Wool for winter. Not exactly groundbreaking in trend terms is it?

Well, actually, knitwear was really big news on the AW14 catwalks - literally.

The Row (that's the Olsen twins' label) took the prize for most oversized, with a humongous cowl-necked jumper and trousers combo, while Stella McCartney and yarn aficionado Mark Fast also went for the slouch-factor with layers of chunky woollens.

Even designers who usually shy away from such an organic fabric, like Phoebe Philo at Celine and Marc Jacobs, spun a yarn with head-to-toe ribbed knits.

It all adds up to some seriously seductive comfort-dressing options when you need them most.

From blanket wraps to stand-out separates, face the frosty weather with our pick of the wool pack.

SUPERSIZE ME

Go the catwalk route with slouchy, supersized knitwear - the bigger the better.

A hefty cowl collar, chunky cable detailing and lengthy scarves all fit the bill. Worried these bulky details will supersize you too? Then look for pieces with just one of the above.

A long sleeveless tunic with a cowl neck, for example, will be slim enough to wear under your winter coat, and does away with the need for a scarf, plus you can layer it over trousers or tights, depending on how dressy you want to go.

:: Scarlett Sleeveless Roll Neck Jumper, £45; Chester Blanket Coat, £129; Heidi Leather Skirt, £149, Lisbon Box Calf Chelsea Boots, £79, all Monsoon (www.monsoon.co.uk)

:: Wallis Pale Pink Cowl Neck Tunic, £38 (www.wallis.co.uk)

MAP YOUR COORDINATES

The most faithful catwalk homages on the high street are the head-to-toe coordinate sets in wheat and stone hues.

A tricky look to pull off - not least because they bear more than a passing resemblance to PJs - the key to woollen co-ords is how you accessorise them. If you're going casual, keep it simple with ballet flats or high-top trainers, but to dress them up, let the trouser hems fall over pointed-toe stiletto boots and add a couple of gold bangles or a blingy cocktail ring.

:: H&M Wool Top, £34.99, and Trousers, £39.99 (in store end of November; www.hm.com)

:: Zara Knit Flared Trousers, £59.99 (www.zara.com)

FUZZY LOGIC

How to tap into the head-to-toe trend without going totally coordinated? By mixing and matching woollen separates.

If you miss the summer staple tube skirt, try a fluffy version paired with a slouchy sweater and ribbed tights, and top off with a faux fur jacket for a sumptuous mix of feel-good fabrics.

With so many touchable textures going on, it's wise to limit your colour palette. Autumnal reds and browns go well together, as do pale, fawny tones, the ideal match for brown leather accessories.

:: Apricot Stone Fluffy Knit Mini Skirt, £19 (www.apricotonline.co.uk)

:: Mint Velvet Nude Mongolian Trim Knit Gilet, £129 (www.mintvelvet.co.uk)

BLANKET COVERAGE

The ultimate winter woollen, a capacious cardigan or blanket coat is the perfect style prescription for self-diagnosed Seasonal Affective Disorder.

By day, a big dip-hem cardigan isn't just warm, it's actually a secret slimming aid, because the roomy shape makes your arms and legs look thinner - just make sure the sleeves and your trousers are slim-cut too.

For the great outdoors, cocoon yourself in a cosy blanket wrap, belting it up if you want to add definition to your waistline.

:: Wallis Stone Cocoon Zip Hem Cardigan, £55 (www.wallis.co.uk)

:: Evans Mink Colour Block Wrap, £35 (www.evans.co.uk)

'IT' KNITS

If washed-out woollens aren't your thing, pick one impactful piece and work your outfit around it.

But we're not talking Christmas jumpers or cutesy animal motifs - look for graphic knit prints, stripes and animal prints.

A longline sweater dress is a great multitasker, letting you dial the dressiness up or down according to your mood: wear it with tights and over-knee boots (the style of the season), over skinny jeans at the weekend or tuck it into a leather skirt for work.

:: Fenn Wright Manson Remi Jumper, £150 (www.fennwrightmanson.com) (other items, stylist's own)

:: Jaeger Giant Houndstooth Tunic, £180 (www.jaeger.co.uk)

GOOD SPORT

In a very cool hybrid, the track and field trend gets a sheepish spin this season, with sporty separates rendered in wool, the ideal solution if earthy tones and loose shapes aren't your kind of thing.

If you have a tendency to wear any colour - as long as it's black, a slate grey hoodie or biker cardigan will slot neatly into your wardrobe, and you'll find a pair of wool jogging pants go on high rotation, particularly when paired with patent heeled lace-up boots, to really up the luxe element.

:: Mint Velvet Silver Grey Biker Cardigan, £89 (www.mintvelvet.co.uk)

:: Label Lab Hooded Zip Cardi, £69 (www.houseoffraser.co.uk)

GET THE LOOK

Like the look of Gucci's groovy go-go boots but not so keen on the £950 price tag? Then go-go to Topshop, where you'll find the Collide High Leg Snake Boots, £150 (www.topshop.com), and in a much more versatile colour too.

BUY IT NOW

Thought you'd finished your festive wish list? Not so fast, because London Fashion Week megastar Osman Yousefzada has just unveiled a perfectly-timed capsule collection with Amazon Fashion. The five-piece range features a super-chic Christmas Jumper, £95, but the piece with the most staying power is definitely the black Unisex Tuxedo Jacket, £150 (www.amazon.co.uk/osman).

FASHION FLASH

:: BOYFRIEND VS JEANS

When did you last through away a pair of jeans? If the answer is never, you're one of the 20% of women who can't bare to let their denim darlings go even though they no longer fit, according to a survey by home appliance brand Grundig. One in 20 go even further, saying they'd sooner get rid of their partner, before ditching their favourite jeans.

RECESSIONISTA ALERT

In spite of the suggestive web address, LittleBlackDress.co.uk is not populated solely with LBDs. Case in point: Emma Louise London's Chorus Line Layered Shift Dress, £189 (reduced from £270). To really get your money's worth with this ballerina-printed purple frock, premiere it during party season then transition to your spring daywear wardrobe with flats and opaque tights.