I love cashmere. I’d much rather own one gorgeous cashmere jumper to wear on repeat than 10 synthetic versions. Luckily, the high street now has some amazing options, including Uniqlo and Marks & Spencer, making cashmere more available and affordable than ever before. I’ve also recently discovered The Nearly New Cashmere Co, which, as the name suggests, sells secondhand 100% cashmere knitwear and accessories. It restores thousands of discarded cashmere pieces throughout the year, so it’s a lovely sustainable layer to add to your luxury gift while keeping costs cleverly affordable. 

Cashmere is soft, luxurious and feels lovely to wear, like a big hug. It’s practical in a way that not every luxurious item is – it genuinely keeps you warm. And it’s a natural fabric. As a fashion director, I’m often asked for style tips. My simplest yet most true is always to invest in natural fabrics like cotton and cashmere. They look expensive, even when they aren’t, and seem to last longer than synthetic alternatives.

I know I’m not the only one who is hooked. Last month, luxury fashion destination Net-a-Porter saw a significant increase in sales for cashmere accessories. Searches for ‘cashmere scarf’ were up by 155%, cashmere socks up by 176% and cashmere gloves by 354%. The good stuff is always in demand, especially at Christmas.

A cashmere jumper, while lovely, is often an expensive gift to give a friend, and that’s where accessories come into play – beanies and hoods are more affordable options. Kitty McGee, Stylist’s executive fashion director, says, “I love a cashmere hood as it is more modern and dynamic than a scarf. It’s practical, but also softens a look and adds an element of styling to a bulky winter look.”

Come December, there are few greater pleasures than snuggling up in front of the Christmas tree with a hot chocolate in hand while wearing a knitted dress and thick cashmere slipper socks. And if the socks were a little gift for yourself? Even better.  

Images: courtesy of brands