Did someone say cosy knits?

The arrival of autumn can just as easily signal the start of an Indian summer as it can a drop in temperature. It’s not unusual to leave your house in the morning in drizzle and return in blazing sunshine. The key to maintaining your style when all around you are losing theirs? Layering.

Here are our top tips for navigating the changeable early autumn weather, with inspiration from the new season knitwear at Seasalt Cornwall, which is made to last using soft, breathable natural fabrics in colours and prints that represent the beautiful Cornish coastline.

Image: Jetty Reach jumper, £79.95; Susie jersey midi skirt, £49.95, Seasalt Cornwall; Converse trainers, £54.99

On those early autumn days when the chilly mornings kick in, you don’t have to immediately get your coat. Instead, invest in a chunky knit to do the job instead, opting for a size up if you want to layer underneath. A classic Breton stripe or graphic monochrome print are versatile enough to work with most pieces in your wardrobe, from jeans to midi skirts.

Image: Safe Sail cardigan, £99.95; Fruity jumper, £45, Seasalt Cornwall; Boyfriend jeans, £75, Hush; Trainers, £99, Whistles

Why stick with one stylish knit when you can wear two? Seasalt Cornwall specialises in beautifully-crafted knitwear, which is made to be loved and worn season after season, using the best natural yarns, from soft cotton to cosy lambswool and merino. The collection also comes in a range of plain, patterned and Fair Isle styles, which makes it perfect for mixing and matching. Tap into the colour blocking trend for autumn by wearing a bold printed cardigan over a tonal jumper, or channel the ‘balletcore’ aesthetic by pairing a cotton wrap cardigan with a thin polo neck.

Image: Coupling vest, £59.95; Windflower jersey dress, £69.95; Oak Grove boots, £125, Seasalt Cornwall

The sweater vest has become an autumn staple, thanks to its dual benefits: it can add an extra layer of warmth over delicate blouses and floaty dresses; and it brings an extra pop of colour or print to your look. This rich jade green vest can be worn over your favourite midi dress for both work and weekends. Accessorise with a comfy pair of lace-up ankle boots.

Image: Roll neck top, £30, Boden; Cutting Garden shirt, £59.95; Landward brogues, £79.95, Seasalt Cornwall; Cotton trousers, £94.50, Me + Em

Take inspiration from the fashion set and pop on an extra thermal layer with a thin polo neck worn under your favourite shirt or dress. For added style points, try mixing and matching your designs. Stripes, animal print and florals are the neutrals of the print world and will take the stress out of pattern clashing, so get experimenting.

Image: Centrepiece dress, £85, Seasalt Cornwall: Socks, £12.95, Birkenstock; Chelsea boots, £59, Marks & Spencer

Also known as the jumper dress, the LKD handily straddles the gap between comfy and dressy. We’ll be wearing ours with bare legs, chunky socks and ankle boots when it’s a little warmer, and then staying snug with tights, knee high boots and a puffer coat on cooler days.

Image: Pentowan jacket, £89.95; Buck's Horn jumper, £85, Seasalt Cornwall; Organic jeans, £135, Toast

Even if you can’t make peace with the name, there’s no denying this shirt-jacket hybrid has a place in your autumn wardrobe. It can be worn over T-shirts, dresses and shirts when it’s not yet cold enough for a thick cover-up, and when it gets really chilly, you can wear it under your winter coat for an extra thermal layer. This cotton canvas jacket from Seasalt Cornwall is inspired by traditional French workwear, with two very handy large front pockets, and is ideal for those ‘in between’ autumn days.

Shop your new season knitwear – perfect for layering – at Seasalt Cornwall