Where Stylists Shop: Chic and Cosy Trans-Seasonal Knitwear

It’s easy to love knits, as snug, comforting and comfortable as they are. This season, knits are favouring V-necklines and luxurious natural fibres. “Natural fibres such as merino wool and cashmere offer breathability, softness and longevity, making them particularly useful for layering and transitional dressing,” Brisbane stylist Kerrie Carucci says. 

Neutral tones, like warm greys and mushroom browns, are still popular, though many stylists advocate for a bright pop of coloured knitwear. (In fact, two stylists are eyeballing the same Melbourne label’s rainbow gradient knit.) If you’re in the market for a new knitted piece, we’ve gathered 19 knits and a couple of dozen brands that top stylists approve of.

Rebecca Modara, Melbourne personal stylist

Great knitwear is the foundation of a considered cold-weather wardrobe. A beautifully crafted knit adds warmth, texture and quiet polish without feeling overworked. Investing in natural fibres such as merino wool, cashmere and premium cotton means you’ll have pieces that drape beautifully, wear well and become enduring wardrobe staples you’ll reach for year after year. The brands currently on my radar include The Weft (particularly its Essence wool cashmere knit cardigan), Marle (its Matilda poncho), Kowtow, Alpha 60 (its Myles Knit sweat) and Francie (its Fireside knit), each offering elevated knitwear with longevity in mind. For those looking for a more accessible price point, Uniqlo continues to deliver exceptional quality and value.

@locarnostyling

Lauren Dilena, Adelaide stylist

As an Adelaide-based stylist, I love championing local designers, and absolutely love what Yaneth is about. Their pieces are beautifully made with a timeless aesthetic that feels elevated without trying too hard. A great knit should become a wardrobe staple, and its Oslo cardigan is exactly the kind of piece you’ll reach for year after year. All Things Golden’s The Universal knit 2.0 completely won me over. I love the neutral marle colour and the modern silhouette – it feels feminine, relaxed and effortlessly chic. It’s perfect with denim, tailored trousers or even a silk skirt for day-to-night dressing. It also comes with a matching scarf, and the matching set truly elevates your style. Morrison consistently delivers beautiful knitwear. Their merino styles are timeless, luxurious and incredibly versatile.

@laurendilena

Holly Karas, Melbourne stylist

I’ve been eyeing this Myles Knit sweat from Alpha 60. The micro V-neck shape has definitely been a trend this winter, and I like the variation of it here as a chunky layer rather than a fitted base. The boxy cut of this knit is so flattering on a shorter torso and can be worn with a high- or low-waisted pant. This would be a really versatile piece in any wardrobe!

@hllykrs

Juvelle Behrendorff, Melbourne personal stylist

If you haven’t come across small Australian label South of Summer, you definitely need to have a look at their knitwear. It’s made for Australian coastal lifestyles. Their cherry red Blair cardigan is 100 per cent wool and would look great with blue denim or thrown over a white cotton dress. For cashmere knits, Cable Melbourne’s styles are a really beautiful quality. I currently love their Brushed Cashmere Wool jumper; it has a great wrap style that could be styled over a shirt for work or worn slightly dropped on the shoulder for a date night. Otherwise, for high-quality cashmere knits in a range of beautiful colours, Jac & Jack is another go-to. If you’re on a budget, Uniqlo is your best destination for 100 per cent cotton or cashmere knits – just make sure to handwash pieces to increase their lifespan.

@juvellebehrendorff

Karinda Mutabazi, Melbourne stylist and creative director

I have my eye on the new Wah-Wah x King Gizzard collab knit. I love the bold colours and iconic intricate patterns of the Wah-Wah merino knits; they are all works of art. I am also obsessed with anything from Essentiel Antwerp; they always have interesting details and bright colours which I love. This cardigan is a fave; the neon pink with the red trims is excellent. I love the oversized collar with a lace trim and the strawberry-shaped buttons!

@mutabazi_k

Rochelle Renwick, Perth stylist and creative director

For everyday essentials, Uniqlo and Cos are always my first stop. Their cashmere and wool knits strike the perfect balance between quality, longevity and price, making them the foundation of my winter and spring wardrobes. For something with a little more personality, I’m drawn to sculptural silhouettes and interesting proportions. Right now, I’m loving the Sir Anette cardigan and the Alemais Claudia Azure Knit polo. Both have beautiful structure and shape that instantly elevate a simple outfit while remaining incredibly easy to layer. They’re the kind of pieces that feel timeless yet make a statement.

@rochellerenwick

Kerrie Carucci, Brisbane stylist

As a Queensland-based stylist, fabrication is key when selecting knitwear. Natural fibres such as merino wool and cashmere offer breathability, softness and longevity, making them particularly useful for layering and transitional dressing.

This season, I’m particularly drawn to structured shoulder lines, like those seen in the Henne Daphne top. The added shape gives a softer fabrication a more polished, considered feel. Colour is another simple way to refresh your wardrobe. Red is continuing to have a moment and a vibrant knit is an easy way to introduce colour without investing in an entirely new seasonal wardrobe. My savvy go-to, time and time again, would be Uniqlo’s Cashmere Crew Neck knit.

When it comes to design detail, I’m looking for variation in neckline, from classic crews and V-necks to polo and roll necks. Each brings a different styling opportunity and can completely change the feel of an outfit. For that extra cosy feel, either worn on its own or as a separate, the Miranda Luxe Cashmere Turtleneck sweater from Idas has been popular in many of my clients’ wardrobes. 

@kerriecarucci_stylist

Victoria Burns, Melbourne stylist and content creator

Melbourne has firmly put knitwear back at the centre of my wardrobe. The pieces I’ve been eyeing off lately are Scarlet and Sam’s Mohair Rib sweater, Monphell’s Dante Turtleneck knit and Venroy’s Wool Cashmere V-Neck sweater.

@viccyb_

For more shopping advice from some of Australia’s top stylists, read the rest of our Where Stylists Shop series.