The Knit Dresses We’d Wear This Season
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Photo by Youn Kim
In my industry, dressing up for meetings or events is almost always a requirement and once the temperature drops, I always turn to knit dresses as chic solutions. I appreciate the ease of throwing one on and getting through half the fashion battle. Knit dresses and cold weather are a match made in style heaven; there just aren’t as many garments that feel as comfortable, winter-proof, versatile and effortlessly elegant. Most importantly, I love the way a fitted knit dress makes me feel: Feminine. Powerful. In control.
Nowadays, you can find one at every retailer, but they aren’t all created equal. A good knit dress is not only stylish by your own standards, but it also features a tight weave (for durability), a non-scratchy wearable fabric and an easygoing silhouette. Knowing this, when I stumble upon one that’s well-made and in a style I like, I hold onto it for as long as possible.
What to Look For in a Knit Dress
This is hard to gauge online, but the fabric of a knit dress is critical. If it’s scratchy or stiff, forget it. You won’t even last a Starbuck run in it. Allow yourself to feel the material, walk around in it because that first skin contact will tell you everything you need to know. Equally important is the fit; you want it perfect: not suffocatingly tight, yet stretchy but not so loose that it folds over itself throughout. It’s a fine balance, and the designers who figure it out (Simkhai and Khaite rank high on that list!) have built something of a cult following. Furthermore, the quality off knitwear is paramount, which is determined not just by the fabric feel, but also the tightness of the weave. The looser it is, the less durable it tends to be.
Then of course, there is the style. Are you into bright colors, prints or cutouts? Do you like a plunging neckline, turtleneck, halter or an off-shoulder silhouette? So many questions only you can answer! Once you find the right one though, you’ll know.
Styling a Knit Dress
Knit dresses are a fashion world-favorite for a reason. They’ll never go out of style and you can pull off the look any season. The trick is in optimizing the proportions so that you can achieve an elongated silhouette. For example, I’d refrain from pairing a midi or mini knit dress with ankle boots as they can look jarring together. Instead, I’d consider pairing them with knee-high boots or kitten heels. Low mules and strappy sandals will lend a polished feel in the summer, but keeping your outfit more casual is as easy as finishing with ballet flats, sneakers, loafers or leather slides. Knit dresses also make great cover-ups; wear yours with espadrille wedges and a wide-brim hat for a beach-ready look. Meanwhile, knee-high boots and trench coats will take you from the office to happy hour in the fall. If you feel cold, try layering a half-zip sweater over it for maximum warmth and comfort.
If you’re curious about the style or want to upgrade your current selection, see the knit dresses I’m loving ahead. These have carefully been handpicked based on firsthand experience and detailed customer reviews.
Photo by Youn Kim
Under $100
Superdown Roxanna Mini Dress
Even the proudest maximalist can occasionally get down with such a simple moment. This fitted number ($88) will become a foundational piece in your wardrobe. When the occasion calls for it, dress it up with gold jewelry and matching sandals, or go the casual route with flats and a leather jacket. You can even wear it as a top by tucking it into your favorite denim jeans. Consider this your new favorite closet staple.
Superdown Roxanna Mini Dress
$88
Free People Loren Drop-Waist Maxi Sweater
Good for brunch parties, airplane rides or apple-picking trips, this sweater dress ($98) can do it all. The relaxed skirt balances the fitted top, making it a semi-dressy solution for both daytime and happy hour shenanigans. It will pair well with ballet flats, birkenstocks and knee-high boots alike.
Free People Loren Drop-Waist Maxi Sweater
$98
Under $200
Reformation Azure Knit Dress
If simple elegance was a garment, it would be this Reformation moment ($198). With its nonchalant scarf and body-skimming bodice, it conveys self-assuredness, making it a strong contender for first dates, brunch with the in-laws, or a holiday office party. Pair it with silky ballet flats for comfort first, or go bolder with these Skylar pumps.
Reformation Azure Knit Dress
$198
Reona Knit Sweater Dress
For the minimalist dressers, Reona is the label to bookmark. Case in point: this fitted wool-blend sweater dress ($150) presents a straightforward silhouette with a deep rich olive shade. Though I’m not as drawn to a high neck, I would style this with a long matching green coat and tall boots. Talk about a crisp monochrome moment!
Reona Knit Sweater Dress
$150
Dissh Goldie Slate Marle Dress
For a low-key yet elevated outfit that can practically become your uniform, turn to this gray halter midi dress ($160). Featuring a relaxed bodice and straightforward neckline, it’s as wearable as it gets. Keep it sporty on weekends with sneakers and a hoodie or dress it up with kitten heels and a tailored coat.
Dissh Goldie Slate Marle Dress
$160
Mid-Tier
Sir Kinetic Beaded Maxi Dress
This Australian label has quietly been winning over fashion-forward consumers one design at a time. This fitted dress ($460) is highly desirable; it’s simple at first glance, yet the peekaboo chest detail exudes confidence, elegance and sex appeal. When styling this look for maximum visual effect, keep the necklace minimal but amp things up with statement studs.
Sir Kinetic Beaded Maxi Dress
$460
Simon Miller Albers Dress
The Albers Dress ($395) steals the show with a form-fitting bodice and playful fringe details that incite curiosity about the wearer. While it’s drenched in a muted ecru shade, its design is anything but boring. Wear it with ballet flats for a comfortable yet elevated museum date, or to a glamorous dinner with polished mules.
Simon Miller Albers Dress
$395
Cult Gaia Zennie Knit Dress
The Zennie maxi dress ($498) is what winter style dreams are made of. It’s the answer to effortless dressing with a sensual twist thanks to the body-skimming fabric and intriguing wrapping detail. Style it with a structured coat and over-the-knee boots for daytime meetings; at night, amp up the glam factor with a pair of kitten heels and a subtle clutch.
Cult Gaia Zennie Knit Dress
$498
Hanifa Floral Sheer Maxi
Hanifa Floral Sheer Maxi
$244
Anifa Mvuemba is one of the most exciting contemporary fashion designers, appraised for her artistic eye and size-inclusive designs. If you’re going to be late, you might as well do it in her Flora Sheer Maxi ($244) because it makes for a head-turning entrance. The vibrant color palette gives it presence, while the sultry fit and asymmetric shoulder amp up the sex appeal.
A Splurge
Khaite Beth Ribbed Knit Midi Dress
If there was only one knit dress you could wear for the rest of your life, Chris would pick this one ($1,580) and I can totally see why. From the stretchy rib-knit fabric to the sweetheart neckline, it’s designed to make you stand out in the most understated way. Khaite is known for high-quality investment pieces that convey subtle luxury, and this dress is one of them. It’s just conservative enough to wear at the office, but take off your blazer and you’ll look chic for date night. Round out the look with minimal heels and a shoulder bag.
Khaite Beth Ribbed Knit Midi Dress
$1,580
Christopher John Rogers Hole Punch Knit Maxi Dress
Christopher John Rogers Hole Punch Knit Maxi Dress
$1,525
Talk about a jaw-dropping moment! Cut from a cotton blend, this dress ($1,525) ensures you’ll feel comfortable as you steal the spotlight at the next gala, holiday party or birthday dinner. Although you’ll probably want to save it for an evening affair, it would look cool with sneakers and a cap for a rebellious look. As a designer known for his use of color, CJR did not hold back with the tubular holes, and it all looks colorfully brilliant!