That is the question. Or better yet:
How to best Do the KNIT DRESS this Fall season.
While I am jazzed about the continuing trend of the KNIT DRESS this Fall, I also have seen that the KNIT DRESS is difficult to pull off in style.
The Look book collage on top of this article is, in my opinion, a good example of
“How to Do the KNIT DRESS in great Style.”
Before choosing the right Knit Dress, I have to ask the question:
Why wear a knit dress?
What to wear with it?
How to interpret the trend for my body style and lifestyle?
What shape fits my body and my height?
What colors look best on me?
Just as with every new season, I re-evaluate what to wear, how to wear a current Look, and how to incorporate some trends into my Classic Style.
How can I look my best, when I wear something new?
A knit dress can be fun, comfy, and look On Trend today. At the same time, it is easy to slide off, to veer into
“Oh no, Fashion Victim” territory.
Knit can be too bulky, and make you look bigger, and the rest of your body diminutive, or be just too slouchy, or look like you put on your older sister’s sweater and didn’t know that it drowns your figure. Or worse, the knit dress has an odd shape, or no shape at all, and just looks too long or baggy.
Then, the question remains:
Why wear a knit dress?
Comfort, fun, and warmth come to mind. A knit dress embodies the current style of dressing for comfort and can still look chic and sleek, if you consider what looks best on YOU.
A knit dress, as the photos shows, can look fresh, On Trend, sleek, sexy, and comfortable, if it is the right dress, and the right Look, with the right boots.
What to wear with it?
This season’s knit dress can be a full length knit dress, or a 2 piece, a top and skirt in the same material, or the same color to create visual unity from top to bottom.
Mostly ribbed, or with other textured patterns, if you stay in the same color it looks cohesive. Either a high neck, turtleneck, or with a low V-neck, the top can hug the body tightly and create a sexy line all along the body. A knit top combined with a basic skirt or a knit dress under a cardigan adds a different texture and proportion.
Add a thin blouse in a similar or contrasting color underneath, if the knit dress has cut-outs to add visual interest. Or wear a camisole underneath that shows a scrap of lace, and you will feel sexy instantly.
To accentuate the “Comfyness” of a knit dress, drape a soft cashmere sweater in the same color as the dress around your neck and shoulders. This adds a feeling of Luxe and sensuousness.
A knitted 2-piece skirt and top in the same color and texture can blend into a knit dress, if the proportions are right. Either put on a short top with a longer skirt or, a longer top with a very short skirt for an unexpected Look. Best, when combined with boots and a chunky heel.
How to interpret the trend for my body style and lifestyle?
If you are tall, or more average height like me, choose a knit style that doesn’t add too much bulk. A knit dress with a large ribbed pattern or a flat pattern in the same color from top to bottom elongates the body. Proportion should fit a body style.
I like to wear a large belt to accentuate my waist and keep the dress more bodycon. Again the right proportion is important. I choose a knit dress style or even a long cardigan as a dress that is not too long. Barely above the knee is best for me. It elongates my legs, especially if paired with high heel boots.
The knit dress in Burnt Orange by Loro Piana looks so sleek and sexy. The color works on many skin tones, light or darker.
Choose colors that are within your Coloring family. Best colors are a Burnt Orange, Soft Powder Beige, Deep Cognac or Tan Teak, or Charcoal Grey, may be with a sweater in light Grey or different variations of Grey.
A knit dress in light Grey has a tendency to wash the face out, unless a brightly colored wool scarf is slung around the neck close to the face.
The knit dress with the large ribbing with the On the Bias pattern in Dark Teak looks polished with the high neck. it moves beautifully when you walk. More information: Ami Paris.com
Black is always a wonderful choice, it makes the curves of my body even sleeker and adds sophistication.
In the Look Book I show a knit dress in Dark Wheat by Fendi, it is so On-Trend, with a tight long skirt, a short very cropped top with bare shoulders. See more: Fendi.com
A dark Wheat color, almost dark Buff, that is very trendy now, or a dark Mustard, are more difficult colors to wear. With the right skin tone it can look almost like a burnished Bronze, just fabulous. Most often it can look drab and needs to be brightened up.
This season I like to experiment with different kinds of boots to wear with my new knit dress.
Suede boots with high heels, or shiny black leather boots with chunky low heels, Riding boots with buckles, and best, soft Over-knee boots in silky soft suede.
Back to my wardrobe
As I look in the mirror and try different accessories, a sweater in a different color, I embrace the shape of my body. The large weave of my KNIT DRESS in Burnt Bronze drapes beautifully over my curves.
I experiment with different belts until I find just the one that looks right for today.
It’s a beautiful Fall day here in Idaho. The sun’s rays peek through the clouds, the golden leaves linger on the grass, the fire in the fireplace adds some warmth, I flip my hair and say,
…Yes, Do Knit!
This KNIT DRESS looks just right.
Best,
Jasmin
photos: Courtesy of Elle.de, Fendi, Loro Piana, Ami Paris, Ports 1961,