It’s officially knit dress season. These are the chicest styles to shop now to ace transitional dressing
Autumns take on the throw-on-and-go dress
If you’re looking for an easy way to look chic now the season’s changing, you need to add a knit dress to your wardrobe ASAP. Versatile, stylish and above all else in this current changeable weather, cosy, it’s sure to quickly become one of the hardest working items in your capsule wardrobe.
Spotted on the catwalk at Bottega Veneta, Chanel and Fendi as well as all over the high street, knit dresses are a style staple. Whether you opt for a cosy cashmere style, a figure hugging ribbed dress or tap into the sheer trend in an ultra-thin weave, a great knit dress will strike the perfect balance between easy effortless wearing while still looking elevated.
A post shared by Sofia Richie Grainge (@sofiarichiegrainge)
A photo posted by on
Much like summer’s hero throw-on-and-go dress styles, the knit dress is the autumn/winter equivalent, making getting dressed on cold early mornings or dark autumn nights a breeze. This time around, instead of your summer sandals, switch to block heeled boots or retro-inspired trainers (if you can brave a bare ankle, that is) and you’re good to go.
For added interest, follow the queen of quiet luxury Sofia Richie Grainge and pair a sleek dress silhouette with understated accessories. The addition of a barely-there belt to her asymmetric knit dress, both from Khaite, defines her shape without overpowering the most important piece: the knit dress.
A photo posted by on
While oversized styles always look chic, the ribbed knit dress reigns supreme for evening occasions. Lana Condor’s bold orange dress by Off White proves why, as it moulds to her shape for a figure-hugging fit. Look for styles that incorporate ribbing into the design, like Lana’s corset style for an expensive feel. Off White is great at this but you can also find more subtle versions from brands like Cult Gaia, Jacquemus and even H&M on the high street.
If ribbed styles aren’t for you, cut-out knit dresses or sheer thinner knits are also a great option for more dressed up occasions. Christopher Esber is currently leading the way with stylish cutouts, and his knitted maxi style is no different. Pair with metallic accessories to complete the look.
A post shared by Lili Reinhart (@lilireinhart)
A photo posted by on
As we know, right now the weather isn't always playing ball, but that doesn’t mean you have to ditch your knit dress if the sun does decide to shine. We’d argue sleeveless styles are even more versatile than traditional long sleeve iterations: you can simply add a blazer or boxy jacket if the chill does set in. Lili Reinhart’s nude style is by female-founded Trois The Brand but we’d suggest heading to Skims for something simple yet stylish at an affordable price point.
Scroll down for our edit of the best knit dresses available right now. In fact, they're so good, that if you want to treat yourself to more than one, we won’t blame you.
Shop the best knit dresses
Marie Claire Newsletter
Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox!
Jazzria Harris is a freelance fashion and beauty journalist with over 8 years experience working in the industry. At just 4ft 11, she’s an expert in petite dressing and previously wrote the column Jazz’s Short Stories giving tips and advice on dressing for petite proportions. Her wardrobe staples are a great black blazer, a hardworking slip skirt and of course a great pair of heels (for the extra inches, of course). Jazz has written for publications including ELLE UK, heat magazine, Eliza, Women & Home and more.
-
Keen to get strong? These are the best YouTube workouts for beginners to boost fitness and tone from home
A stronger you starts here.
By Rebecca Shepherd
-
“I think it would take me being actually sexually assaulted on camera for them to believe it.”
Undercover reporter Ellie Flynn exposes sexual harassment on film—why do people still not believe it?
By Mischa Anouk Smith
-
I'm a big lactic acid fan and this is the best product I've found for super smooth and soft skin in just 3 minutes
One of my best buys of the year
By Rebecca Fearn