Knitwear for spring: Serve up style in fickle weather

The spring knits offered in most collections this season — high end to high street — are the perfect way to signal a spring sensibility, without freezing to death.

And for those of us living where “summer” is a mixed-bag weather-wise, we’ll probably keep reaching for lightweight cardis and jumpers all summer long, making them more than a mere fashion statement.

Many brands at all price points offer covetable cardi, jumpers and tanks for wearing over a shirt — all crafted in lightweight yarns in bright hues, pastels and pale neutrals; in solid colours or in stripes, jacquards and intarsia patterns.

Design details include a slouchy silhouette, drop shoulder, exposed seams, bold buttons and embellishment such as embroidery, crystals and ruffles. Round and V necklines dominate but knit polo shirts, first seen at Gucci, are having a moment.

Find half-sleeve cashmere in perfect pink at Me+Em; long-sleeve V-neck linen sweaters in sky-blue or peppermint at Gerard Darel and oversize cotton V-necks at The Reformation. Find wear-forever classics such as stripey Bretons at Hush, Jigsaw and Boden and slouchy cricket-inspired white-and-navy at Ralph Lauren, Holland-Cooper and Mango.

Cardis can be pared back, statement, slouchy or slim-fitting. Find slim-fitting “classic” cardis in cotton at Boden in 11 solid colours plus stripes, embroidered and scalloped. Wear on its own with a few buttons undone or over a tee or matching top.

For a polished look, there are structured cardis that can substitute for a tailored jacket. Find them by, among others, Self Portrait, Majé and Phase Eight.

1. Slouchy cotton cardi, The Upside, £165, MyTheresa