Just to get this on the record, winter is not my favourite season.

I dislike the cold, am allergic to closed-toe shoes, and generally get the sads as soon as the calendar ticks over to June.

But if this season has one redeeming feature, it's the clothes you get to shop for and unearth from the depths of your wardrobe.

Psst, here's what we wore while recording Mamamia's fashion podcast, Nothing To Wear, this week. Post continues below.

Give me all the coats, scarves and fluffy slippers. I want warmth, I want texture, I want things I can snuggle up to. And I especially love a good knit.

Despite my lack of cheer at this time of year, I do look forward to layering up in jumpers — and I always try to buy a couple of good quality ones to see me through the cooler months.

Case in point: I recently found this textured knit at Target for $50, and will be living in it for the foreseeable future. Such is the power of a low-effort slouchy jumper.

If you're looking for the perfect knit, it can be hard to know where to start — there's so much variety in this category, the shopping experience is kind of overwhelming.

So I've done the research for you, and broken my edit up into three distinct knitwear trends that are taking over the market this season.

With affordable options as well as investment pieces, you're sure to find one that belongs in your closet.

Ready? Let's get started.

1. The preppy knit.

This season we've seen an explosion of collared knits and rugby jerseys thanks to the influence of fashion houses Miu Miu and Chanel. While the latter might be best known for quilted bags and tweed suits, its cult quarter-zip sweater is one of the most duped high-end items of 2026.

If last year was all about the button-up cardigan, this is the year of collars and zip necklines.

If your style leans a little more classic or sporty, a preppy knit could be the missing link in your winter line-up. Collegiate colours including navy, red and beige are all trending now, and obviously stripes are a timeless choice.

Shop preppy knits.

Atmos & Here Lexi Stripe Polo Knit, $90.

Feather + Noise Alice Knit, $79.95.

Assembly Label Benny Knit, $160.

COS Merino Wool-Yak Zip-Up Polo Shirt, $175.

MNG Knit Striped Sweater, $79.95.

Dissh Flink Ink V-Neck Knit Jumper, $200.

2. The outdoorsy knit.

After months of flimsy layers, a chunky knit can feel like a grounding force in your wardrobe. There's an ease to throwing one on with relaxed denim, wide-leg trousers, or even over your leggings.

The knits I've found below would feel right at home in the wilderness or by the seaside… but also make sense on the sidelines at Saturday sport, or sipping a mulled wine around a fire with friends.

There's a rugged, weather-proof vibe that's in-line with fashion's outdoorsy mood right now.

Think roomy cable knits, fisherman sweaters and Fairisle patterns in warm, earthy tones like chocolate brown, oat marle and ecru.

Shop outdoorsy knits.

Next Ecru Cable Knit Jumper, $85.

Target Lily Loves Fairisle High Neck Jumper, $45.

Vrg Grl Parker Knit Jumper, $149.

H&M Raglan Sleeve Sweater, $80.

Seed Fair Isle Stlouch Knit, $179.95.

Glassons Crew Neck Knit Jumper, $40.

3. The statement knit.

All the cool-girl brands are incorporating bold knitwear into their collections this season, but there's no identifying feature that groups these designs together — they're just… cool.

Think of this knit as the hero piece of your outfit. It's not beige, it's not minimal; it's meant to grab attention. You can let it shine against basic denim, or pair one with an equally fun piece on the bottom, like a semi-sheer midiskirt.

Whether you opt for a bold stripe, fluffy texture or quirky motif, expect compliments all day long.

Shop statement knits.

Love & Roses Embroidered Neck Knitted Jumper, $90.

Target Lily Loves High Neck Rib Jumper, $50.

Sage + Clare Carmila Knit Jumper, $229.

H&M Oversized Mohair Blend Sweater, $100.

Vrg Grl Yumi Knit Jumper, $149.

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.

Feature image: Supplied and Instagram/@mattiegouman.