This Anti-Trend, Throw-On Dress Is the Key to So Many Chic Winter Outfits

When the temperatures plummet, warmth and coziness quickly jump to the top of the list of daily dressing priorities. And year after year, the knitted dress stands out as one of the simplest ways to tick off both the style and comfort boxes. Consider the knitted dress your loyal cold weather dressing friend—it'll keep you warm even in the chilliest winds, and can be used as the basis for so many looks, transforming before your eyes with just a few clever styling tricks. 

This season, high-street brands and designers alike have outdone themselves in creating an impressively wide variety of knitted dresses, so that you're sure to find a style that will integrate seamlessly into your winter wardrobe. From the roll-neck mini to the supremely elegant, floor-sweeping maxi, there's a dress to suit every mood and occasion. 

The good news doesn't stop there. Some of our favourite tastemakers have provided brilliant outfit inspiration, using accessories to transform an easy, throw-on dress into an effortlessly refined look. Their Instagrams prove that trainers and a leather jacket can keep things casual, but adding a long wool coat, a chunky necklace and on-trend knee-high boots will create the perfect evening outfit. 

I've done some digging to break down a few of the best looks I've seen—and plan on recreating this winter—and the most tempting knitted dresses available now. Here's what I found. 

1. WHITE MIDI DRESS + BLAZER

Style Notes: Textured knit dresses perfectly exude the quiet luxury aesthetic, and adding a tailored blazer is a great way to add some structure to a loose dress. 

Shop the look:

The subtle rib pattern on this cozy dress gives it just the right amount of texture.

This could elevate so many other potential outfits.

These leather boots look buttery soft. 

Bring in all the winter tones with this rich brown leather tote bag to finish the look. 

2. BLACK MAXI DRESS + RED ACCESSORIES

Knitted Dress Trend, BEST KNITTED DRESSES: @cocobassey wears black knit maxi dress with red accessories

Photo:

@cocobassey

Style Notes: Coco proves that with a few clever accessories—in this season's trending red—a knit dress can be expertly styled for smarter occasions. 

Shop the look:

Who knew knitted dresses could be so sultry?

Coco uses a black belt to give her dress a little more definition, and this one would definitely do the trick. 

A-listers love Manolo Blahnik heels for a reason—the classic silhouettes bring a polished finish to every outfit. 

Is this the cutest little red bag you've ever seen?

3. MINI ROLL-KNECK DRESS + AVIATOR JACKET + TRAINERS

Knitted Dress Trend, BEST KNITTED DRESSES: @cassklatzkow wearing a mini knit dress with aviator jacket

Photo:

@cassklatzkow

Style Notes: Brave the bare legs and go for a mini knit dress this season, paired with a shearling-lined jacket for extra warmth. 

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I love the deep charcoal grey, and the fact this dress has just the right amount of stretch to ensure a flattering fit. 

The oversized fit would work perfectly with the mini dress. 

Follow Cass' lead and style with thick white socks. 

4. BLACK MINI DRESS + LONG COAT + TALL BOOTS

Knitted Dress Trend, BEST KNITTED DRESSES: @dawn.tan wearing a mini knit dress with long coat and tall boots.

Photo:

@dawn.tan

Style Notes: Dawn gives a masterclass in how to make a mini knit dress look effortlessly sophisticated—just balance the short hem with a floor-sweeping coat and on-trend knee-high boots. 

Shop the look:

Whether fitted or not, up the ante of a knitted dress with a waist defining belt. 

A wool coat is an investment piece that will always be in style.

SHOP THE BEST KNITTED DRESSES FOR WINTER 2024:

I'm obsessed with this knitted dress, which can be styled in so many ways to work for every occasion. 

Obsessed with the piping detail of this dress. 

Just add boots and you have a failsafe winter look.

An endlessly versatile knit dress that comes in 8 colours.

Another gorgeous Reformation knit dress–this colour looks so elevated. 

Cream knitwear always looks super chic—no one would believe this is a high street find. 

Made in Bali, you'll wear this beige versatile dress all year round.

Next Up: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Designer Items to Invest in Now and Forever

This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.