balloon Sleeve Sweater

And then there is this bold and bright Rainbow Stripe Balloon Sleeve Sweater (£25), which just has happiness written all over it. The Next jumpers are a bit cheaper than most of the others in this selection, which is also a good thing!

Craghoppers – Balmoral Crew Neck Fleece

I said casual rather than technical but I think, even with Craghoppers’ technical background, this Balmoral Crew Neck Fleece (£35) still fits in that category. The neat crew collar and buttons on the shoulder turn this fleece top into something more suited to being off the trail.

Whale of a Time – Sowerby Sweatshirt

Less jumper, more sweater, the Sowerby Sweatshirt (£42.95) from Whale of a Time Clothing has those big bold stripes I really like, and just looks like one of those tops that is effortless to wear. I reckon this is super cosy and would be ideal for days in out in the cold wind.

Jack Wills – Willowbank Stripe Jumper

More stripes? Yes. The Willowbank Stripe Jumper (£69.95) from Jack Wills has a classic and smart look that could easily become an office staple. The alpaca and wool blend will be very warm whilst still being lightweight.

Superdry – Indiana Waffle Stitch Slouch Knit

With Cheltenham being my new home town, I had to include a Superdry piece, didn’t I?! This Indiana Waffle Stitch Slouch Knit (£39.99) has a textured finish and classic shape. Despite the “slouch” name, it’s a bit more fitted than some of the other jumpers in this post, but I still think it’s a great looking casual knit.

Fjallraven – Ovik Folk Knit Sweater

Another one of those brands that I would buy my whole wardrobe from if I could, Fjallraven know how to make a cosy jumper. The Ovik Folk Knit Sweater (£140) is probably my favourite jumper in this whole post, with the traditional Nordic pattern, the simple shape, and the 100% wool label. I know it’s expensive because it’s the best quality (you get what you pay for), but I wish it was a bit more affordable.

I guess the question is, which should I get?