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Every year I like to buy at least one great knit. As far as wardrobe investments go, they're a dependable purchase because, ideally, you'll get seasons of continued wear.

The utility factor of a knit is on par with denim in the cooler months. I'm still in love with a chunky cream sweater I got at Zulu & Zephyr years ago. And last week, on a particularly chilly day, I revisited the fuzzy brown mohair cardigan from Mister Zimi that I flogged last winter.

Watch: Is this the ultimate winter statement piece? Post continues below.

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The ultimate winter statement piece | Nothing To Wear

Recently I was browsing the shops in Bondi, and I kept seeing one style of jumper in all the good windows: a collared knit.

This follows the broader trend of polo-inspired tees and rugby jerseys which have surged in popularity this year — it seems we're craving styles with a little more structure right now.

Collared knits just feel dressier than your standard sloppy joe. Styling-wise, they're the kind of one-and-done piece you can team with denim and flats and walk out the door.

The collar adds some polish to an otherwise casual fit, without changing anything else about the formula. And honestly, I never knew how much I needed this specific knit until I was without one.

When it came to adding one to my wardrobe, I landed on this cocoa brown option from the brand Minima Esenciales, which is available on THE ICONIC.

Wearing the knit tucked in, and layered over jeans. Images: Supplied.

A closer look at the colour and quality. Image: Supplied.

It's the perfect slouchy fit, and made from a lush merino wool and cashmere blend (it also comes in beige, which is equally lovely.)

Since my shopping expedition, I've been fixated on collared knits, seeing them on all the cool accounts I follow. Even my Nothing to Wear podcast co-host Lucinda Pikkat has been getting around the rugby knit trend!

My knitwear inspo via Instagram: @pollyvnewman, @mandygerungan and @lucindapikkat.

Cropped styles have that preppy vibe and team well with high-waisted pants and skirts, while more oversized cuts are great for layering over — well, anything.

The tiniest bit of a crisp white t-shirt poking out from your knit's collar is somehow chic and sporty.

Shop collared knits.

If you're in the market for a chic new-season knit of your own, I've hand-picked some of the best ones with collars at every price point below — from stripey pullovers to button-down cardis.

Pro tip: While you're browsing, don't forget to check the men's section.

Image: Instagram/@_loissterling.

British content creator Lois Sterling — one of my favourite stylish follows — says she nabbed her favourite polo knit from Zara Men's.

Brisbane content creator Nikki Parkinson is a fan of this tactic too, and recently shared her own take on a viral Chanel runway look, featuring a collared quarter-zip knit she sourced from the menswear department.

Minima Esenciales Keir Oversized Merino Cashmere Blend Polo, $260.

Image: Supplied.

Uniqlo Smooth Cotton Polo Sweater, $59.90.

Image: Uniqlo.

Atmos&Here Jay Relaxed Rib Cardigan, now $63.99.

Image: Supplied.

Atmos&Here Curvy Jay Relaxed Rib Cardigan, now $47.99.

Image: Supplied.

Feather + Noise Alic Knit, $79.95.

Image: Supplied.

COS Sailor-Collar Wool Cardigan, $175.

Image: Supplied.

ODE London Knit Rugby Top $129.99.

Image: Supplied.

Nude Lucy Archer Rugby Knit, $120.

Image: Supplied.

Seed Heritage Brushed Merino Stripe Polo Knit, $149.95.

Image: Supplied.

Country Road Long Sleeve Polo Knit, $249.

Image: Supplied.

City Chic, Star Alley Collared Jumper, now $62.97.

Image: Supplied.

4th & Reckless Eddie Jumper, now $73.50.

Image: Supplied.

Target Plus Size Australian Cotton Blend 1/4 Zip Jumper, $40.

Image: Supplied.

Fayt. Fletcher Zip Knit, $89.

Image: Supplied.

Lioness Rising Sun Jersey, $121.41.

Image: Supplied.

For more helpful style advice and shopping recommendations, subscribe to the weekly Nothing to Wear Substack, listen to the Nothing to Wear podcast or watch Nothing to Wear on YouTube.

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Feature image: Instagram @pollyvnewman and @_loissterling; Supplied.