The wonders of the knit dress

Talk about an all-round great wardrobe item! A knit dress is a one-piece wonder that provides good coverage of your body and upper thighs, meaning that you can stay warm and toasty in cold weather. Most knit dresses come in midi-length and are long-sleeved, though there is plenty of variation, with short-hemmed and short sleeved knit dresses out there too.

Modern knit dresses usually offer a fair bit of stretch, as they are made with synthetic or blended yarns, so they don’t feel constricting when you wear them. This stretch factor also means that the dress accentuates your shape, while maintaining its own shape, rather than the fibres stretching and becoming saggy. Overall, you get a dress that holds its form, despite being worn and washed often. The other benefit of a knit dress is that it doesn’t really wrinkle, so you don’t need to worry about ironing your knit dresses.

In terms of staying warm in winter, knit dresses will do the job on their own, but you can add tights or leggings if you want to keep your legs warm too. You can also wear a slip or a t-shirt beneath a knit dress, or thermal underwear if you want to stay extra snug.

The wonders of the knit dress

Talk about an all-round great wardrobe item! A knit dress is a one-piece wonder that provides good coverage of your body and upper thighs, meaning that you can stay warm and toasty in cold weather. Most knit dresses come in midi-length and are long-sleeved, though there is plenty of variation, with short-hemmed and short sleeved knit dresses out there too.

Modern knit dresses usually offer a fair bit of stretch, as they are made with synthetic or blended yarns, so they don’t feel constricting when you wear them. This stretch factor also means that the dress accentuates your shape, while maintaining its own shape, rather than the fibres stretching and becoming saggy. Overall, you get a dress that holds its form, despite being worn and washed often. The other benefit of a knit dress is that it doesn’t really wrinkle, so you don’t need to worry about ironing your knit dresses.

In terms of staying warm in winter, knit dresses will do the job on their own, but you can add tights or leggings if you want to keep your legs warm too. You can also wear a slip or a t-shirt beneath a knit dress, or thermal underwear if you want to stay extra snug.

Types of knit dresses

There are as many styles of knit dress out there as there are creative knitters and unique yarns. You’ll find ultra-soft knits made from sheep and goat’s wool, and also a range of knits made with synthetic fibres, or blends of both. In terms of knit dress styles, in the most part, those you’ll find in stores and online fall into the below categories.

Sweater Dresses

Also called ‘jumper knit’ or ‘solid knit’ dresses, sweater dresses offer a stylish, relaxed look. They basically look like a very long jumper that falls to mid-thigh length or longer. They may have a V-neck, crew neck, or turtleneck, are loose-fitting around the waist, and are often ribbed at the hemline.

For a casual look, pair a sweater dress with ankle boots, a jacket, sneakers and a tote.

For a chic look, layer a turtleneck sweater dress with a statement belt and leather jacket. Add tall winter boots or ankle booties and a slick micro bag.

For a preppy vibe, or a look for the workplace, consider wearing a collared shirt beneath your sweater dress, leaving the collar visible out from the top. A slim belt tied at the waist and closed toe heels will finish off this look.

Bodycon Knit Dress

Bodycon knit dresses create a silhouette that shows off all your curves, but despite being figure hugging, they have a good amount of stretch to them, so they’re super comfortable.

If you’re looking for a slick and flattering dress option for an outing, a knit bodycon dress is your friend. You can easily dress it up or down to create a range of looks.

For the evening, wear your bodycon dress with a faux fur coat, high heels, glittery handbag and gemstone jewellery. Add bright lipstick and you’re all set.

For a day look, keep it low key and stylish with a faux suede or leather jacket, ankle boots, and a bucket bag.

For the workplace, your bodycon dress will look professional with a blazer or buttoned-up cardigan. You can add a statement belt at the waist to tie the look together, and even a silk neck scarf (check out this video for tips on tying your scarf). Add some closed-toe work heels or ballet flats, briefcase or bindle style bag, and you have a polished look for the office.

Wrap Style or Crossover Knit Dress

A wrap dress is typically form-fitting at the bust, cinches at the waist, then either drops straight or flares out at the skirt, creating a classic, feminine silhouette. This dress style works for all occasions, including work, and both casual and dressy outings.

For the cool weather, a wrap knit dress will look great with heels or chic ankle boots. Add a shoulder purse or clutch in a neutral tone for an all-occasion look. In terms of outerwear, a wrap knit dress will sit well under a trench coat, and can also work well with an oversized cardigan or ‘coatigan’.

Pleated Skirt Knit Dress

A pleated skirt adds an extra element to a knit dress. Pleats are feminine and elegant, and the bonus with pleats in a knit fabric is that they tend not to require ironing. Look out for pleated wrap dresses with interesting and eye-catching patterns.

A pleated knit dress will look super cute with opaque tights and ballet flats. Add a patent leather handbag and a delicate pendant necklace to top off the look.

Types of knit dresses

There are as many styles of knit dress out there as there are creative knitters and unique yarns. You’ll find ultra-soft knits made from sheep and goat’s wool, and also a range of knits made with synthetic fibres, or blends of both. In terms of knit dress styles, in the most part, those you’ll find in stores and online fall into the below categories.

Sweater Dresses

Also called ‘jumper knit’ or ‘solid knit’ dresses, sweater dresses offer a stylish, relaxed look. They basically look like a very long jumper that falls to mid-thigh length or longer. They may have a V-neck, crew neck, or turtleneck, are loose-fitting around the waist, and are often ribbed at the hemline.

For a casual look, pair a sweater dress with ankle boots, a jacket, sneakers and a tote.

For a chic look, layer a turtleneck sweater dress with a statement belt and leather jacket. Add tall winter boots or ankle booties and a slick micro bag.

For a preppy vibe, or a look for the workplace, consider wearing a collared shirt beneath your sweater dress, leaving the collar visible out from the top. A slim belt tied at the waist and closed toe heels will finish off this look.

Bodycon Knit Dress

Bodycon knit dresses create a silhouette that shows off all your curves, but despite being figure hugging, they have a good amount of stretch to them, so they’re super comfortable.

If you’re looking for a slick and flattering dress option for an outing, a knit bodycon dress is your friend. You can easily dress it up or down to create a range of looks.

For the evening, wear your bodycon dress with a faux fur coat, high heels, glittery handbag and gemstone jewellery. Add bright lipstick and you’re all set.

For a day look, keep it low key and stylish with a faux suede or leather jacket, ankle boots, and a bucket bag.

For the workplace, your bodycon dress will look professional with a blazer or buttoned-up cardigan. You can add a statement belt at the waist to tie the look together, and even a silk neck scarf (check out this video for tips on tying your scarf). Add some closed-toe work heels or ballet flats, briefcase or bindle style bag, and you have a polished look for the office.

Wrap Style or Crossover Knit Dress

A wrap dress is typically form-fitting at the bust, cinches at the waist, then either drops straight or flares out at the skirt, creating a classic, feminine silhouette. This dress style works for all occasions, including work, and both casual and dressy outings.

For the cool weather, a wrap knit dress will look great with heels or chic ankle boots. Add a shoulder purse or clutch in a neutral tone for an all-occasion look. In terms of outerwear, a wrap knit dress will sit well under a trench coat, and can also work well with an oversized cardigan or ‘coatigan’.

Pleated Skirt Knit Dress

A pleated skirt adds an extra element to a knit dress. Pleats are feminine and elegant, and the bonus with pleats in a knit fabric is that they tend not to require ironing. Look out for pleated wrap dresses with interesting and eye-catching patterns.

A pleated knit dress will look super cute with opaque tights and ballet flats. Add a patent leather handbag and a delicate pendant necklace to top off the look.

Trusty Styling Tips for Knit Dresses

There’s no end to the options available when it comes to styling knit dresses. You can keep your look pared back with minimal jewellery and neutral-coloured handbags, belts and shoes, or boost the sophistication factor with evening jewellery and heels, and an elegant clutch purse.

Here are some simple tips for styling a knit dress:

Shoes: You can wear a knit dress with flat shoes, including with sneakers if you’re going for a sporty vibe, or with combat boots for an edgier look.

For work or evening events, closed-toe heels or ankle boots will be your easiest options, but tall boots will work well with a knit dress if it’s really cold!

For warmer temperatures, a knit dress can work with strappy heels, particularly if you’re rocking a figure-hugging bodycon dress.

Jewellery: When it comes to jewellery, some hoop or drop earrings and a fine chain necklace will look chic with a knit dress. For an evening look, feel free to go with chunkier jewellery, or with pearls or gemstones.

Belts: A statement belt will do the job of adding interest to the dress and definition to your waist. Look out for bold coloured or metallic belts if you really want to grab attention.

Outer layers: For a cute look for work, a knit dress layered with an oversized cardigan in a similar or contrasting colour to the dress works really well.

For a casual and relaxed weekend vibe, a denim or faux leather jacket will give you the style you need. Consider, also, a wide-lapel suede jacket for a smooth, informal look.

For a formal evening outing, layer your knit dress with a tailored coat or elegant shawl.

Bags: When it comes to which bags to wear with your knit dress, the world is your oyster! A strappy purse, tote bag, or even a stylish clutch will all look great with a knit dress.

Look out for bags in tones that complement your dress, or else go for a purse colour that creates a striking contrast. A pop of bright red or electric blue will look striking with a black knit dress.