Item of the week: the knit dress

What it is:

The knit dress presents an array of options that can attract just about any shopper looking for the perfect, cosy wardrobe addition for the autumn/winter season. To start with, knit silhouette styles cannot be defined as one form. Some take the appearance of an oversized sweater while others have a more body-hugging fit, taking the shape of the wearer through the use of a stretch material. Type of knit is also a factor when selecting the perfect dress. While the cable knit consists of a chunky fit, the rib knit, defined by a vertical stripe pattern, is slightly more lightweight and therefore is useful for even the spring season. Each technique can be the difference between an elevated look or a more casual dress, however, either way, the knit dress can still be used for both daywear or as comfy couch attire. Its range was evident in runway shows for the coming season, where designers experimented with techniques, forms and structure to present creative ways of tackling the trend.