The Ultimate Guide to Knitted/Sweater Dresses: What & Where to Buy

Knitted dresses are the ultimate wardrobe multitasker, offering unparalleled comfort while maintaining an effortlessly chic appearance that works from Monday meetings to weekend brunches. As someone who's styled countless women over the years, I can confidently say that a well-chosen sweater dress is one of the most versatile pieces you can own—it's essentially a cosy jumper that doubles as a complete outfit, eliminating the guesswork of coordinating separates while keeping you comfortable and stylish throughout the day.

Why Every Woman Needs a Knitted Dress

The beauty of knitted dresses lies in their incredible adaptability. Unlike structured dresses that can feel restrictive, sweater dresses move with your body, making them perfect for busy lifestyles. They're forgiving on days when you're feeling less confident about your silhouette, yet sophisticated enough for professional settings when styled correctly.

From my experience fitting women of all shapes and sizes, I've noticed that knitted dresses work particularly well because the stretch in the fabric accommodates natural body fluctuations throughout the day and season. They're also incredibly practical—most can be machine washed, they rarely wrinkle, and they pack beautifully for travel.

Choosing the Right Knit for Your Body Shape

For Pear-Shaped Figures

Look for dresses with interesting neckline details—cowl necks, boat necks, or embellished shoulders draw attention upward. A-line or fit-and-flare silhouettes in medium-weight knits work beautifully, skimming over hips while creating a balanced silhouette.

For Apple-Shaped Figures

Empire waistlines or wrap-style knitted dresses are your best friends. They create definition above the natural waist while flowing gracefully over the midsection. Avoid very chunky knits that add bulk, and instead opt for fine gauge or jersey knits.

For Rectangular Figures

Embrace body-skimming fits that follow your natural lines without overwhelming your frame. Belted styles or dresses with side ruching can create the illusion of curves. Midi lengths are particularly flattering.

For Hourglass Figures

You can wear most knitted dress styles, but fitted or wrap dresses that nip in at the waist will showcase your proportions beautifully. Just ensure the fit isn't too tight—the stretch should enhance, not cling.

Styling Your Knitted Dress

Office Appropriate

Layer a tailored blazer over a midi-length sweater dress and add pointed-toe flats or low heels. A structured handbag and minimal jewellery complete the professional look. Stick to neutral or jewel tones for maximum versatility.

Weekend Casual

Throw on a denim jacket or oversized cardigan with trainers or ankle boots. Add a crossbody bag and you're ready for errands, coffee dates, or casual lunches. This is where you can play with prints and bolder colours.

Evening Out

A bodycon knitted dress with the right accessories transforms beautifully for evening. Add heeled boots, statement jewellery, and a leather jacket for an edgy look, or opt for heels and a elegant coat for something more refined.

Where to Shop: Brand Recommendations

High Street Heroes (Under £50)

Uniqlo: Exceptional quality cashmere-blend options that wash beautifully
H&M: Trendy styles updated seasonally, great for experimenting with new silhouettes
Zara: Fashion-forward designs with European sizing that runs small
ASOS: Incredible range including petite, tall, and curve options
Next: Classic, well-made basics that last for years

Premium Picks (£50-150)

COS: Minimalist designs in luxurious knits with impeccable fit
Arket: Sustainable options in beautiful, versatile colours
& Other Stories: Fashion-forward pieces with European flair
Everlane: Ethically made basics that become wardrobe staples
Reiss: Sophisticated styles perfect for work and special occasions

Designer Investment (£150+)

Theory: Impeccable tailoring in the finest knits
Max Mara: Italian craftsmanship with timeless appeal
Joseph: Luxurious cashmere and wool blends
Ganni: Contemporary Scandinavian designs with a playful edge
Toteme: Swedish minimalism at its finest

Care and Maintenance Tips

Proper care extends the life of your knitted dresses significantly. Always check care labels, but generally, hand washing or gentle machine cycles work best. Lay flat to dry to prevent stretching, and store folded rather than hung to maintain shape. A good fabric shaver removes pills and keeps your dresses looking new.

Never Guess Your Size Again with Tellar.co.uk

One of the biggest challenges when shopping for knitted dresses online is getting the sizing right. Different brands have vastly different sizing standards, and the stretch in knits can make it even more confusing. That's where Tellar.co.uk becomes invaluable.

As the UK's leading sizing tool, Tellar matches your body measurements to over 1500 brands instantly, taking the guesswork out of online shopping. Here's how it works:

Simple 3-Step Process:

Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or input your size from a brand that fits you well
Use the Store Size Lookup tool to get your precise size in any brand—whether it's COS, Reiss, Everlane, Arket, or any of the brands I've recommended
Shop with confidence knowing your size will fit perfectly, every time

The best part? It's completely free and works directly in your browser—no downloads needed.

Tellar Fashion Hub

Beyond sizing, Tellar offers a comprehensive Fashion Hub filled with expert styling advice, trend reports, and honest brand reviews. Their library includes specialized guides like:

All content is honest, unbiased, independent, and always free—just like the sizing tool itself.

Final Styling Thoughts

Remember, the best knitted dress is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Don't be afraid to try different lengths, fits, and styling options until you find what works for your lifestyle and body. With the right knitted dress in your wardrobe and tools like Tellar to ensure perfect sizing, you'll have a reliable go-to piece that serves you well season after season.

Start with one versatile piece in a neutral colour, then build your collection with different textures, colours, and lengths as you discover what works best for you. Happy shopping!