Trust Me, I'm an Editor: Where to Find Interesting Knits That Are Also Warm

As fashion editors, unsurprisingly, we're the go-to sources of information for our friends and family when it comes to anything style-related. Whether it's a dress for a big date or simply the perfect white tee, we've addressed every question you could imagine. This inspired us to create a new series—Trust Me, I'm an Editor—that allows you, the reader, to get in on the action. What sartorial dilemmas are you facing right now? What problem can we apply our extensive shopping knowledge to? You can shoot us questions via Instagram or our Facebook shopping group, So... Should I Buy This? Use us—you know you want to.

Welcome to our first instalment of Trust Me, I'm an Editor. A few weeks ago, we grilled our Facebook group to find out what burning fashion-related questions they wanted to ask us, and we were inundated with responses. The question that spoke to me the most, however, was "Where can I find interesting knits that are also warm?" Seeing as the British weather has suddenly turned Baltic, it seemed only fitting that this should be our first topic to tackle.

I feel like I'm constantly grappling with the issue of style versus substance. People tend to see one as diametrically opposed to the other: You're either a fashion-conscious person or a practical dresser, but I'd argue that you can do both. Knitwear is one of the key pillars of my cold-weather dressing approach. Wear flimsy layers and prepare to feel the wrath of the January wind, but pick a hardworking insulating piece and you can forgo awkwardness bulkiness. Finding interesting designs, however, is not always easy—especially if you're on a budget.

My top four knitwear brands are an eclectic mix. A couple are high-street, one is more high-end and the other is, well, vintage. When it comes to the styles that feel relevant now, on the one hand, there's a real move towards chunky heritage pieces that wouldn't look out of place in your grandpa's wardrobe (think cable-knit crew-neck jumpers). At the opposite end of the spectrum, you have vibrant '70s prints and colourways—just look at Madeleine Thompson's David Bowie–inspired lightning bolts and & Other Stories' Disco Paris slogan knit.

Hopefully, it will show you that you can find good-quality, warm and chic pieces, whatever your budget. Try to get me now, winter. Scroll down to see my edit of warm yet stylish knitwear.

Arket

Style Notes: This red Arket jumper is my number one go-to for when I need instant warmth and a hint of colour. I think the brand's mohair-mix pieces are the gold standard in high-street knitwear. Wear one and you'll see what I mean.

Related: All I Have to Say About These High Street Dresses Is "Wow”

Madeleine Thompson

Style Notes: Madeleine Thompson does the best cashmere—it's super lightweight, insulating and comes in a range of cool prints. I love layering this lightning bolt crew neck over a black roll-neck for extra warmth. It's a little pricier but so worth saving the pennies for!

Vintage 

Style Notes: This is one of my favourite recent knitwear purchases. I found it in a vintage store in Wales and thought it resembled some of the cool Scandi brands around at the moment. Vintage for the win.

& Other Stories

Style Notes: My colleague Emma swears by her & Other Stories knitted cardigan, which she wears with everything from midi dresses (as seen) to weekend denim. A great high street option for stand-out styles. 

Up Next: Northern Girls on How to Stay Stylish When It's Bloody Cold