IT NEVER MAKES IT
BACK TO THE WARDROBE

Every house has one of these, hanging over the back of a chair because it is going to be needed again in an hour. Penelope is meant to be that one. Open over a shirt in the morning, done up when the back door has been left open, off again by the time the oven goes on. It asks nothing of you, which is exactly why it gets worn more than anything else you own.

WHY THE PENELOPE?

• Buttons from the neck to the hem: Done up all the way it reads as a proper piece in its own right, left open it becomes a layer over whatever you already had on. Two quite different looks depending on how much of a hurry you are in.
  
  
• The lapel is what lifts it: A neat collar folds back at the neckline instead of the usual flat edge, and it is the reason this looks tailored rather than thrown together. It sits well whether the buttons are done or not.
  
  
• Relaxed, with a proper drape: The cut is easy through the body and falls cleanly rather than bunching at the hip, so there is room for a jumper underneath without anything pulling. Sleeves push up when you are at the sink and fall back down when you are not.
  
  
• Soft enough to forget you have it on: The knit is gentle against the skin and light to wear, with nothing scratchy at the neck or the wrist. It warms you without the weight of a coat, which is what most days actually call for.
  
  
• Seven colours, sizes S to 5XL: Army Green, Wine Red, Blue, Green, Apricot, Pink and Orange, from the quiet end to the cheerful. It fits true to size, and if you are between two, the larger of the pair gives you the easier line.