Why A Hero Knit Is A New-Season Essential

Since we spend much of our time bundled up in knitwear at this time of year, it makes sense to opt for styles that, yes, keep us warm but also make us feel good. Enter the hero knit – a piece guaranteed to lift your outfits (and your mood) as we head into winter. We’ve spotted plenty of characterful styles on the runways, and on tastemakers outside the shows too – everything from joyful, vibrant colors to novelty knitwear.

The key to nailing this trend? Don’t overthink it. The aim here is playfulness, not perfection. For example, try teaming JW Anderson’s polo sweater (a NET-A-PORTER exclusive) with tailoring for the office, or a midi skirt and slingbacks for an event. Knitted to resemble the façade of a house, this archival style combines the brand’s signature irreverence with a commitment to craft, ensuring it’ll be in your wardrobe for years to come. Alternatively, continue the novelty theme with Bode’s glittering lamé cardigan – the heart-shaped pattern nods to Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.

Spoiler alert: argyle is huge news this season, and we don’t just mean on the golf course. Making an appearance at Altuzarra and Khaite, it’s a style that works with all your favorite wardrobe staples, from denim to leather, and is timeless to boot. Inspired by the cinematic world of David Lynch and very Twin Peaks-coded, Khaite’s ‘Charli’ cardigan is spun from the finest cashmere and mohair, and has fuzzy calf-hair buttons. Embrace fall layering by wearing a turtleneck underneath an oversized jacket, or dress it up for events with tailored pants and a kitten heel. If you’re less into patterns but still want to make a statement, then opt for paintbox brights – another major fall trend. Dries Van Noten’s metallic-flecked tangerine turtleneck looks ultra chic paired with chocolate-brown tailoring, while Lisa Yang’s tomato-red cardigan is the perfect complement to denim or black velvet.

Alternatively, embrace traditional Fair Isle with Bally’s jacquard-knit polo sweater from NET-A-PORTER’s exclusive edit. Take cues from the fall/winter ’25 runways by layering it with one or two chunky cardigans in contrasting patterns and textures. More into logos? Gucci’s cardigan from our NET SUSTAIN edit features the brand’s iconic ‘GG’ monogram and looks great styled with the matching vest and a mini skirt.