The Change In Season | Hardy Amies

Cashmere Roll Neck c/o Hardy Amies | Jacket by Several | Trousers by Folk | Sneakers by Paul Smith | Sunglasses by Moscot

Autumn couldn't have come soon enough. I've been awaiting its arrive for weeks, I mean sure, the official change-of-season was in the last week of September, but the chances of finding a frosty car windscreen at 7am have been slim to none. But we're ready for it now. 

The change in season brings a slightly different approach to a few areas of my routine; working hours are adjusted to reflect the daylight change, diet switches to something a little more wholesome, time is set aside to planning the next few months, and layers are piled on like we're in the real-life Buckaroo championships.

In the spirit of change we arrive at the subject of knitwear, and more precisely, this grey MR PORTER exclusive cashmere roll neck jumper by Hardy Amies. The high collared jumper isn't something I've worn since I was a teenager, but I'd be fibbing if I said I hadn't been influenced to try one while scrolling through Instagram over this past month. Time for a change, and the perfect opportunity to try something new.

Talking fresh starts at Store Street Espresso, London. Cashmere scarf c/o Hardy Amies

Other than being blessed with the perfect weather for knitwear, October's crisp, golden front presents us with possibility of it being the last opportunity to enjoy meeting up with friends without our fingers turning blue. Since becoming self-employed nearly two years ago (blimey, time flies!) I've realised the importance of human interaction - from both a well-being point of view, and how imperative it can be to build a solid foundation for your own networks.

With myself, Jordan Bunker + Brittany Bathgate now all being officially being self-employed, it's becoming more important than ever for us to support new ideas, share advice from past experiences, and lend a helping-hand at the drop of a hat. 

Inspiration comes in all different shapes and forms, and those words could be used to describe my venture into the humble roll neck jumper. I turned to Jordan + Brit for inspiration when it came to styling the Hardy Amies cashmere, as these two have a certain way with colours, textures and layering.

Jordan Bunker + Brittany Bathgate

Photography by Jordan Bunker

I limited myself to the simple palette of greys, blues + greens, which has worked for me so well throughout every other season. The roll neck was my starting point, with it's super soft-to-touch cashmere goodness, layered with a simple white t-shirt, and navy seersucker collared jacket for added texture. For the bottom half I brought a slight utilitarian feel into the mix, with sage green fatigue trousers, worn with army green ribbed socks and simple white leather sneakers.

It felt good to leave my comfort zone sweatshirt in the wardrobe for once, and gave me a new confidence to experiment with alternative shapes a little more this season. It may seem trivial, because for many knitwear is a given at this time of year, but for someone who thrives on a regimented routine, it was a step in a new direction for me. But if my first two years of self-employment have taught me anything, if you don't give it your best shot you'll never know what you can achieve.

This post is brought to you in partnership with Hardy Amies. Your support of the brands + businesses we work with helps make this blog happen.

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