Comfy knitted dresses to slip into this season
Perfect for getting out of that WFH slump!
By Michelle Yeoh -
As many of us are starting to break out from beneath the trenches of WFH isolation and head back to the office intermittently or permanently, the sluggishness and comforts that we’ve been used to has pertinently manifested into a dreaded reluctance towards getting dressed for work.
It’s as though the act of putting an outfit suddenly demands much more unnecessary brain power and energy, more so after months of lounging around at home in our comfiest (and marginally appropriate) pairings possible.
Enter: The season-fitting trend du jour that prioritises comfort and a sense of ease, the knitted dress. Lightweight and casual with a hint of contemporary sophistication, knitted dresses have been gaining ubiquity over the past few seasons, especially so during the Fall/Winter ‘20 presentation when Bottega Veneta, Proenza Schouler and Rick Owens showcased delightfully effortless figure-hugging ribbed knits and jersey maxis that oozed sexiness offset by an air of nonchalance – a very ‘90s-type of vibe.
Like a soft featherweight blanket that hugs your body, a knitted dress offers the same types of comforts you may have already gotten used to during the quarantine. Even better? You can easily throw a knitted dress on, alongside your favourite pair of ballet flats or sneakers, and your outfit immediately looks dressy and chic. Low effort, high returns – just the way we like it.
Get in on the trend and indulge in an extended period of comfortable dressing, even as you’re headed back to the office, with our top 10 picks of designer knitted dresses to own right now. Scroll down and get shopping.
Made from brushed mohair and wool, this relaxed maxi dress features a tank top-esque silhouette complemented with a low scoop neck and a slightly structured fit for a high fashion finish. Team this with silver-tone minimalist earrings, a pair of white sneakers, and throw on a relaxed-fit blazer if it gets cold at the office.
With an on-trend square neck and cut from ribbed jersey to give it a figure-hugging fit, this romantic dusty pink dress from Jonathan Simkhai is punctuated with edgy metal button fastenings down the centre leading to a slit. Keep your outfit elegant by teaming this stunner with a pair of pointed toe kitten heels, a baguette bag and muted neutral-tone makeup.
Cult Gaia Serita cotton-blend ribbed-knit cutout dress, US$322 (original price- US$460), Moda Operandi
This lightweight ribbed knit dress from Cult Gaia has us daydreaming about our next tropical getaway. Featuring side cut-outs, a flirty open back and column silhouette, this dress is rendered in a palatable cashew brown hue for a bohemian touch. Style this over a fitted turtleneck sweater alongside some pearl drop earrings and a pair of chain link-embellished high heeled sandals.
Jil Sander asymmetric neckline ribbed wool-blend dress, US$1,850, Moda Operandi
Jil Sander’s ribbed wool dress stands out with its unique and fresh colour palette, as well as its asymmetrically cut neckline – a subtle detail that nods to the brand’s knack for modern simplisticity. Showcasing a loose, flowy silhouette and trimmed with ruffles along the hemline for panache, this feminine dress will look incredible with a padded headband and juxtaposed with a pair of combat boots.
Made from fine cashmere, this dress from Khaite has the right blend of both sportiness and elegance. Knitted for a body-hugging fit in a deep rust red colour, this dress can be dressed up with dainty gold jewellery and a pair of high heels, as well as dressed down with a pair of naked sandals and a raffia bag.
Peter Do Seatbelt ribbed-knit turtleneck midi dress, US$1,404.12, Net-a-Porter
Peter Do’s “Seatbelt” dress gets its moniker due to its unique design: a sash-like panel wrapped across the chest. With dainty ribbon ties to cinch the waist, and contrasting wide ribbings along the sleeves, this chocolate knitted dress upholds the designer’s knack for fashioning minimalist, unconventionally novel creations. Style this number with a pair of mary-janes pumps, architectural silver cuffs and an oversized leather bag.
Sacai asymmetric paneled ribbed and cable-knit wool and satin dress, US$943.60, Net-a-Porter
Spliced with experimental contrasting panelling, Sacai’s streetwear aesthetic and flair for deconstruction shines through with this navy blue wool dress. Featuring a fitted ribbed knit bodice, a cable-knit sleeve with a cut-out on the shoulder, and an orange satin skirt cut part-way with an asymmetrical hem, this avant garde number will pair well with your favourite pair of chunky sneakers and a polished backpack.
Staud’s “Shoko” ribbed knit dress splits down the middle with a row of buttons separating the contrasting panellings in white and brown. Doubling as both a dress and a cardigan, this versatile number looks both playful and polished. Wear yours with a chunky gold chain necklace, lace-up ankle boots and a cross-body bag.
(Read also "These Lightweight Cardigans Are Made For Our Unpredictable Weather")
Featuring one of the biggest key trends of the Fall/Winter ‘20 season, fringing, Bottega Veneta’s knitted dress stands as one of the highlighted looks of the season with its statement fringe tassels and unconventional twist-detailed halterneck. Laidback and cool, this backless rib knit dress is made from silk and cotton. Fashion yours with strappy naked sandals and Bottega Veneta’s cult-favourite Pouch clutch bag.
Featuring a subtle patchwork design with overlapping colourblock panels in shades of khaki and white, this dress from Proenza Schouler is perfect for those with a quiet, sophisticated style. With a fitted torso and a slightly flared skirt, this dress embodies gracefulness and poise. Match this number with a pair of ladylike pumps, a carryall purse and statement gold-tone hoop earrings.