Why you should stock up on cosy knitwear now before it’s too late.

Perhaps some do-gooder has sent a secret memo to the omniscient overlords of the fashion industry. “You’re often perceived as rather cold and aloof,” it might have said. “You could do with coming across as more ‘warm and fuzzy’”. The result? Not typically among the subtlest of demigods, they took it all quite literally, and issued the following decree: “Sweaters. More sweaters! Hairy sweaters! Softer! Bigger! More sweater-ier!”

This is all pure speculation, of course. But how else to explain the preponderance of oversized, cosy-feeling sweaters in mohair, angora and alpaca that are currently gambolling across MR PORTER’s “What’s New” section, much like the adorable and thoroughly stroke-able animals from which their yarns are derived? On a more serious note: these pieces will be a welcome addition to our wardrobes come winter. In fact, as the cold descends, wrapping up in one of these bad boys will be one of the few genuine comforts available to us. Just make sure, as you dive into their furry folds, that you pair them with the right items – you want to look classy, as well as cuddly, after all.

Knitted from a mix of camel, red, white and black yarns, combinations are a feature of this standout sweater, made as it is with alpaca, merino and mohair, all of which join forces to create one of the cosiest things you could possibly own this autumn. (We certainly wouldn’t advise wearing this any time soon.) Indeed, this is no lightweight. It is as pleasingly thick and heavy as it looks. Which means, even in cooler months, you’ll want to keep things airy underneath. Try this T-shirt by Orlebar Brown on for size.

This is a striking example of the, well… striking Alexander McQueen AW17 collection, which was inspired by the dandyism of Mr Oscar Wilde. Indeed, there are few things that could represent extravagance more than a mohair sweater, streaked with metal threads, with peacock prints on it. To prevent “peacock” turning into “unashamed showoff”, keep the rest of your outfit subdued (and decidedly un-hairy). Wear it with these simple chinos by Ami to tone things down a bit.

Made using the downy coat of the domesticated angora goat, this certainly fits the brief of “tactile sweater”. But, apart from being incredibly soft, what stands out here is the painterly Cubist-inspired print on the front, which puts us in mind of a certain Mr Pablo Picasso. Ms Miuccia Prada wouldn’t necessarily agree with us, though, describing the pieces in her collection as being an “exploration of low art”. Whatever your opinion, pare it back (if you hadn’t noticed, there’s a theme emerging here) with some simple black jeans.