Autumn is inbound. Consider this new season knitwear for savvy layering.

Cold snaps are incoming, and knitwear is one of the most effective ways to prepare. It’s time to pull your old favourites from storage and consider the gaps in your own collection.

Look carefully at the care
notes for your chosen pieces to ensure they last the distance. Plenty of contemporary knits use multiple materials, which can make washing a little tricky – in general, you should opt for handwashing and gentle detergents.

If you’re interested in something homespun, you could try a fresh pattern from Wānaka-based label Monday Journal. Making your own jumper will come with plenty of satisfaction (but you’ll have to get started soon if you want it in time for incoming autumn and winter seasons).

A staple cut of Kowtow’s knitwear has been realised in a vivid forest green. It’s from the collection The Ground Beneath, which makes a nod to the label’s venture into biochar.

This short-sleeve, 100% merino wool cardigan is an easy layering piece. It will sit comfortably beneath bigger jackets and could also be worn as a top.

This stripy merino polo has a touch of athleticism, reminiscent of a rugby jersey. There’s another colourway of red stripes atop a chocolate brown.

This blend of wool, mohair and nylon comes in various stripy combinations. It’s the leading piece from Ruby’s knit edit.

This local label is based in Arrowtown, so designer Natalie Newlands draws on geographical credentials to create insulating garments.

This wool and cashmere blend sweater is speckled with pink and light brown. The fit is intended to be oversized, so it will pair nicely with low and mid-rise trousers.

For those who prefer monochromatic patterns, consider this grey and black striped cardigan. Shell buttons are used to secure the blend of alpaca, merino, polymide and elastane. It’s also available in a plain black.

This peachy sweater is fresh from Francie’s new season release. A cable knit through the sleeves makes the fit feel snug and brown buttons offer earthy contrast.

The colour of this cashmere sweater is sharp and lively, and will pop on particularly grey days.

Citrus season is nearly upon us, and this colourway offers a cheery welcome. This knit is made of cotton and features ribbing at the hems.

A sparkling thread carries throughout this structured green top, which offers a simple way to elevate an everyday matching of jeans and a T-shirt.

A lightweight cotton cardigan is an easy piece for layering. Remain has plenty of options, including striped varieties.

This is a much-coveted cardigan from local label Frisson Knits. It’s neatly cropped and is made from kid mohair yarn.

A brushed cashmere makes this knit soft to the touch. The keyhole opening and tie is a delicate detail.

This dark charcoal knit is patched with two high-contrast floral appliques.

This 100% cashmere Maggie Marilyn knit finds inspiration in vintage sailing jerseys – best represented by the stripes at the v-neck.

A high-contrast trim at the neckline of this powder blue jumper invites potential for interesting accessories.

Motifs can offer a point of difference for your knitwear. This Karen Walker jumper, which features two carousel horses and a geometric pattern, is a lovely example.

Twenty-seven names does a classic well and this cherry red polo is no exception. Note the shell buttons and blend of merino, possum and silk.

This waffle knit sweater, rendered in a cool espresso brown, is a blend of lambswool and nylon.

This lightweight knit will make an easy layering piece, though you’ll need to pay attention to the colour you wear underneath – the knit is very fine.

Australian label Hey Zoe May puts subtle spins on everyday knitwear, like this off-the-shoulder merino jumper.

You might take inspiration from this Simone Rocha sweater and consider embellishing your everyday knits with a brooch – just be sure to embellish sturdier knits and avoid cutting the yarn of your favourite pullover.

More on what to wear

Guides for dressing in-between the seasons.