I’ve Searched Hundreds Of Jumpers To Find The Perfect Autumn Style – This Light Layer Is, By Far, The Best

There's an art to nailing the lighter layer for autumn. First, said layer mustn't be (as the name suggests) too thick – keep your cable knits, wool blends and fleece jackets for the colder months. Second, it must be easy to layer under heavier layers when the weather is so cold that you refuse to leave the house in anything thinner than a blanket. Finally, and this is perhaps a given, but a lighter layer should be soft and cosy – the kind of piece you actually wouldn't mind changing out of your loungewear for. With that in mind, what if I told you I've found a jumper that ticks all three boxes and is made from 100% cashmere?

Free People's Porta Cashmere Henley is the chicest light layer I've perhaps ever seen. Equal parts relaxed and cosy, the jumper is cut for a slightly oversized fit and features a buttoned neckline and raglan-cut sleeves finished with elasticated cuffs. The best part, however, is its 100% cashmere composition, which also makes it an excellent layering piece, particularly when the temperature really drops and you need to wear a layer of cashmere underneath a usual jumper. Cashmere is not only a total luxury for winter, but it also feels so lovely and easy to wear, especially if you're just planning on tucking it into a pair of jeans.

Shop: Free People's Porta Cashmere Henry

Free People's cashmere jumper is deliciously undone, the kind that almost looks like it's been stolen from someone else's wardrobe – so lean into that with the styling. The half-button placket and slouchy cut give it that insouciant feel that we all realistically spend hours curating. You'll find it's the jumper you reach for on a chilly September morning, and still find yourself wearing hours deep into a dinner party. Pair it with baggy jeans or loose wide-leg trousers for a more casual feel, or layer it over a satin midi skirt.

So yes, after hours spent searching, I've finally found it – the perfect light layer that feels like second skin but looks infinitely chicer. Free People has always nailed the brief when it comes to easy basics and boho-inspired pieces, and this cashmere knit is the latest item that shows autumnal dressing doesn't have to be all bulky cable knits and woollens. There's a luxury in slipping into a cosy cashmere jumper as the leaves start to turn, and if autumn is the season of heading back to school, then consider Free People's jumper your new uniform.

Shop: Free People's Porta Cashmere Henley In Other Colours

Main image credit: Instagram/@kencrum

Gemma Lavers is a fashion commerce writer at Grazia, where she tracks down viral pieces and is as comfortable navigating the M&S new-in page as she is dissecting the latest celebrity look. When not writing, shopping or at Reformer Pilates (a cliché but she's hooked), Gemma will likely be planning her next holiday (and what she's going to wear).