What is it:
The knit dress offers a variety of options that will appeal to just about any customer looking for the perfect, comfortable addition to their autumn/winter wardrobe. First of all, the knit silhouette cannot be pinned down to a specific shape. Some are in the shape of an oversized sweater, while others have a slim fit and adjust to the figure through the use of stretch fabric. Knitting is also a factor in choosing the perfect dress. While cable knit has a more distinctive look, rib knit, which is characterized by a vertical stripe pattern, is a bit lighter and is therefore even suitable for spring. The knitting technique can therefore mean the difference between an elevated look or a casual dress, but either way the knit dress can be worn as both an office look and a comfy couch ensemble. Its versatility was evident on the runway shows for the coming season, with fashion houses experimenting with technique, shape and structure to show creative ways of tackling the knitwear trend.
Why you should order it:
The knit dress offers many possibilities, because it is a piece of clothing that the wearer can wear from the office to going out and can even be worn as loungewear. That makes it a good investment for women looking for versatility and a garment that can serve more than one purpose. While knitwear can often only be assigned to a specific season, different variants of knitted dresses offer year-round options. Light tank dresses, for example, are just as suitable for cooler spring and summer days and make additional layering unnecessary. Thicker knit dresses, whether in a mini or maxi cut, are perfect for autumn and winter and can be combined with a coat or jacket if necessary.
Where we saw it on the runway:
The knitted dress was not defined by a specific silhouette or look this season but was presented by the brands as an extension of their individual collections. This means that there were many different variations of the design to see. American label Coach presented a handful of knit dresses made using a crochet technique, some with bow detailing that either accentuated the waist or structured a loose-fitting silhouette. The designs contrasted the other looks from the same collection, which featured bold graffiti prints and a tougher aesthetic.
Altuzzara’s knitwear also provided a visual contrast to the extravagantly printed and sequined dresses that were paired with them. The label presented a form-fitting gray maxi dress paired with a chunky cable-knit cardigan. The dress was enhanced with high slits and fluffy accessories that ensured the look was updated for the upcoming season. Knitwear was also a key part of Eckhaus Latta’s Fall/Winter ’22 collection, in which the Los Angeles brand presented a range of knitwear variants in a deconstructed look. Whether it was a form-fitting dress with an exaggerated tassel hem or a layered two-piece that resembled chain mail, the house made sure to play with the knitting technique in creative yet sophisticated ways.
How to style it:
A knit dress is the perfect way to sport an elegant look while staying warm and comfortable. For colder days, it’s easy to wear with black tights, boots and a long coat. Sneakers can also be combined with the knitted dress if the wearer prefers a casual outfit. Slim-cut versions of the dress can be enhanced with simple accessories, while the more relaxed silhouettes represent a more casual wardrobe and can mostly stand on their own. There is also the option to play with layering. If the dress is a pinafore dress, you can contrast it with a buttoned or colorful turtleneck underneath, or alternatively wear a camisole that ties at the waist to accentuate it.
While the knitted dress is often seen as a garment for a specific season, thanks to its many different variations it can be worn almost all year round. Its versatility in terms of silhouette, knitting technique and style makes it suitable for almost any customer looking for a sophisticated yet comfortable look that can be effortlessly transformed from daywear to loungewear.
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This article was previously published on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Barbara Russ