As the chills roll in, we're on the hunt for the perfect Autumn and Winter outfits. Something that looks great but will keep you as warm as possible. Enter, the knitted dress - which, let's face it, is basically a blanket you can wear outside, a pretty important design feature in our eyes. Knitted dresses are one of the most versatile dresses that you dress up and down whilst remaining cosy.
How to style a knitted jumper dress?
Well, there are plenty of ways to wear a jumper dress. For that in-between cold and mild weather, wear a short knitted dress with bare legs and boots or try a maxi length dress with ballet flats. And, just because these are classed as dresses, doesn't mean you can't wear over your favourite jeans, tailored trousers or (maxi or midi) skirts - a knitted dress is perfect for layering.
What do you wear with a short jumper dress?
To avoid looking like you've forgotten your trousers, look jumper dresses that hit mid-thigh. There are plenty of short knitted dresses out there, for ultimate cosiness look for oversized roll neck styles that look great with long low heel knee high boots, or even over trousers. For something a little different try layering your short jumper dress over a silk slip dress or vintage long nightie.
What do you wear with a long jumper dress?
For an easy outfit solution, opt for a long jumper dress in an oversized fit and wear with long, knee-high boots - instantly smartening up a comfy, cosy knitted dress whilst avoiding that awkward bit of space between the top of a boot and the bottom of your dress. If it's chilly outside wear a longline trench coat or wool coat, ideally something that is the same length as your dress. If you prefer something a little more fitted, look for longline styles that come with a belt - or - simply add your own. There are also a few brands who do their maxi dresses in a shorter length, so if you're petite - try Joseph's or Next's knitted dress range available in different lengths.
We tried on a wide range of knitted dresses across different lengths, price ranges and styles and have curated an edit of dresses loved by our editors. So if you're looking for something simple, bright and bold or cosy, shop the best jumper dresses around...
SHOP: The Best Knitted and Jumper Dresses 2024
www.mytheresa.com
Jane McFarland Associate Editor: 'I swear by Extreme Cashmere's knitted dresses - or any of their cashmere pieces quite frankly. The brand is 'one size fits all' so each style is super stretchy and adaptable for all shapes and sizes - a long-sleeved, knee-length cashmere blend jumper dress saw me through the final 6 months of pregnancy. Its expensive, but good quality cashmere never goes out of style and is a true investment piece. I wore it in the summer with ballet flats and will wear with flat Western boots and tights in the colder months.'
Pros
- Great sizing
- Good quality cashmere
- Adaptable for all seasons
Cons
- Investment piece
www.hush-uk.com
Hanna Woodside Deputy Editor said: 'I love a navy knit dress as it's not as harsh as black on washed-out winter skin. This Hush ribbed knit dress has fluted sleeves which I like. It's got a little bit of wool in the blend so is fairly toasty. I'll be wearing with chunky gold hoops.'
Pros
- Fluted sleeves
- Nicely lined
Cons
- Quite long
www.net-a-porter.com
Natalie Hammond Senior Fashion News Editor said: 'One of my easiest summer outfits is a knitted slip dress by St Agni. I love its chic silhouette that's straight up and down with spaghetti-style straps and a cheeky scoop back, while its stretchy fabrication means that it's super comfortable to wear to barbecues, the beach or the office (just add a tee underneath and a linen blazer on top).'
Pros
- Good to layer
- Stretchy fabric
- Nice silhouette
Cons
- Fairly long
www.jigsaw-online.com
Julia Harvey Shopping Editor said: 'A blanket you can wear in public? Yes please. Make a change from black and opt for a statement shade of red, I love the supersized cuffs to add a little extra detail. I much prefer a maxi length dress to anything short, so this style is perfect, hitting just at the calf (I'm 5'7" if you need a ref). If you're petite, a long length looks super chic - just wear with a heeled boot if you don't want to floor-skim.'
Pros
- Soft on skin
- Striking colour
- Rope tie belt
Cons
- Low stock
urbanrevivo.com
Renee Washington Digital Fashion & Beauty Assistant said: 'A statement piece in your wardrobe. This is a knitted dress that says... hello I'm here. It's the best of both, short on one side and long on the other. Being 5'10 this doesn't sit awkwardly on my frame like a lot of 'longer dresses' tend to do. I also love that it has slight stretch so you can eat in it and won't feel suffocated. To style? Black kitten heels, silver accessories and you're good to go.'
Pros
- Unique raw hem design
- Easy to style
- Tall girl friendly
- Slight Stretch
Cons
- Awkward sizing
www.karenmillen.com
Rachael Martin Beauty Editor said: 'This grey knitted dress by Karen Millen is my go-to for between seasons. Not only is it comfortable (the fabric is beautifully smooth and soft) but it’s incredibly figure flattering too- it’s fitted without clinging around my tummy. I’ll be teaming with black knee-high boots and gold hoops as the weather cools.'
Pros
- Not restricting
- Soft fabric
- Figure hugging
Cons
- Small size range
www.freepeople.com
Gavi Weiss Fashion Assistant said: 'This midi dress is part of my year-round core wardrobe. In the summer I wear it on it's own with sandals or heels but in winter you can style it with a leather jacket and boots! It's cosy, cute and versatile.'
Pros
- Versatile
- Flattering
- Wicks away heat
Cons
- Runs slightly larger
www.zara.com
Jada Langola-Walters Social Media Assistant said: 'Old money aesthetic has to be one of my favourite trends from 2024. And this dress really embodies it. It's cute, classy and very chanel-esque. The fabric is soft on the skin, I style it with black kitten heels and gold accessories.'
Pros
- Trendy
- Easy high street find
- Pockets
Cons
- May be too short on taller frames
www.stories.com
Dayna Southall Head of Social said: 'I'm not really the dress type but this piece makes me feel otherwise. The cut of the dress means it's so flattering to wear, and you don't really need to do much. I throw it on, on lazy days to the office and it looks like I tried.'
Pros
- Ribbed material
- Cinched waist effect
Cons
- Small sizing
www.joseph-fashion.com
The A-line silhouette of this dress makes it a classic piece for your forever wardrobe. It's made from a soft wool blend and is lightly ribbed. Pair with some high knee boots, for a look that screams quiet luxury.
Pros
- A-line silhouette
- Lightly ribbed
Cons
- Investment piece
Renee Washington, Grazia's Digital Fashion and Beauty Assistant, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie.