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

Knee high boots, ankle boots with a chunky sole and cowboy boots go well with a knitted dress, together with thick tights in the color of the shoes. On top, either a short jacket that ends at the waist or a long, open coat or cardigan works.

In fall and winter, a knitted dress is a piece that needs little thought in the morning: pull it on, done. Still, many people then stand in front of the mirror wondering which shoes go with it, which jacket will not be too bulky over it 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 sweater with the effect of a dress. It keeps you warm and still looks put together. That is why it works as well at the office as at dinner.

The dress is the base. Shoes, jacket and tights decide whether it looks casual, cozy or rather smart. You will find a selection in the knitted dresses.

Which shoes go with a knitted dress?

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

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 especially well with midi and maxi lengths.

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

Sneakers. Fine for everyday wear, preferably with a shorter dress and tights in the tone of the dress.

Knitted dress with boots: how high should the shaft be?

As a rule of thumb: the higher the shaft, the shorter the dress can be. Knee high boots look harmonious with short knitted dresses, while ankle boots whose shaft disappears under the hem suit midi and maxi dresses. More on this in the article how to style women's boots; you will find the styles in the boots.

Which tights go with a knitted dress?

Tights are an inconspicuous part of the outfit, yet they have a big influence. Thick tights in the color of the boots form a continuous line with the shoe.

• Black goes with dark dresses and black boots and is a safe 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, continuous line.

If you like it even warmer, wear thick leggings instead of tights. Which tights color goes with which dress is explained in the guide dress and skirt with tights.

Which jacket goes over a knitted dress?

Because knitwear already has volume, the question of the jacket is mainly a question of length. There are two solutions.

Short over long. A jacket that ends at the waist or just below divides the outfit into two lengths and lets the dress stand out. Bouclé and teddy work well here, as long as the dress itself is a smooth knit. You will find matching styles in the bouclé jackets, and more about the fabric in the article what is bouclé?.

Long over long. A long coat or cardigan that almost completely covers the dress forms a continuous line. It is important that it stays open at the front so the dress is visible. There is a selection in the oversized cardigans.

Jackets that end exactly at hip level are tricky. They divide the dress at hip level. Which jacket goes with which dress is explained in the guide jacket with a dress.

Show the waist or not

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

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

Colors and accessories

Knitted dresses in brown, beige, taupe or cream are particularly easy because they can be combined tone on tone. Boots, tights and scarf in graduated browns look calm and harmonious. How to mix such in-between shades confidently is explained in the article how to wear taupe.

On cold days, a large scarf replaces part of the jacket and adds color to the outfit. How to style knitwear in general is explained in the article styling and layering knitwear.

Three knitted dress outfits for every day

Office. Smooth-knit dress in dark brown, brown tights, simple ankle boots and a long, open coat.

Weekend. Straight knitted dress in cream, boots with a chunky sole and a short bouclé jacket.

Evening. Short knitted dress in black, black tights and knee high boots, with a slim belt.

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

How to wear other dresses through winter is explained in our guide how to style a dress in winter.

Frequently asked questions

Which shoes go with a knitted dress?

Knee high boots, ankle boots with a chunky sole and cowboy boots work well. For everyday wear, sneakers also work, preferably with a shorter dress.

Can you wear a knitted dress with boots?

Yes, boots are the classic combination. Knee high boots suit short knitted dresses, ankle boots rather midi and maxi lengths.

Which tights do I wear with a knitted dress?

Thick tights in the color of the boots form a continuous line with the shoe. 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 difficult.

Can you wear a knitted dress to the office?

Yes, with thick tights, simple boots or ankle boots and a calm jacket. A smooth knit looks neater 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 knit, the fabric often bunches up, so a short jacket is the better choice.