What's out there? Sweaters to have or have not: Fair Isles, cashmere jackets, classic knits. Some affordable, some imitable, all desirable. Tony Glenville thinks autumn

Joseph, pounds 89. This is the sweaterdress/tunic of the moment; semi-sheer mohair in a gentle trapeze shape. However, this is not at all practical, it is truly a fashion item. Soft colours such as pale sage are perfect for the texture. Joseph, 26 Sloane Street, London SW1; 77 Fulham Road, SW3 Photographs: Bert Cross

Jigsaw, pounds 42. Sweaters that fit comfortably under suits are often difficult to find at a reasonable price; this neat little grey ribbed 'jumper' is definitely the answer. Versatile and nicely made, it will take you happily through the seasons, and is fitted without being too clingy. Available from Jigsaw stores nationwide

Artwork, both pounds 325. Hand-knitted pale indigo whitby jumper and insheer aran jumper are of superb quality in simple, easy shapes that will not date. Unfortunately, the prices are sky-high. Artwork, from Geo Trowark, 10 St Christopher's Place, London W1

Nicole Farhi, pounds 219. A good choice for a patterned sweater. A classic Fair Isle in an easy shape for weekend wear, the colours are muted, in either a dark or a light version. Although the yarn is fairly tough, it is not too scratchy and will wear well. Nicole Farhi, 158 New Bond Street, London W1; 193 Sloane Street, London SW1

TSE Cashmere, chestnut jacket pounds 299 and tunic (underneath) pounds 165. Expensive but special, in cashmere and updated classic style. Not a hot fashion item. TSE Cashmere available from Harrods, Knightsbridge, London SW1; Simpsons, Piccadilly, London W1

Nicole Farhi, pounds 219. If you want a patterned sweater this is a good choice. a classic fairisle in a soft easy shape for the weekend. The colours are muted and tonal, in either a dark or a light version. Although the yarn is fairly tough it is not too scratchy and will wear well. Nicole Farhi, 158 New Bond Street, London W1; 193 Sloane Street, London SW1.

TSE Cashmere, chestnut jacket pounds 299 and tunic (underneath) pounds 165. Expensive, yes, but the sweaters from TSE are really special, in fluid cashmere and updated classic style. The colours are on muted side generally but for this kind of collection this is no bad thing. Not the sweater if you're looking for a hot fashion item at a good price. TSE Cashmere, from Harrods, Knightsbridge, London SW1; Simpsons, Picadilly, London W1.

Jigsaw, pounds 42. Sweaters to go under suits are often difficult to find at a reasonable price, this neat grey ribbed 'jumper' is the answer. Versatile and nicely made it will take you through the seasons, and is fitted without being too clingy. From Jigsaw stores nationwide.

Joseph, pounds 89. This is the sweaterdress/tunic of the moment; semi-sheer mohair in a gentle trapeze shape. However this is not the piece of knitwear to buy if you need anything the slightest bit practical, it is truly a fashion item. Soft colours such as pale sage are perfect for the texture. Joseph 26 Sloane Street, London SW1; 77 Fulham Road, London SW3.

Artwork, both pounds 325. Often people look at hand knits and say 'I could have made it myself', but in the case of this pale indigo whitby jumper and insheer aran jumper, the quality is superb and the simple, easy shapes won't date. Unfortunately the prices are sky high and will put a lot of people off. Artwork, from Geo Trowark, 10 St Christopher's Place, London W1.

Joseph, pounds 155. Sporty knits are not for everbody but this updated jogger top is a new slant on an old favourite. We chose it as a special one off, not a key buy, because there is always room for something a little special in knitwear. Joseph 26 Sloane Street, London SW1; 77 Fulham Road, London SW3.

(Photograph omitted)