I Always Spot It Buys First—These 5 Knitwear Trends Will Be Everywhere

No matter how much I try to keep my legs bare and cling to my warm-weather wardrobe, the reality is that winter is well underway. Cozy knits and jeans have become my daily uniform once again. New-season knitwear is always the first thing to hit the shop floors, and right now, whether you’re heading out to shop IRL or browsing online, sweaters and cardigans are available by the bucketload. Of course, whenever there’s an influx of a certain piece, it’s important to determine which styles are worth it. And that’s where I come in.

Last winter, we saw the rise in popularity of the striped—or Breton—knit. Aided by influencers curating their monochromatic grids, American designer Totême created a cult following for a Breton sweater in any shape or form. Its oversized polo neck sold out many times, but if you missed it the first time around, fear not—it’s back again this season. The industry’s love for head-to-toe color has definitely influenced all the new jewel-toned numbers on the high street this season, and if you want to channel your inner Jennifer Lopez circa 1999, the ’90s cropped cardigan is back in its most unapologetic form. (Think kitschy prints and peekaboo buttons.)

So do you want to know which five knitwear trends are set to be everywhere this winter? Scroll down to have a read and shop them now.

The coziest of fluffy jumpers are having a moment both on the high street and in the collections of key designers like Totême and Marni. The color palette of these snuggly knits is grown-up and elegant—cream, tobacco, and gray marl are dominating. But Marni has also thrown in some color for good measure. Pair one of these knits with your go-to jeans or leggings and boots for a stylish everyday outfit.

Rich, jewel-like tones have replaced softer pastels this autumn, and they definitely pack a punch. In contrast to the monochrome stripes and classic taupe funnel-neck jumpers that have become a firm fixture in the wardrobes of Instagram’s best dressed, vibrant shades from ruby to sapphire to citrine finally offer something for the maximalists out there. Wear with matching separates in contrasting textures such as leather or tailored wool trousers, and add chunky gold earrings for polish.

It was virtually impossible to miss the Totême striped-jumper craze that filled our Insta feeds last winter. The simple A-line sweater became one of the cult buys of the season, and despite its saturation of the market, it’s back once again. The high street has become one of the best places to buy into this look: Arket’s nautical wide-collared Breton and Zara’s navy zip-up sweater are two key shapes to pick up.

Not all knitwear serves its most obvious purpose—keeping us warm—but who cares when you can look as good as you will in one of these ’90s-inspired peekaboo cardis? It’s just one of many ‘90s trends to be making a comeback this season, and whether or not you wear something underneath is up to you. Fashion lovers Kendall Jenner, Chiara Ferragni, and Leonie Hanne have all been spotted in the teensy-weensy cardigans from Jacquemus. However, there are several more affordable versions (ahem, the button-down cardigan by Mango) that cover a little more flesh. Go the whole whack and style with a pair of this season’s cargo pants and add polish with a pair of pointy slingbacks.

Sometimes your trusty black cashmere jumper won’t be the one you want to reach for. For autumn/winter 2022, the oversized cardigan has been reworked in many iterations. Last season, Gucci was one of the first to revamp this classic, adorning this oversized cardigan in jumbo GG logos. Not only has the brand revisited it again in acid brights, but other designers have followed suit. My favorites include a collegiate-inspired number from Maje and Mango’s diamond-shaped print. I will be layering this style over leggings and with riding boots when the temperature drops.