Spring is on the horizon, but given the grey, rainy weather we have been experiencing for the past few weeks, it doesn't exactly feel that way. Outfit inspiration in these early months of the year can be tough. What do you wear when it's dark and cold seemingly 24/7?

Enter the humble knitted jumper, which has been experiencing somewhat of a glow-up. From sailor collars to landscape cardigans, there are a multitude of options available on the high street and beyond right now. Cosy, chic and pairs perfectly with jeans, which are of course another wardrobe staple.

Scroll on for major inspiration from the street style set on how to wear yours.

Striped cardigan and biker boots

paris, france january 26: gabriella karefa johnson seen wearing an oversized charcoal grey wool coat with structured tailoring and a relaxed drape. underneath, a plush mohair blend knit in bold striped tones of burnt orange, cream, and deep navy, a classic mid wash blue straight leg denim, styled with sleek black leather ankle boots for a clean, city ready finish. she completes the outfit with minimal dark sunglasses and the sculptural alaïa le teckel handbag in smooth black leather, statement earrings and a silver / gold pendant necklace. her hair is styled in loose natural waves with soft volume, while her make up look is polished and fresh, featuring glowing skin, softly defined eyes, and a neutral lip, outside christian dior show, during the haute couture spring summer 2026 as part of paris fashion week on january 26, 2026 in paris, france. (photo by jeremy moeller/getty images)pinterest
Jeremy Moeller//Getty Images

Fuzzy mohair cardigans in bold and colourful stripes? Yes please. This wearer has balanced hers with a smart, masculine overcoat and opted for classic straight leg jeans which perfectly show off her biker boots.

Pale blue knit and faux-fur coat

copenhagen, denmark january 28: a guest wears a pink wool beret hat, black cat eye glasses, a long leopard print faux fur coat, a pastel blue knit sweater layered over a pink shirt, dark wide leg trousers, black leather loafers, a cream wool scarf draped over the shoulders, a chunky black beaded necklace, silver earrings, and carries a brown snake skin patterned shoulder bag outside the herskind show during copenhagen fashion week aw26 on january 28, 2026 in copenhagen, denmark. (photo by raimonda kulikauskiene/wireimage)pinterest
Raimonda Kulikauskiene//Getty Images

On colder days, you just need layers. Take a colourful knit and put it over an equally colourful shirt, add your favourite pair of jeans, and then a bold faux-fur coat over the top. Beret optional, but advised.

Argyle jumper and straight leg jeans

copenhagen, denmark january 29: tine andrea lauvli is seen wearing a long black double breasted coat with a relaxed oversized silhouette and wide lapels; an oversized black, brown and white argyle plaid wool knit sweater from gestuz draped loosely around the neck; a brown asymmetrical hem crewneck linen top; blue straight leg jeans; a black leather belt; snake skin leather „gzcarter“ ankle boots with a pointed toe and block heel from gestuz; a small black „kelly 28 sellier“ epsom leather bag with golden hardware from hermès; golden hoop earrings; black „wayfarer“ acetate sunglasses with dark tinted lenses from ray ban; her blonde hair styled in a sleek ponytail attending the aiayu show during copenhagen fashion week aw26, is seen wearing on january 29, 2026 in copenhagen, denmark. (photo by moritz scholz/getty images)pinterest
Moritz Scholz//Getty Images

Wearing your jumper knotted around your shoulders or as a scarf is the ultimate cool-girl styling hack. Argyle has never been more in — keep the rest of your outfit simple to really let it shine.

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Varsity cardigan and statement trainers

copenhagen, denmark january 27: olivia van lil is seen wearing a burgundy hooded raincoat with an oversized relaxed silhouette, adjustable drawstring waist and snap button and zip front closure from essential antwerp; a navy cardigan with a relaxed fit and red and white striped trim at the cuffs and hem from essential antwerp; a navy and light pink striped long sleeve top from baum und pferdgarten; blue denim jeans with a flared leg silhouette, finished with wide cargo style patch pockets from essential antwerp; red chunky sneakers with a sculptural sole from balenciaga; a large tiger print patch shoulder bag with logo patches from essential antwerp; a knitted burgundy balaclava style scarf; big aviator style eyeglasses with clear glasses with a dark blue frame; her light blond hair is worn loose underneath the balaclava attending the ganni x disney collector´s comic breakfast during copenhagen fashion week aw26, on january 27, 2026 in copenhagen, denmark. (photo by moritz scholz/getty images)pinterest
Moritz Scholz

Take a preppy, letter-embellished cardigan and match it your favourite pair of trainers. Wide-leg jeans give the look a cool silhouette, and a touch of animal print adds even more interest.

Waist-tie jumper and embellished denim

copenhagen, denmark january 27: a guest wears blue wide jeans, red sweater, red fur coat and sunglasses outside the forza collective show during copenhagen fashion week aw26, is seen wearing on january 27, 2026 in copenhagen, denmark. (photo by raimonda kulikauskiene/wireimage)pinterest
Raimonda Kulikauskiene//Getty Images

Tying a jumper around your waist instantly adds texture and depth to your outfit. Extra points if it matches your coat. Bejewelled denim keeps the look interesting, and you can keep the ensemble office-appropriate by finishing off with smart loafers.

Rollneck and cream jeans

berlin, germany february 01: aylin sengül wears white jeans beige trench coat arket, turtleneck cos, sunglasses ysl, loafers hm, brown suede bag demellier london during the berlin fashion week autumn/winter 2026 at on february 01, 2026 in berlin, germany. (photo by christian vierig/getty images)pinterest
Christian Vierig//Getty Images

We love a head-to-toe tonal moment, and this combination of rollneck jumper, jeans and trench coat is très chic.

Zip-through knit and dress

copenhagen, denmark january 29: a guest wears a dark brown gathered zip front jacket with voluminous sleeves, a matching brown pleated mini skirt, bright pink opera length gloves, argyle patterned tights in blue, brown, and cream, black pointed toe ankle boots, oversized black heart shaped sunglasses, silver stud earrings, and carries a white structured mini handbag outside the paolina russo show during copenhagen fashion week aw26, is seen wearing on january 29, 2026 in copenhagen, denmark. (photo by raimonda kulikauskiene/wireimage)pinterest
Raimonda Kulikauskiene//Getty Images

More is more — brighten up your day with pattern clashing. Skirts over jeans continue to rise in popularity, and we love how this wearer has kept things practical with a snug scarf and Ugg boots.

Scarf jumper and wide-leg jeans

berlin, germany february 02: sophia geiss wears jeans acne studio, grey jumper scarf meotine, grey coat the frankieshop, sunglasses miu miu, bag aesther ekme during the berlin fashion week autumn/winter 2026 at on february 02, 2026 in berlin, germany. (photo by christian vierig/getty images)pinterest
Christian Vierig//Getty Images

A scarf jumper is an easy way to look polished and pulled-together. The charcoal coat is super smart, yet the washed out denim keeps the overall look casual. Take note.

Headshot of Rebecca Jane Hill
Rebecca Jane Hill
Senior Fashion Editor

Rebecca Jane Hill is the Senior Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan UK. She has previously contributed to publications including Vogue, Elle, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, Refinery29, The Face, Glamour and Stylist. She started her own magazine, Sister, in 2012 whilst at university. Focused around feminism, fashion and culture, it went on to produce 12 globally stocked print issues, as well as countless events and partnerships. She closed the magazine in 2023.

Rebecca has been an associate lecturer at London College of Fashion since 2018, where she teaches on the Fashion Journalism course. She is a passionate second-hand shopper and is constantly on the lookout for new design talent.