It's hip to be cuddly

One of the trends that emerged at the last set of fashion shows back in March was warm, cuddly knitwear. It popped up everywhere from Nicole Farhi and Clements Ribeiro to Amaya Arzuaga and Lainey Keough, who both specialised in knits for this winter. Funnily enough it is not their knits that have created a minor fashion frenzy - complete with waiting lists, and jumper envy. Oh no, it's Jigsaw.

At their flagship store on Bond Street a waiting list has been set up for a chunky knit grey jumper, without sleeves, but with a great big polo neck. I saw it on the rail last week, and thought, "Nah, I'll look like a potato in that," and bought a pale blue polo-neck instead. Now, regretfully, this grey jumper has become a fashion must-have that is impossible to get... until next week that is.

The great thing about chunky knits this season, especially ones with a polo-neck, is that they look right with girly floaty things worn underneath. In a way they are the perfect buy for now: it's too chilly for a T-shirt, but too warm for a big jacket. It's no use buying a lightweight jacket, they are only useful for about two weeks a year, when we have those very rare days of cold wind and warmish sun in spring and autumn.

A chunky jumper is useful both to wear with a floaty skirt (wear now while it's in fashion), or with super-wide Hepburn trousers, (a very good look). They are also available in lots of decent shops. See Benetton, Oasis, Whistles, Joseph and of course Jigsaw, while stocks last. A jacket, lightweight or otherwise, will be defunct when you own a super-chunky jumper.

Clockwise from top left: Purple chunky knit polo neck jumper, pounds 65, by Benetton, from selected branches nationwide, and 255-259 Regent Street, London W1; 0171 647 4200.

Grey rib jumper with baby blue chenille stripe, pounds 60 , by French Connection, 249 Regents Street, London, W1 and branches nationwide. Call 0171 399 7200 .

Navy and white marl chunky knit jumper, pounds 89.95, by Jigsaw, 126-127 New Bond Street, London W1; 39-43 King Street, Manchester and branches nationwide.

Black knitted maxi coat with four pockets, pounds 109, by Sisley, available at Benetton stores, as before.

Chunky grey/white polo-neck, pounds 199; pink silk velvet bias cut skirt, pounds 329, both Nicole Farhi; 0171 499 8368.

Still life photographs by Mykel Nicolaou

Jumpers selected by Holly Davies

Catwalk picture by Ben Elwes