Cozy Knits That Will Transform Your Fall Wardrobe

A Creamy Cardigan Layered Over Lace

Cardigan, Line, $399; Dress, Winners, $50; Scarf, Marshalls, $25; Belt, Stylist’s Own

Knit Tip: Knits need TLC, say Gwen Whiting and Lindsey Boyd, co-founders of the eco-friendly fabric care line The Laundress. “Handwashing is the gentlest way to wash knits and increases the longevity of your clothes by preserving fibres. Start by pre-treating any spots and susceptible areas, such as underarms, necklines and cuffs, even if no stains are visible.” Try: The Laundress Stain Solution, $22

A Sweet and Sultry Sweater Dress

Cowl neck tunic, Banana Republic, $110; Sweater dress, Banana Republic, $124; Scarf, Wilfred, $85; Socks, Roots, $18; Boots, Hunter, $195

Knit Tip: Yes, you can ignore highmaintenance instructions. “Do not dry clean your knits!” says Jake Bretton, care specialist for the Canadian knitwear brand ça va de soi. “About 90 percent of garments with Dry Clean Only tags should not actually be dry cleaned. If your knit is made of natural materials, like 100 percent cotton, wool, or cashmere) then it can – and should be – washed.”

Cozy Cream Turtlenecks

Long-sleeved turtleneck, H&M, $60; Sleeveless turtleneck, Marshalls, $130; Hat, Hatitude Millinery by Amparo Findlay, $235; Scarf, Old Navy, $20

Knit Tip: Pilling (the little balls that can develop on a knit’s surface) is caused by the tangling of the hair, usually by rubbing under the arms or a purse.  “Washing your sweater every two to four wears really reduces pilling, so much so that you most likely won’t see any,” says Alison Currie, owner and creative director of The Cashmere Shop in Toronto. “If you do have some, take time to remove pilling by hand and then wash the garment more frequently – you should see a huge improvement.”

The Updated Poncho

Poncho, Winners, $70; Pullover, Line, $399, Skirt, Club Monaco, $190

Knit Tip: If you’ve found that some fuzzy textiles weren’t skin-friendly in the past, know that not all materials have the same effect. “People are often shocked to discover that, even if they are allergic or sensitive to wool, they can wear cashmere,” says Currie. “I am one of these people!”

Monochromatic in Soft Greys

Cardigan, Judith & Charles, $475; Top, GAP, $45; Pants, Roots, $118; Hat, Hatitude Millinery by Amparo Findlay, $295; Boots, Cougar, $75

Knit Tip: Whether you’re dealing with a fine- or chunky-knit sweater, the pros agree that hangers are a no-no because they’ll distort the shape. Keeping knits folded and stored in a breathable fabric bag is best. To further protect your investment, Currie suggests putting cedar blocks and/or lavender bags in with your knitwear or layering tissue paper in between the folded garments.

Ethereal in All-White

Pullover, Melow par Mélissa Buldoc, $275; Leggings, The Cashmere Shop, $355; Gloves, The Cashmere Shop, $105

Cool Comfort

Sweater, Club Monaco, $180; Skirt, GAP, $60; Poncho, Babaton, $298

Knit Tip: The Laundress offers different liquid soaps to treat wool, cashmere, silk and cotton-blend fabrics, but the handwashing technique for all of them remains the same. “Add two capfuls of soap to cool water,” says Whiting and Boyd. “Turn the garment inside out to avoid friction and fading and submerge it in the bath, making sure that the soap and water are evenly distributed. Soak for no longer than 30 minutes. Run cool water through the knit until it’s no longer soapy, and gently press the water out between your hands. Do not wring out.”