How to style a knitted dress: shoes, jacket and tights

In autumn and winter, a knitted dress is the piece that needs the least thought in the morning: slip it on and you are done. Still, many people then stand in front of the mirror wondering which shoes go with it, which jacket on top will not be too bulky and whether the tights have to be black. Here you will find how to combine a knitted dress with shoes, jacket and tights into a harmonious outfit.

What makes a knitted dress so wearable

A knitted dress combines the comfort of a jumper with the effect of a dress. It keeps you warm, does not constrict and still looks dressed. That is exactly why it works at the office, at the weekend and at dinner alike.

The important thing is to see the dress as a base, not as a finished outfit. Shoes, jacket and tights decide whether it looks casual, cosy or rather dressy. You will find a selection in the knitted dresses.

The right shoes

Knee high boots. The classic combination. If the dress ends above the knee, the gap between hem and shaft almost disappears, and the legs look long.

Ankle boots and boots with a chunky sole. They give a longer knitted dress a counterweight at the bottom and make the look more casual. They go particularly well with midi and maxi lengths.

Cowboy boots. They add a relaxed, slightly western accent and work above all with straight cut dresses in natural tones.

Trainers. Perfectly fine for everyday wear, ideally with a shorter dress and tights in the tone of the dress.

As a rule of thumb: the taller the shaft, the shorter the dress may be. There is more on this in the article how to wear boots, and you will find the styles in the boots and the cowboy boots.

The right tights

Tights are the most inconspicuous part of the outfit and still have a big impact. Opaque tights in the colour of the boots let leg and shoe merge into one line and lengthen it.

• Black goes with dark dresses and black boots and is the safest choice.
• Brown or mocha looks softer than black with dresses in camel, beige or brown.
• Tone on tone with the dress creates a particularly calm, long silhouette.

If you like it even warmer, wear opaque leggings instead of tights. There is a selection in the leggings.

Which jacket goes over a knitted dress

Because knitwear already has volume, the question of the jacket is mainly a question of length. Two solutions work reliably.

Short over long. A jacket that ends at the waist or just below emphasises the proportions and lets the dress shine. Bouclé and teddy work well here, as long as the dress itself is a rather smooth knit. You will find matching styles in the bouclé jackets.

Long over long. A long coat or cardigan that almost completely covers the dress lengthens the silhouette. The important thing is that it stays open at the front and the dress remains visible. There is a selection in the oversized cardigans.

It gets tricky with jackets that end exactly at hip level. They cut the dress off at its widest point.

Show the waist or not

A straight cut knitted dress falls loosely and looks relaxed. A slim belt at the waist transforms the same dress into a more structured look. Both are right; it depends on the effect you want.

With very thick knitwear, a belt is often too much, because the fabric bunches up over it. Here a short jacket is the better way to suggest the waist.

Colours and accessories

Knitted dresses in brown, beige, taupe or cream are particularly rewarding, because they can be combined tone on tone. Boots, tights and scarf in graded browns look calm and refined. How to mix such in-between tones confidently is explained in the article combining taupe.

On cold days, a big scarf replaces part of the jacket and adds colour to the outfit. You will find matching styles in the scarves. How to style and care for knitwear in general is explained in the article styling and caring for knitwear.

Matching pieces in the shop: women's dresses and women's winter jackets.

Frequently asked questions

Which shoes go with a knitted dress?

Knee high boots, ankle boots with a chunky sole and cowboy boots work best. For everyday wear, trainers also work, ideally with a shorter dress.

Which tights do I wear with a knitted dress?

Opaque tights in the colour of the boots lengthen the leg the most. Black is the safe choice, brown looks softer with light dresses.

Which jacket goes over a knitted dress?

Either a short jacket that ends at the waist, or a long, open coat or cardigan. Jackets that end exactly at hip level are the most difficult.

Can you wear a knitted dress to the office?

Yes, with opaque tights, simple boots or ankle boots and a calm jacket. A smooth knit looks more polished than a chunky one.

Do you wear a belt with a knitted dress?

It works well with finer knits and makes the look more structured. With very thick knits the fabric often bunches up, so a short jacket is the better choice.

How do I care for a knitted dress?

Generally wash gently at a low temperature and dry flat so the dress does not stretch out of shape. The care label in the item is always what counts.