Though saying goodbye to summer is never easy, there’s something special about getting your wardrobe ready for autumn and slipping into beautiful, blissfully soft knitwear when the leaves are turning orange and the air feels crisp. Admittedly, the art of layering isn’t quite as simple as throwing on your favourite sundress and sandals, but as we pass the equinox, it’s time to dig out your trusty cashmere, discover the gaps in your seasonal line-up and let us help you fill them with what’s hot this season.

When it comes to A/W23 knitwear trends, there are a few key rules to know. Number one: nautical is going nowhere. From the runways to the streets, striped jumpers are holding ground and replacing summer’s lightweight Breton tees. Considering its enduring style mileage, investing in this classic piece is the way to go. We love Dior’s take on the marinière that’s knitted with black stripes (instead of the more traditional navy,) along with the French house’s lucky star. There is also a long-sleeve version, which has a crinkled texture and an embroidered bee.

Next up, you’ll need a half-zip sweater – the chunkier, the better. Brunello Cucinelli’s beige one scores bonus points thanks to the two-way fastening, which promises versatility. Thickly ribbed so it feels extra snuggly and stretchy, it has been expertly made in the hamlet of Solomeo, Italy, with “respect for people, the dignity of work and in harmony with the land”. The brand’s cashmere is famously fine and precious, but it’s easy to look after with a few simple steps, which you can find in our clothing care guide.

The shade of the season is red, particularly tomato and cherry hues layered with deep leather or warm caramels. Bottega Veneta’s oversized wool-blend polo ticks all the right boxes in a tint inspired by nail polish, while Gucci’s top is elevated by the iconic horsebit hardware, which you could match some loafers to. At the brand’s runway show, Emilia Wickstead’s Ady v-neck looked great tucked into a fitted skirt with the sleeves bunched. If, however, block colours aren’t your thing, Balenciaga’s cropped sweater has logo lettering in a series of cool, muted pastels.

Speaking of luxury fashion houses, this round-up just wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the British big-hitter, Burberry. We haven’t been able to stop thinking about the brand’s hot-water bottles ever since the models clutched them at Daniel Lee’s debut show. The checked cover comes in the same Knight-blue as this rollneck, and is created from Norwegian-woven wool with blanket stitches.

Last on the list is something sleeveless that can be worn on its own, layered over a cotton shirt or tucked underneath a boxy trench. Bonpoint’s Verbier pullover is an easy choice, along with Versace’s distressed cable-knit crop that’s subtly embellished on the back with Gianni’s legendary Medusa hardware in glossy silver.