Inching towards May and it’s still sweater weather? Welcome to the UK.

Here we are, at the end of April, our eyes wide in disbelief at the fact that there was snow – yes, snow – in the UK this week, just in time for the May bank holiday (usually more of a summery occasion). Across the pond, things aren’t much better. Has spring ever sprung this icily? Who can we blame for this? What on earth are we supposed to wear? Fortunately, though we at MR PORTER can’t provide definitive answers to the first two questions, a solution to the latter is definitely within our reach. Particularly because some rather nice sweaters have arrived on site this week. The following three options will work as an extra layer at current temperatures, but as they’re on the lighter side, will also see you through the rest of the season if things ever warm up. Here’s how to wear them.

This striped Breton top is a classic French style that brings to mind a leisurely stroll along the Riviera. This particular example, however, has been made by John Smedley, which, as a brand based in Britain as opposed to the south of France, is a little more familiar with adverse conditions. Its fine merino wool yarn is lightweight and smooth to the touch but will also provide that extra touch of insulation, should you need it. Complete the look with some navy chinos and a pair of loafers from Paris’s J.M. Weston.

You shouldn’t just invest in one of these because it’s cold, you should do so because everyone should have one. In fact, we can pretty much guarantee you that a grey cashmere jumper will not only work at the weekend, over a T-shirt, or at the office, over a shirt, but that it will last you for years, if not decades, to come. Use it to fend off the elements this spring, and whip it out again in six months’ time – you’ll appreciate it in both situations. And while you’re at it, consider some other keepers, such as these perfectly aged jeans from Visvim and Shinola’s gold plated Runwell watch.

Obviously, at these temperatures, this is a more hopeful, rather than practical option, but in the hope that a bit of warmth is at least imminent (and to make clear that the world of sweaters is not without variation), we’re going to recommend this graphic short-sleeved number from Japanese brand Aloye, anyway. Wear it over a slim-fit T-shirt until it heats up a little and then, when the time comes, match it with a pair of shorts from minimalist favourite Margaret Howell. Of course, if you (wisely) want to hedge your bets, you might also consider a jacket. Because, who knows these days?