Let’s face it, when temperatures drop, we tend to seek refuge in the season’s usual comforting colours: think black, grey, navy and beige. But in recent months, the style set has proven that all it takes to make your outfit feel a little more spritely – even on the dullest of days – is a bright red, olive green, royal purple, butter yellow or deep blue jumper.

Last month, in a story advising on how to style a colourful knit, after spotting them everywhere during fashion month, I wrote: “A humble knit is perhaps the easiest way to embrace a pop of colour as the weather cools and colourful jumpers and cardigans have been a regular sight in the office. Primary shades like bright red, Klein blue and emerald green have all been worn by staffers this week, while one of the season’s more unexpected shades – purple – feels particularly appealing in a plush, tactile knit.”

Of course, when it comes to how you wear your jumper, that’s another conversation entirely. Pulled on conventionally is the obvious go-to, but draping one artfully over the shoulders or tying it around the waist introduces both a welcome flash of colour and an extra layer to reach for when temperatures really plummet. There’s also something to be said for wearing a colourful knit beneath a more neutral coat, allowing just a hint of a brighter shade to peek through.

A vivid red or blue jumper looks just as good with your favourite straight-leg jeans as it does with tailored black trousers; a rich purple knit brings an unexpected lift to grey or chocolate brown wool, while butter yellow and navy offer a softer way into the trend. From classic cashmere crew necks and chunky cable knits to zip-through jumpers and fine-gauge layering options, these are the colourful jumpers worth making room for in your winter wardrobe.

Fire-engine red

Pure Wool Cable Knit Quarter-Zip Jumper

Olive green

Klein blue

Pure Merino Wool Funnel Neck Half Zip Jumper

Royal purple

Navy blue

Virginia Smith, Director of Global Fashion Network

Butter yellow