Long gone are the days of cardigans being the preserve of grandparents and pensioners. To see how far the humble cardigan has evolved, look no further than some of the bright colours and eye-catching patterns out there. All of them show how adaptable a cardigan can be, and how it can be an essential layering piece for the months ahead. A good cardigan works just as well thrown over a T-shirt on an unseasonably warm day as it does underneath a winter coat the rest of the time.

Considering how useful they are for layering also means that cardigans are a chance to inject some details or colour into your outfit. Don’t feel constrained by the old, sober rules of knitwear – instead, take this as a chance to introduce something fun. Try out AMI PARIS’ logo-heavy knitwear, Gucci’s Jacquard-woven monogram pattern, or a chunky collar from Inis Meáin.

A knitted polo really comes into its own during the transitional period before autumn and winter fully set in. Worn in summer, a knitted polo may transport you to the Italian Riviera and evoke The Talented Mr Ripley. In winter, though, it’s a versatile piece that sits somewhere between a shirt and a sweater – something that can be dressed up or down and works just as well hanging open over a tee or tank top as when it’s buttoned all the way up. What we’re trying to say is: a knitted polo can be worn pretty much whenever and however you want.

There are different styles of knitted polo, ranging from short-sleeved options such as Mr P.’s striped merino wool design to chunkier, thicker knits. Brands including Oliver Spencer and Allude have created perfect examples, crafted from wool and cashmere respectively and both ideal for something slightly smarter than just another jumper.

Nothing keeps out the cold – or makes a style statement – quite like a chunky rollneck sweater. Entire generations have turned to the rollneck for its utilitarian purposes, offering protection to fishermen and sailors as they face the unpredictable weather at sea. Chances are, you’re not coming up against anything that extreme. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still consider the rollneck a menswear classic and a wardrobe essential.

A proper rollneck is only needed on the coldest days, so we recommend pairing it with a big jacket to offer maximum protection from the elements. It’s also going to be right up against your skin, so it’s important to focus on high-quality materials. Loro Piana’s cashmere sweater is a good place to start or try TOM FORD’s blend of wool and mohair for a textural feel.

A knitted vest is what we’d call an “investment piece” – it’s an all-season essential for layering. And it’ll work just as well over a plain T-shirt as it does when you want to flash your arms and show a bit of skin. You can wear it as the outermost layer of your outfit – thrown over a substantial shirt, for instance – or style it underneath a relaxed blazer or blouson jacket. In short, it’s an all-rounder.

There are a couple of different routes you can take when picking the right one. You can use it to introduce some colour or pattern into your outfit. Or you can follow NN07’s lead, with a button-up fastening that makes it perfect when the weather’s unpredictable and you may need some extra layers. Other options, such as that from Corridor, keep things simple, while Beams Plus’ Fair Isle knit is a reinvention of an all-time classic.