Last winter belonged to the everyday oversized crew-neck jumper. We wore ours layered over T-shirts, shirts and, when temperatures dipped, a body-hugging polo neck, (probably from Uniqlo's Heattech line).
This autumn, that familiar round-necked silhouette has evolved into what is shaping up to be the knit style of the season: the Henley. M&S has one of the cutest on the high street for £28 and it's fully stocked today in every size from extra small, to extra large; and once you start noticing them, you'll see them everywhere.
Crew Neck Button Detail Jumper with 10% Wool
Crew Neck Button Detail Jumper with 10% Wool
If the name rings a bell but you can't place it, a Henley is a collarless knit with a refined row of dinky little buttons down the front. It takes its name from Henley-on-Thames, where rowers favoured the style for their racing kit in the 19th century before it became a menswear staple.
Crew Neck Button Detail Jumper with 10% Wool
Crew Neck Button Detail Jumper with 10% Wool
Crew Neck Button Detail Jumper with 10% Wool
Crew Neck Button Detail Jumper with 10% Wool
Now women have pinched it, and I totally get why. Funny how a row of tiny buttons can make a jumper look new, but they’re more than a styling device. Yes, we can adjust the buttons to suit our style, but they are practical too: undoing them makes the jumper both more breathable and allows for ease of movement.
In short, this is a jumper with the best bits of a cardigan woven in, and its so versatile you can wear it from now until next summer.
Crew Neck Button Detail Jumper with 10% Wool
Crew Neck Button Detail Jumper with 10% Wool
Wear every button fastened for a polished look, or undo one, two or more to make it softer, sexier and more intentional. Layer a white T-shirt or shirt underneath now, and, as the weather cools a thermal base layer. Do this, and you're putting your Henley knit to its best use.
The M&S version keeps all the signatures of a traditional men's Henley — the neat button placket, raglan sleeves and sporty stitching — but reworks them into a knit that looks elegant and considered, with just a touch of borrowed-from-the-boys energy.
Crew Neck Button Detail Jumper with 10% Wool
Crew Neck Button Detail Jumper with 10% Wool
The caramel shade is spot on and will work a treat with brown, navy, burgundy and denim, while the ivory is an ideal late summer and early autumn shade, before becoming an excellent layering piece later in the season.
Nobody's Child version also deserves a mention. Its 75% viscose Henley has more natural than synthetic content, with a price that reflects that. I adore the versions in navy Argyle and soft cream.
Navy Argyle Ribbed Trim Henley Jumper with 20% wool
Navy Argyle Ribbed Trim Henley Jumper with 20% wool
Style your Henley knit with barrel or straight jeans, a kilt or tailored trousers, then finish with loafers and a car coat. It's collegiate, a little sporty and fits autumn's sleek, refined mood perfectly.
