It's a zoo out there on the high street right now. Lisa Haynes rounds up the animal cuties.

By Lisa Haynes


Last year, jumpers took on a life of their own, dominating winter wardrobes. And this season they're back in full force, but gone are the snowflakes and Christmas trees, replaced by a Noah's Ark of statement creations.

From festive reindeer and penguins to domestic dogs and cats, there's a woollen work of wildlife art to please everyone.

Yep, quirky knits are cool again. They're the type of jumper you might expect to find in a nine-year-old's wardrobe, except super-sized for adults to join in the fashion fun.

The trend began at Burberry's autumn/winter catwalk when countryside characters adorned woolly knits and, sitting on the front row, actress Kate Bosworth flaunted a statement owl jumper that peeped out above the waistband of her skirt, marking the start of fashion's ongoing obsession with the majestic birds.

Now, the trend has moved on from the countryside theme to just about anything cute and cuddly. Time to wrap up in this season's 'It knits'.


:: Twit twoo

Owls are undoubtedly the standout creature feature of this season. If you can't afford Burberry's £795 cashmere owl, hoot for joy over Internacionale's bargain sweater, £9.99 (0141 522 2020).


:: Squirrel style

It is possible to be cute and glam, as Monsoon's animal offerings demonstrate. Their striking cobalt blue Nutkin jumper has a striking sequinned squirrel motif, £49 (www.monsoon.co.uk).


:: Flopsy fashion

Hop to it - Topshop's knitted mirror bunny motif jumper has double the adorable factor. And the piece de resistance? The two floppy bunny tails at the back! £46 (0844 984 0264/www.topshop.com).


:: Wonder wings

Fashion's favoured feathered friend returns in the form of mittens. Take flight this winter with Awear's cosy owl handwarmers, £10 (www.awear.com).


:: Kool for cats

Nail the geek chic look with an academic-looking cat. Louche at Joy's Kat intarsia jumper is quite the 'spectacle' in festive red, £45 (www.joythestore.com).


:: Spot the difference

Forget 101 Dalmatians... just one's enough to make this jumper look extra strokeable. Go waggy-tailed over Joules's Marsha doggy intarsia jumper, £69.95 (www.joules.com).


:: P-P-P pick up a penguin

If there's one bird that gets everyone cooing, it's the penguin. Prepare for compliments aplenty when you waddle around town in Awear's cosy grey penguin intarsia jumper, £35 (www.awear.com).


:: Panda Pom-poms

Swap autumnal leaves for bamboo shoots with Littlewoods's knitted panda hat. The pom-pom ears and squeezable nose are sure to brighten up dark wintry mornings, £15 (www.littlewoods.com).


:: Style Aviary

Don't get into a flap over winter layering. Use a statement owl to bring your woolly pieces to life, like Marks & Spencer's owl motif jumper, £35 (0845 302 1234).


:: Dear deer

Run wild through the woodlands in George at Asda's reindeer jumper. There's even an embellished 3D bow around the neck for extra cuteness, £14 (0800 952 0101).


Get the look

Kelly Brook put a spin on the traditional party dress in a glam one-piece. Get her Kelly Brook for New Look cross-over cut-out back jumpsuit for £44.99 (www.newlook.com).


Buy it now

Step out in blue suede shoes (with matching clutch) for a good cause. Dune's limited edition True Blue set in eye-catching cobalt is £135, with £50 from every sale donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust. Available November 26 (www.dune.co.uk).


Fashion flash

:: Lingerie Letdown

Brief your man before he shops for your underwear drawer this Christmas. British women have collectively received more than £100 million of lingerie gifts that languish unworn and unloved in their top drawers. One in five women has never worn a piece of lingerie purchased by a partner, according to the survey by online lingerie retailer Fox & Rose. The poll of 1,600 British women revealed that two thirds have received lingerie as a present from their partner, with men splashing out an average of £42 per set.

:: Recessionista alert

Get the perfect double Christmas present with Police. Buy any men's or women's Police watch in store at H Samuel and receive a free 50ml Police fragrance. Watches start at £64.99, offer available while stocks last.