I Tried on the Most Expensive-Looking Knitwear From & Other Stories, H&M and M&S

Here at Who What Wear UK, we're all about delivering the latest and greatest shopping edits, as approved by our team. That's why we've created a new shopping column, The Joy of Shopping, which will see me, Joy Montgomery, heading to all your favourite stores to test out new-in pieces IRL. From summer dresses to the brands you might've forgotten about, prepare for changing room selfies aplenty. Is there something you'd like me to cover? Make sure to tweet or Instagram me your requests!

Perhaps more so than other items in our wardrobes, there's something very nostalgic about the humble jumper. Whether it's the cardigan your grandma knitted for you as a baby, the slouchy crew neck you stole from your first boyfriend or the Christmas jumper you're forced to wear every year by over-enthusiastic family members, it has an unbeatable ability to transport you back to a particular mood or moment in time. It comforts, it protects and its cosy appeal transcends the generations—pretty impressive for an inanimate object.

We can't ignore the fact that as Brits, our relationship with knitwear is a particularly charged one, given the large proportion of our lives we spend wearing it to protect against the drizzly chill. Also, historically, we are guilty of being a nation of bad jumper wearers (who can forget that moment in Bridget Jones' Diary when Mr Darcy turns around wearing that questionable reindeer number?)

If we're honest, I think we've all have a "bad" jumper moment lurking in the depths of our Facebook profiles or old photo albums. It doesn't help that there's a plethora of cheap-looking fabrics and fits on the high street ready to prey on unsuspecting shoppers. Yep, knitwear doom is always just around the corner.

But there is light at the end of the tunnel, and in recent years, I've noticed high-street brands making a real effort to up their game when it comes to expensive-looking designs and quality finishes. It's just a case of looking out for those details that make a jumper look high-end. For example, I generally opt for more classic, androgynous fits that feature crew necklines and clean-lined silhouettes, and I try to mix in the odd pop of colour (lilac and mint green are great options this season) to temper my usual go-to's of blue, black and grey.

From H&M's '70s-inspired cream jumper and Marks and Spencer's cashmere roll-neck to & Other Stories' collared knit, scroll down to see what I found on my trip and shop my favourites.

Style Notes: From the whole try on, this H&M chunky knit has to be my favourite piece. The zip-up style has been a new entry to this season's knitwear lineup, and I'm loving its '70s throwback vibes. It's distinctive, super cosy and comes in a versatile cream hue. Perfection.

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Style Notes: The humble crew-neck jumper is probably the knit that gets the most wear in my wardrobe. I prefer slightly oversized fits, as seen in this & Other Stories style, which pairs nicely with a colour-match satin skirt. 

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Style Notes: Everyone on Instagram seems to be a little obsessed with this Varsity stripe jumper, and I can certainly see why. It's the sort of piece that you'll actually want to throw on at the weekend with jeans and boots and instantly feel comfortable yet stylish.

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Style Notes: Marks and Spencer reigns supreme when it comes to high-street cashmere. They might not be the most trend-led silhouettes, but they're great if you want classic fits in a rainbow of colours. This winter, I'll be opting for a red roll-neck to pair with shades of beige.

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Style Notes: This might not be to everyone's taste, but I quite like the geek chic appeal of the collared, button-up jumper, especially when it comes in a contemporary shade of mint green. Bring out its retro vibes by styling with beige trousers and platform boots.

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Style Notes: I couldn't not include a cheeky jumper dress in this roundup, as there are so many around at the moment. They can look just as good layered over a pair of trousers as they can with knee-high boots.

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Style Notes: The collared knit is another entry in the knitwear stakes this season. Thanks to its slim-fit, ribbed style, this & Other Stories buy is ideal for wearing alone while tucked into high-waisted trousers or a midi skirt.

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Style Notes: Take your cues from Rosie HW and experiment with a sleeveless roll-neck knit this season. Obviously, this is less practical, warmth-wise, but the trend presents itself as a great alternative to a going-out top. A black iteration would look fab with a pair of black tuxedo trousers and heels. 

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Style Notes: Another cashmere classic from good 'ol M&S. The mint hue feels like a fresh way to wear colour this season and will look good with all your muted autumnal separates. Sure to be a hard worker in your wardrobe.

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Style Notes: One of the Who What Wear team has this jumper in two colourways, and after trying it on, I am a total convert. It treads the tricky line between classic and avant-garde, with its statement sleeves and peplum detailing. Just be warned that it's quite fitted on the body, so size up if you don't want such a clingy finish.

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Style Notes: This paisley print number comes with my renewed love for the '60s miniskirt, and I'm embracing the throwback aesthetic with gingham print and loafers. I'm not usually a huge fan of printed knits, but this feels subtle enough to fit into my wardrobe.

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Style Notes: I saw Monikh Dale wearing a green boatneck jumper, so I wore a green boatneck jumper. The neckline feels quite noughties but manages to feel contemporary thanks to the unusual green hue. It would look so good with chunky gold jewellery and a satin skirt for smart casual dress codes.

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