WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A WINTER JUMPER

Butternut squash soup and the return of Strictly Come Dancing aside, nothing makes me happier in Autumn than wrapping up in a beautiful knit. Shop the best the high street has to offer with my guide to finding the perfect jumper:  




TOP ROW L - R: Light beige wool-blend rib-knit, H&M Studio, £39.99. Navy chevron merino  /cashmere jumper, Chinti and Parker, £295.  Merino-blend cream plough stitch jumper, Hush, £80.  MIDDLE ROW L - R: Grey-marl wool blend polo neck jumper, French Connection, £80. Burgundy cashmere-wool blend jumper, Hush, £90. Sahara wool-blend roll neck, Reiss, £120. JUST ADD L - R: Bartley burgundy leather skirt, Bauken, £329. Le Specs tortoise shell cat-eye sunglasses, Net-a-porter.com, £40. Lipstick in Persuasion, Topshop, £8. Gold plated mini spike hoop earrings, ASOS, £15. Master tortoiseshell heel ankle boots, Topshop, £85. 

1. SHOP FOR YOUR SHAPE. 

Blessed with big boobs? Avoid polo necks and look for scoop, slash and v-necks. Smaller busted girls are  rewarded with greater choice but should avoid deep v-neck knits.

2. BE FASTIDIOUS ABOUT FABRIC.  

When I'm shopping for knits my first consideration is the fabric content. I avoid synthetic fibres because they make me hot and bothered, and I can't stand mohair because it sheds like a b*tch. My favourite jumpers are cotton blend because they wash like a dream. In the depths of winter 100% wool is my go-to because it's warm and hard-wearing, but it does bobble! Then of course there's no denying the pure unadulterated luxury of cashmere but be prepared to foot a hefty dry cleaning bill for you luxury knits!  

3. LOOK AFTER YOUR KNITS.

Wash woolen jumpers infrequently to avoid bobbling. You can  also revive a bobbled knit by carefully shaving the upper surface with a clean razor, there are plenty of online help guides to demonstrate this technique! Cashmere knits are more challenging to look after, although the majority tend to be hand washable these days. Always check the care label and if you really love the jumper take it to a professional dry cleaners - it's better to be safe than sorry!