7 Ways to Style a Knit Dress for Any Occasion

A knit dress is one of the most versatile pieces you can own. It is comfortable enough for a casual weekend, polished enough for the office and elegant enough for dinner — all depending on how you style it. If you have been wondering how to style a knit dress beyond the obvious, this guide is for you.

Here are seven tried-and-true ways to wear a knit dress for virtually any occasion.

1. Keep It Minimal for Everyday Elegance

Sometimes the best styling is the simplest. A well-fitted knit dress in a neutral tone — black, camel, grey or cream — looks effortlessly chic on its own. Pair it with clean white trainers or simple leather flats, a structured tote bag and minimal gold jewellery.

This is the outfit you reach for when you want to look put-together in five minutes. The knit fabric does the work for you, draping beautifully without needing any fuss.

2. Layer with a Leather or Suede Jacket

For an edge of cool, throw a leather moto jacket or a suede trucker jacket over your knit dress. The contrast between the soft, textured knit and the structured leather creates an outfit that feels fashion-forward without trying too hard.

Ankle boots complete this look perfectly — opt for black or tan depending on the dress colour. This combination works beautifully for weekend brunches, gallery visits or casual evening plans.

3. Belt It for a Defined Silhouette

One of the easiest ways to transform a knit dress is to add a belt. A slim leather belt at the natural waist cinches the fabric and creates a more structured, hourglass shape. For a more relaxed look, try a wider belt worn slightly lower on the hips.

This trick works especially well with looser-fitting knit dresses that might otherwise appear shapeless. It also lets you play with proportions — pair a belted midi dress with knee-high boots for a sleek autumn outfit.

4. Go Office-Ready with a Blazer

A knit dress and a tailored blazer is one of the most reliable workwear combinations in fashion. The blazer adds the structure and polish that an office environment requires, while the knit dress keeps you comfortable through long meetings and commutes.

Choose a blazer in a complementary colour: a navy blazer over a grey knit dress, or a camel blazer over black. Pointed-toe heels or loafers and a leather document bag complete the professional look. Browse our knit tops for layering options that pair well with blazers too.

5. Add a Long Coat for Winter Sophistication

When temperatures drop, a knit dress paired with a long wool coat is the epitome of winter sophistication. The longer hemline of the coat frames the dress beautifully, and the combination feels inherently polished.

Add a cashmere scarf, leather gloves and heeled boots for a look that could walk straight off a European street style blog. This is the outfit for dinners, theatre evenings and any occasion where you want to feel effortlessly luxurious.

6. Dress It Down with Chunky Knit Layers

Knit-on-knit layering is a trend that shows no sign of fading. Wear a slim-fitting knit dress under an oversized cardigan or a chunky knit vest for a cosy, textural look that is perfect for the cooler months.

The key to making this work is contrast: pair a fine-gauge dress with a chunkier knit layer, or mix different textures like ribbed and cable knit. Finish with flat boots or platform sneakers for a relaxed weekend vibe.

7. Elevate It for Evening with Statement Accessories

A knit dress can absolutely hold its own at evening events — the secret is in the accessories. Swap daytime pieces for statement earrings, a clutch bag and strappy heels. A sleek updo or a bold lip draws attention upward and gives the whole outfit a more formal feel.

Darker colours — black, deep burgundy, forest green — work best for evening knit dresses. The fabric catches the light in a way that feels understated and elegant rather than overdressed.

Why Every Wardrobe Needs a Knit Dress

The beauty of a knit dress is that it adapts to you. It stretches, it moves, it flatters and it layers like no other garment. Investing in one or two quality knit dresses — in classic colours and timeless silhouettes — gives you a foundation for dozens of different outfits across every season.

Explore our knit dress collection to find the piece that works hardest in your wardrobe.