Wild and woolly: Pretty jumpers for Spring that you can wear right now...

Banish winter-weather blues with pretty jumpers from the first spring collections, says Gemma Hayward

It’s not quite chiffon-dress-and-sandals weather yet, but rest assured, the spring collections are full of knitwear that will keep your kidneys warm for a few months more. Although cropped jumpers and cardigans are a trend for the new season, worn sensibly with layers underneath, they should keep your vital organs happy. 

Despite the steely skies, the collections are brimming with all the colours of the rainbow. Bright colours still have their place with vivid reds and oranges and blues aplenty – but it’s candy shades that look like  taking over for the next six months.

You might end up getting sick of those ice-cream and cotton-candy hues, but now is the time to embrace all things sugar and spice and there is simply no cuter way than with a pastel- coloured knit.

The high street was quick to adopt this colour trend, with River Island and Topshop leading the way, inspired by Richard Nicoll, Christopher Kane, Acne and Sportmax.

Don’t be shy with printed and  patterned knits either. Stripes are equally as good as spots for everyday options, Zara and H&M cater for these play-safe options nicely – and if you’re feeling even braver, opt for a chequerboard knit dress from Henry Holland or even his woolly shorts. Why not?

The new silhouette for knitwear is leaner than winter’s chunky aesthetic, think fine gauge and focus on subtle texture, rather than volume.

It’s a great opportunity to take style-tips from Marilyn Monroe and her fellow Fifties pin-ups, and team your lightweight sweater (roll-neck optional) with an hour-glass-inducing pencil skirt. Bring it up to date by making that skirt leather, add a mid-height heel  pointy court shoe and you’ll have more than enough spring in your step to face the season ahead.