A lipstick-red jumper is all it takes to wake up your autumn wardrobe – the 8 to shop now, from £35

Sometimes one simple wardrobe update can open up almost endless possibilities for a new season. And right now, the update I recommend most is a red jumper.

Not just any red either. Lipstick red. The sort of rich, confident shade that instantly makes an outfit look more zingy, confident and chic.

Of course, fashion has been flirting with "a pop of red" for a while. It started with handbags and ballet flats, but, thankfully, trends don't come and go like they used to, rather they evolve.

So it seems only natural that red is even more popular now, and to get involved all you need to do is choose it in the item you'll reach for most now: a gorgeous, cosy wear-every-day jumper.

Retailers have spotted it too. There isn't a major high-street brand without a lipstick red knit this season. Boden, Gap, Zara, Massimo Dutti, M&S, John Lewis and Nobody's Child have all included one in their collections.

If you love a classic round neck, easily the most popular style, John Lewis has an excellent option with raglan sleeves in 100% cotton for £35. M&S has their £90 cashmere version, soon to be joined by a scarlet polo-neck version.

Zara's red knit is looser and more relaxed, while my favorites include Massimo Dutti's quarter-zip jumper in a cotton, wool and cashmere blend, which opens up all sorts of layering and styling possibilities. And Nobody's Child has a fluffy, cosy knit that somehow manages to look as right for a night on the sofa watching The Traitors as it does for work styled with a blazer and a kilt, or a weekend walk.

You can use your red jumper to update multiple autumn outfits. It will work with this season's dark indigo jeans, a swishy midi skirt, M&S's cult "bargos", soft cords or tailored trousers. All you need to do after that is throw on a neat car coat and loafers.

If you're wondering whether red suits you, the answer is... yes! When colour consultant Sandy Lancaster analysed my colours earlier this year, she told me everyone has a shade of red that suits them. Everyone!

Lipstick red just happens to be one of the easiest and most universally flattering place to start.

So, you see, one lipstick-red jumper really can make everything else you own feel new again. It's the one knit I would invest in this autumn. And it will look festive at Christmas too.