While the onset of winter isn’t often as celebrated as the arrival of summer, think of it as the ideal time for a style refresh. Now, putting some effort into an outfit that involves more than one layer won’t leave you sweating. Coats! Scarves! Cosy jumpers! Dressing for the cold can be stylish, thanks to well-made staples such as great knitwear. New Zealand labels are strong contenders in the knit game due to the crisp winters and abundance of natural materials including merino and high-quality wool. Whether your style is pared-back or statement-making, homespun or high-tech, there's a Kiwi-designed knit for you.

Keep it Classic
A simple yet high-quality jumper, cardigan or turtleneck is something you’ll reach for time after time. Mount Maunganui-based label Marle is known for timeless pieces made in natural fabrics, and its knitwear is especially popular. Nod to the current ballet trend with the Farah wrap cardigan, or pull on the luxuriously soft Dulce sweater, made of cashmere and wool. At Standard Issue, every piece is 100 per cent made in its Auckland workroom, using sustainable and zero-waste methods. Choose from a variety of fibres, including merino, cashmere, alpaca and more. We love the unisex Rise cardigan. As part of its core Elemental collection, Paris Georgia’s knitwear is pared back yet luxurious, such as the perfectly oversized Chunky cardigan and the white Slouchy sweater.

Make a Statement
Wynn Hamlyn (which just showed at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week) has pushed the technical boundaries of knitwear since its beginning. Get your hands on an eye-catching piece such as the fluorescent green Convertible Knit long-sleeve top or the pink Keyhole Knit top. Family-owned label Wixii is known for its sleek, simple silhouettes – but there’s a statement shade or two each season. This tomato red cashmere jumper is the best of both worlds. There are plenty of neutral knits among Kate Sylvester’s designs, but the electric blue Harlow jumper is a day-brightening piece. Its 100 per cent merino rib will keep you toasty, too.

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Handy Hand-Knit
Put down the knitting needles and leave it to the professionals – it’s much faster, anyway. Frisson Knits uses exclusively New Zealand-sourced angora and Perendale lamb’s wool for its chunky, made-to-order cardigans, jumpers and vests. With its oversized sleeves and sandy shade, the three-button Zeta cardigan is both cosy and stylish. It might take three to four weeks for the team at Wānaka-based label Monday Journal to hand-craft your knitted piece, but we think it’s worth the wait. The kid mohair and merino wool Charcoal Checkered sweater makes just enough of a statement – in black and white for those who like to keep things monochromatic. Anne and Lucy Aitchison are the mother-daughter duo behind Dorothy, with Anne hand-knitting every jumper that Lucy designs using ethically produced New Zealand yarn. The Blue Valentine jumper is charmingly asymmetrical with its single striped sleeve.

Vested Interest
The vest trend is still going strong, and with good reason – they’re a useful layering piece, whether worn solo or over a shirt, top or dress. The Blanket vest by sustainable Wellington-based brand Kowtow is made with certified 100 per cent fairtrade organic cotton, so you know this oversized staple won’t be too stuffy. This season, Auckland-made label Penny Sage has released a charming, oversized floral print on its knits, designed by local textile artist Marta Buda and covering its oversized merino Anemone vest. Arriving in store and online from May 27, the Buffer collection from prolific New Zealand brand Ruby includes two worthy vest styles – the oatmeal-toned, cable knit Wylie vest, and the black, V-neck Watermelon vest.