Long gone are the days when cardigans were the preserve of grandparents. To see how far the humble cardie has evolved, look no further than some of the bright colours and eye-catching patterns out there. All of them show how adaptable a cardigan can be, and how it can be an essential layering piece for the months ahead. A good cardigan works just as well thrown over a T-shirt on an unseasonably warm day as it does underneath a winter coat the rest of the time.

Considering how useful they are for layering also means that cardigans are a chance to inject some details or colour into your outfit. Don’t feel constrained by the old, sober rules of knitwear – instead, take this as a chance to introduce something fun. Try AMI PARIS’ signature knitwear, a classic take from Paul Smith or a thoughtful option from NN07, drawn from MR PORTER’s Consciously Crafted edit.

When worn in the summer, a knitted polo can transport you to the Italian Riviera, with big The Talented Mr Ripley energy. In winter, though, it’s a versatile piece that sits somewhere between a shirt and a sweater – something that can be dressed up or down and works just as well hanging open over a tee or tank top as when it’s buttoned all the way up. What we’re trying to say is: a knitted polo can be worn pretty much whenever and however you want.

There are different styles of knitted polo, ranging from short-sleeved options to chunkier, thicker knits. Assuming you’ll be adopting the latter for the colder months, the likes of Mr P., Incotex and De Bonne Facture offer smart wardrobe classics, some of which are exclusive to MR PORTER.

Nothing keeps out the cold – or makes a style statement – quite like a chunky rollneck sweater. Entire generations have turned to the rollneck for its utilitarian purposes, offering protection to fishermen and sailors as they face the unpredictable weather at sea. Chances are you’re not coming up against anything that extreme. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still consider the rollneck a menswear classic and a wardrobe essential.

For the coldest days, we recommend pairing a rollneck with a big jacket to offer maximum protection from the elements. It’s also going to be right up against your skin, so it’s important to focus on high-quality materials. Loro Piana’s cashmere sweater is a good place to start, or try TOM FORD’s blend of wool and mohair for a textural feel. The likes of Nili Lotan, Allude and Polo Ralph Lauren also offer dependable versions to turn to.

Sitting in a Goldilocks zone of never being too hot nor too cold, cashmere has the bonus quality of its silky soft feel. What’s more, it is both lightweight and durable, hence its elevated status in the field of knitwear. Limited global supplies of the raw fibre, obtained from cashmere or pashmina goats, only bumps up its desirability. Factoring all of this in, it’s no wonder that you can expect to pay a premium for cashmere textiles.

The enduring appeal and resilience of this material lends itself to classic items that will never go out of style. Take Mr P.’s crew neck in a natural tone that will only look better with age. Likewise, The Elder Statesman produces its signature Consciously Crafted-aligned cashmere sweater in numerous zesty colours.