January 01, 2022 at 08:00AM
The knitted-dress trend has come back in a seriously big way in 2021. You might not have realised this, because in many ways, it’s the kind of frock that never really goes out of fashion. However, there’s one key component of this year’s style that French women have been wearing forever. When it comes to knitted dresses in France, les Françaises are more likely to opt for a fitted version. No saggy, loose-fitting sacks for our friends across the channel, thank you very much. Instead, it’s about considered knitwear that is more body-con and has some kind of structure.
Case in point: Khaite’s chic black version, which I spotted on Camille Charrière some time ago. The sweetheart neckline is what really makes this dress sing, but I love the demure nature of the long sleeves, too. This season, the brand has brought out a new version of that dress, but this time, it’s an off-the-shoulder silhouette. I also love Ellie Delphine’s fitted and backless rainbow version from Christopher John Rogers.
As for brands that are doing this trend well right now, there are figure-hugging ribbed dresses from Mango, Ganni and Arket, plus a belted version from Nanushka that’s a wardrobe classic in the making. I’d wager you’d be hard-pressed to find a knitted dress you didn’t like in the edit below. Keep scrolling for more.
This story was published at an earlier time and has been updated. Next up, these are the biggest autumn/winter 2021 fashion trends to know.
Author Elinor Block | Whowhatwear
Selected by CWC