THE KNITTED DRESS EDIT: TOP DESIGNS FOR MULTI-SEASONAL STYLE

When the temperature takes an unexpected plunge, dresses featuring warm fabrics and cozy cuts are a thankful presence in every wardrobe.

The knitted dress is the ultimate solution to comfort dressing. Regardless of shape, it’s easy to wear and offers a stylish alternative to traditional pants. Knit dresses can be ribbed, ruched, or crocheted, with each design presenting a powerful styling opportunity. A long-sleeve silhouette in a dark color appears formal and reserved, while sleeveless versions with cut-out accents are often playful and casual.

Although it’s most common to wear knit dresses for fall, modern colors and lightweight materials make the garment a seasonless staple. Today’s luxury labels have reimagined this must-have with innovative construction that displays each brand’s mastery over fabric and form.

8 KNITTED DRESSES FOR CHIC AND COZY LOOKS

Today’s designer brands have modernized knit dresses with game-changing designs. The selection is more exciting than ever, as designers employ new textile techniques that push the boundaries of what knitwear can achieve.

These eight labels offer exceptional knit dresses that stand out in every setting.

Ulla Johnson

Ulla Johnson is renowned for intricate details and beautiful finishes. The collections are built upon a foundation of soft, natural fibers. The stunning Casini Ruffled Knit Midi Dress is made from a semi-sheer fabric and features a sophisticated high neckline and side slits. Wear the sumptuous dress over a black bodysuit or gold bold with lingerie or a nude-colored slip.

Lela Rose

Lela Rose’s knit dresses are celebrated for their brilliant colors and delicate embellishments, such as intricate woven patterns that vary within each design. They work exceptionally well for daily wear and can double as a knit work dress with a blazer layered on top.

ALAÏA

ALAÏA is a Parisian couture house that celebrates femininity through sculptural silhouettes, with an expansive knit dress collection that includes short-sleeve tiered dresses, long-sleeve midi dresses, and halter maxi dresses. The luxe wool blend of the Edition 1986 Tiered Fit-&-Flare Knit Dress comes in two striking colors: black or white. The fit-and-flare shape falls into a voluminous tiered skirt with a ruffled hem that rests just above the knee. Style the design with a small black or white top-handle bag for a dramatic monochrome look.

Cult Gaia

Each garment from Cult Gaia is designed to be an eye-catching work of art, which is evident throughout the brand’s knit dress selection. The Elsha Sheer Rib-Knit Dress commands attention with its shape-defining silhouette, revealing weave, and stone button detailing. The sheer nature of the dress’s fabric makes it perfect for covering up swimsuits. Pair it with cool aviators, a raffia tote, and sandals.

Paola Bernardi

Paola Bernardi’s Emilia Dégradé Knit Mini Halter Dress is a great option for beating the summer heat. The knit dress features variegating colors in your choice of pinks and oranges or blues and greens. The wavy pattern and scalloped hem emit a boardwalk-ready vibe perfect for tropical destinations. Add finishing touches, such as coordinating lace-up sandals and a leather pouch.

FARM Rio

FARM Rio is one of Brazil’s most celebrated clothing brands, bringing the country’s lively spirit into each design. The Macaw Elegance Sleeveless Square-Neck Midi Knit Dress features a two-tone tropical motif of brilliant florals, exotic parrots, and lush leaves. Experiment with statement earrings to bolster the energy of the style.

Adriana Iglesias

Adriana Iglesias’s designs, which exude a relaxed and sensual appeal, are inspired by the Mediterranean coastline. The Juna Metallic Turtleneck Twisted-Slit Knit Dress reflects the glamour of this region with a rich jade-green fabric that gathers into a twisted thigh-high side slit. Play up the dress’s summery vibes with a wooden top-handle bag, ankle-strap heels, and sunglasses.

AMUR

AMUR delivers a creative take on knitwear with the space-dyed Myella knitted midi dress, which is made from recycled material and features a beautifully bold magenta pattern. Work the dress into business casual ensembles with a trench coat, black blazer, loafers, or heels.

ASSEMBLING ELEGANT KNITTED OUTFITS

Knit dresses have become a fashionable mainstay due to their versatility, which allows them to transition easily from one season to the next.

Here are our top outfit ideas to incorporate knit dresses into your wardrobe throughout the year:

With a bucket bag

Create a festival-ready look with a vibrant midi dress and bucket bag. The free-spirited attitude of this carryall works well with the relaxed nature of knits. Complement the look with sunglasses, a statement ring, and thong sandals.

Add ankle-strap heels

Step into summer by styling a knit dress with ankle-strap heels. Select a colorful mini silhouette featuring a halter neckline and experiment with vibrant stilettos. Tie the look together with a leather clutch and hoop earrings.

Layer with tights

Even lighter-weight knit dresses can acclimate to colder weather with the help of tights or leggings. Create a cozy look by layering the dress underneath an oversized, belt-cinched sweater. Tie the outfit together with boots, a slouchy shoulder bag, and a cashmere scarf.

Style with cheerful clogs

Suede and shearling-lined clogs add a charming twist on the traditional knit-dress look. Create an alpine-chic ensemble by pairing a winter-white knit dress with beige clogs and a brown leather tote. Add touches of warmth and texture via burnished gold jewelry and colorful wool scarves.

Dress in denim

For a tried-and-true look that offers a chic alternative to jeans and a Tee, pair a knit dress with a denim jacket. For a bit of Southwestern flair, add cowboy boots, a studded handbag, and a turquoise ring.  

Add height with platform sandals

Contrast a long knit dress with vibrant platform sandals. The extra height gives the appearance of a coveted statuesque look that flatters any figure. Try a sleek updo to further elongate the form, and add chandelier earrings that swing in the breeze. 

Layer over a long-sleeve shirt

Give a sleeveless knit dress a twist by wearing it over a long-sleeve shirt in pristine white or a complementary color. Complete the look with suede Chelsea boots and a leather crossbody bag.

Pair with loafers and socks

Go for a vintage-inspired look with a chunky cable knit dress, black loafers, and delicate high socks. Keep jewelry simple so the other accessories take center stage.

DRESS BEYOND THE KNIT

No matter the occasion, Neiman Marcus offers a wide assortment of casual, evening, and party dresses guaranteed to rise to every occasion. Within our dress collection, you’ll find elegant pieces from heritage houses and new up-and-comers.

For more inspiration, explore the Neiman Marcus editorial archive, where we offer styling tips and outfit recommendations. Now that we’ve covered knit dresses, discover dresses for business-formal attire and learn how to style a slip dress.