It feels like each morning we get dressed there’s the daily struggle between style and comfort, but why do we need to choose? We say you don’t. Enter the knitted dress.
Knitted dresses champion both elements in equal measure. They are sumptuously soft and effortlessly stylish - so are the ideal office garb or date night go-to.
Esteemed Italian brand Missoni put knitted dresses on the map in the 1960s, after rivals Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel brought general knitwear into the luxury sphere thirty years prior. The Swinging Sixties also saw one of Marilyn Monroe’s most popular looks come to light; the violet cable-knit dress that she wore on the set of Let’s Make Love in 1960. The costume designer for the 1967 film Two Weeks in September took note, dressing Bridget Bardot in two famed mini knit dresses for the picture.
Fast forward sixty years and knitted dresses are still having a moment. At first glance, they might not seem like an obvious statement piece due to their traditionally shapeless frames and thicker constructions, but the silhouette has evolved, morphing into eveningwear, officewear and partywear must-haves.
The proof is in the pudding. A fleeting glance at the VIP clientele sporting the knitted dress says all you need to know. It-girls Dua Lipa, Elsa Hosk, Iris Law and Gigi Hadid have all taken to social media to showcase a covetable knit creation or two. Deconstruction has been incorporated into knitwear by the most coveted designers, such as Kamala Harris’ stepdaughter Ella Emhoff’s eponymous label, Priya Alhuwalia, Matty Bovan, Grace Wales Bonner and Charles Jeffrey.
Cut-out panels, asymmetrical buttoning and glitter weaves have elevated the classic frock, alongside playful prints and figure-skimming fits. Consider House of Sunny’s viral lilypad dress worn by Kendall Jenner or Kaia Gerber’s backless grey Khaite dress. These are the A-listers putting the ‘It’ in knit.
There are a few things to consider when shopping for knitwear. Firstly, the higher the quality the better. You will want to avoid scratchy material at all costs, but luxury knit often comes with an eye-watering price tag. So, it’s important to find a happy medium if you can’t afford to shell out in the name of yarn.
Secondly, consider the type of knit. Would a fine knit suffice or are you after something a touch more dramatic, say a glitter crochet or intricate jacquard?
With all of this in mind, we warmly welcome you to the world of knitted dresses. Find your forever favourite and shop the best knitted dresses below.
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Ganni Open-back Ribbed-knit Midi Dress
Autumnal tones are married with a silky soft ribbed fabric in Ganni’s knitted midi dress. The cool-girl piece features a figure-skimming fit crafted from earthy green and brown threads with a subtle mélange effect. Wear yours for a night on the tiles or layer with a white t-shirt for office days.
Buy now £172.50, Net-A-Porter
Rixo Petra Chevron Knit Dress
Rixo took notes from Missoni with its chevron knit dress in beautiful autumnal shades. The Petra dress, which comes in four tempting colourways, exudes elegance with its midi silhouette, keyhole cut-out and Seventies-inspired jacquard knit. We especially love the empire waistline and chocolate trims that are juxtaposed with swathes of sunset orange hues.
Buy now £285.00, Rixo
Mango Knitted Dress with Side Slit
Keep it clean, classic and elegant with Mango’s black knitted number. A raised neckline, long sleeves and a feminine side slit enhance the figure, while a fine knit offers the softest touch. Slip into a pair of black knee-high boots and you have a timeless ensemble to re-wear for years to come.
Buy now £35.99, Mango
Reformation Alden Knit Dress
Confidence comes from comfort, a concept Reformation wholeheartedly embraces. The brand’s Alden knit is crafted from a lightweight stretch fabric to ensure you can move with ease on the dancefloor.
Buy now £128.00, Reformation
Acne Studios Distressed Crochet-trimmed Knitted Maxi Dress
Acne Studios’ crochet dress is packed with whimsical wonder. Plucked from the brand’s autumn/winter 2023 runway, the dress has much to marvel at. From the crocheted floral and vine embellishments to the moss green hue, the number is a dreamy dress choice.
Buy now £850.00, Net-A-Porter
Jean Paul Gaultier + KNWLS Cable-knit Wool-blend Mini Dress
Stay on top of the trend cycle with Jean Paul Gaultier and KNWLS’ cable knit dress in a punchy shade of purple-pink. Not only do we love the colour, but also the off-the-shoulder silhouette, chunky bell sleeves and Y2K folded collar, which have made this a sartorial win in our eyes.
Buy now £690.00, Net-A-Porter
Massimo Dutti Short Knit Dress
Incorporate the typically summery shade into your winter wardrobe with this dress from Massimo Dutti. The cream, knitted mini dress caught our eye thanks to the unique yet chic sailor collar and pale ecru tone.
Buy now £59.95, Massimo Dutti
Topshop Knitted Funnel Neck Midi Dress
Cool and cosy were on the agenda when Topshop devised its knitted funnel neck midi dress. Simply roll out of bed and slip into the piece for in-office days or coffee mornings out. A warming hug in a single garment.
Buy now £40.00, ASOS
Free People Loren Sweater Maxi
Trend alert! Fossil brown is set to take over from chocolate and it is far more wearable than you may initially think. Free People’s delightful sweater maxi features a ribbed knit, a scooped neck and long sleeves for the most elegant of fits. An under-bust panel flatters the figure, while a contrast floor-skimming skirt promises easy, breezy movement.
Buy now £88.00, Free People
Uniqlo Boat Neck Long Sleeve Knitted Dress
For under £50, you can bag yourself a cushioning midi that oozes sophistication. Choose from ebony, charcoal and beige and secure an insulating number to wear all winter.
Buy now £39.90, Uniqlo
Missoni Sequin-embellished Striped Crochet-knit Maxi Dress
Considering the brand’s role in the creation of the knitted dress, Missoni is a necessary inclusion. This exquisite evening piece is crafted from a crochet knit in pretty pastel shades finished with a mermaid-like shimmer. Twisted pin-thin straps delicately adorn the shoulders, complementing the twisted bust panel. The dreamiest going-away dress there is.
Buy now £1020.00, Net-A-Porter
Staud Dana Striped Ribbed-knit Maxi Dress
Inject your wardrobe with vibrance courtesy of Staud. The brand's Dana dress boasts Mediterranean sunset tones in block panels, perfect for expressing your personality at gatherings and parties.
Buy now £156.00, Net-A-Porter
Ahluwalia Ojewale Jacquard-knit Midi Dress
Assert your style authority and step out in Ahluwalia’s bejewelled midi dress featuring a stunning emerald hue. It’s given intrigue with a geometric print. Note the square neckline and spaghetti straps which are sure to add a touch of romance to your desired aesthetic.
Buy now £375.00, The Outnet
ME+EM Metallic Boned Knit Fit and Flare Midi Dress
The Roaring Twenties meet the 2020s to create ME+EM’s flared midi dress. The glamorous gold accents exude opulence, while the black backdrop and comfortable stretch-knit fabric prioritise practicality. Style with some black platform heels for a conversation-starting outfit.
Buy now £250.00, ME+EM
Fiorucci Cosmic Swirl Knit Dress
For those who take their style cues from the 90s, this is one for you. Fiorucci’s Cosmic Swirl Knit Mini Dress takes on a classic tank silhouette and elevates it with a futuristic aqua pint and bold orange insignia. Wear yours with knee-high boots for an evening out on the town.
Buy now £147.50, Fiorucci
H&M Rib-knit Turtleneck Dress
A wardrobe staple, H&M’s grey turtleneck is as classic as they come. Pair yours with knee-high boots and tights for a cute yet casual ensemble.
Buy now £32.99, H&M
Maison Kitsuné Blue & Brown Striped Mini Dress
Support independent designers and invest in a piece which will set you apart from the crowd. Maison Kitsuné’s Blue & Brown Striped Mini Dress adopts a rugby shirt silhouette with preppy vertical stripes, ideal for layering when the winter chill hits.
Buy now £286.00, SSENSE
Sandro Knit Maxi Dress
Fringe fanatics take note. Sandro’s knit maxi dress embraces conventionality via the black bodice and high neckline, but look lower and you’ll find fabulous plumes of fringes to add some Seventies-inspired style to your step.
Buy now £272.30, Sandro
Mango Striped Sweater Dress
Embrace your inner grunge with Mango’s striped sweater dress showcasing charcoal and black colourways. Teamed with biker boots and tights, you’ll have both edge and ease with this snug mini.
Buy now £35.00, Mango
Reiss Florere Knitted Satin Midi Dress
Chocolate is here to stay. The 90s-inspired hue is uber-flattering, especially when cut in a divine slinky silhouette like this Reiss number.
Buy now £198.00, Reiss
