The designer runways are always a great source of inspiration, but rarely do they offer us the opportunity to totally replicate a look head-to-toe in our own wardrobes. At least, not without breaking the bank in the process. However, the fall/winter 2026 collections did offer an accessible point of entry in the form of collared jumpers, championed as hero items across the catwalks.
At Prada, an oversized Aran knit cardigan functioned more accurately as a jacket thanks to its zippered fastening and classic collar. Brunello Cucinelli's FW26 collection featured a chunky cardigan with a contrasting shearling collar to truly highlight the design detail. Meanwhile, Dries Van Noten went all out with Fair Isle-emblazoned three-piece knits consisting of jumpers, scarves and stand-alone collars, so you can transpose your collar onto any ensemble.
It's an undeniable sartorial fact that everything looks smarter with a collar. Shirts and blouses, jackets, dresses—and knitwear is no exception, either. Admittedly, it might feel mundane and norm-core, unless we're talking about statement styles, like a sailor collar, for example.
But attached to a cardigan or jumper, a collar in any iteration adds instant structure to an otherwise laid-back, cozy aesthetic. Take Mango’s Short Sleeve Knitted Polo Top. Designed with short sleeves and a loose silhouette, it features a classic collar in a trendy green shade.
Pair it with wide-leg denim for a relaxed off-duty look, or tuck it into tailored trousers or a midi pencil skirt for a polished work-ready ensemble. Below, find some of the best collared knit short-sleeve polo tops available to shop now: Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item.
As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
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