This John Lewis cashmere crew neck is the versatile staple, in 11 colourways that will solve autumn wardrobe dilemmas
Cosy, comfy and timeless, a cashmere knit never fails to look chic
An integral part of autumn wardrobes, I look forward to the moment the weather turns just enough to get my cashmere out. Cosy but breathable, a simple cashmere sweater makes compiling autumn outfit ideas a cinch, as they always look polished and feels fantastic to wear.
But this natural knit can often come at a serious price tag, and while I have, on occasion, invested heavily, when it comes to everyday, easy-to-wear autumn pieces, high street cashmere has revolutionised the knitwear game.
The best cashmere jumpers no longer need to cost the earth, and John Lewis' affordable, quiet luxury aesthetic has meant that this year, the British clothing brand's cashmere is not to be missed. With a selection of key silhouettes - crew, V-neck, cardigans and brushed styles - there is a rainbow of colours to choose from, so there is something for every taste.
I recently got my hands on this gorgeous pink cashmere crew neck from John Lewis, and it is the comfiest sweater I've had in ages. A sensational burst of colour, I got multiple compliments on the shade on my first wear. Paired with navy, it pepped up my whole look, and the slim-fitting but not overly tight shape, high neck and fine knit made it a perfect partner to my kilt skirt.
Crafted from 100% cashmere, it's available in sizes 8-20, and I took a size 16, which I would say makes it pretty true to size. The ribbed cuffs and hem ensure a fitted element, trapping out the breeze and ensuring a better shape.
The crew neck is quite high, although you could still easily wear a shirt underneath, pulling the collar through for additional layering; it delivers good winter coverage across the chest for warmth.
With 11 colours to choose from, there is everything from classic black, navy and beige, which will underpin your wardrobe whatever the season. To shades that tap more into the autumn/winter colour trends for 2026, with moss green, fire engine red and a warm berry hue just a few of the directional shades in the mix.
Like a T-shirt in the summer, a simple, timeless cashmere jumper will help avoid those sartorial meltdowns. Colour selection should be done based on your own personal wardrobe and what will ease best into your current rotation.
The neckline is quite high, so to break up the expanse of colour, I've been adding a statement necklace or a neckscarf. When it comes to colours close to your face, you do want to think about 'what colour suits me' best, as it will be very close to your skin tone.
This jewelled green hue is ideal in the run up to the festive season. A timeless hue, it will always feel of the moment in the later part of the year and will look particularly luxe paired with a statement necklace or a series of layered gold chains.
Navy is such an underrated colour. As classic, versatile and staple as black it is kinder on skin tones, and in my opinion, often looks more expensive. It is pairable with black - yes really, as well as with most other colours - neutral or bold, as well as prints like leopard.
Tomato, fire engine and poppy red are all big news this season, and this is the speediest and cosiest way to slip this trend into your wardrobe. Red, while bright can often act as a neutral, looking fantastic with everything from green to pink, animal prints and much more.
If you've already got the best wool jumpers, you'll understand how luxurious natural fibre knitwear can be, and a cashmere knit will certainly take your comfort level up a notch.
Superiorly soft, the John Lewis cashmere crew neck is beautifully fine, making it very comfortable to wear, especially in the current autumn climes that feel pretty changeable. A cashmere jumper will help regulate your microclimate - ideal for the all-seasons-at-once weather.
While there are V-necks and cardigans in the range - which starts from just £69 for a triangular scarf, but to me, a crew-neck is the easiest and most versatile, as it can be layered over a tee or shirt, but will also work alone, without having to worry about cleavage or bra lines.
I am yet to wash my new cashmere knit, but when I do, it will be hand wash only. I tried a cold wash on several cashmere jumpers at once last season, and let's just say I'm having to build my stock afresh this season. And of course, with cashmere, you run the risk of moths. These are the moth traps I use to keep the pesky jumper munchers at bay, and I've found them super effective. Finally, at the end of the season, or as needed, bobbly knits can be tamed with a jumper shaver, but always try a small, discreet patch before diving straight in.
