Knit pearls hit the catwalk

Tag : Ankle Boots


Dresses have been enjoying a revival, among them the little knitnumbers. Jude Hathaway looks into their popularity.

If there are stand-out fashion favourites this winter, one has tobe the little knit dress in all its moods, morphs andmanifestations.

In a kind of serendipitous unity, just about every designer worthyof the name has incorporated some form of knit dress into his orher winter '08 collection, which has resulted in a resoundingchorus of looks and styles.

"Knit dresses are being designed for top-end designer labels to theaffordable end of the fashion spectrum," says Janene Kilcullen,owner of Farry's For Women in Dunedin.

"They started coming through three winters back and this season arehuge."

At varying price levels - depending on factors such as the type andquality of the knit, the complexity of the garment and the brandbehind it - the knit dress is one of those universal garments beingenjoyed by all.

This is not only because of their favourable price points, or theirhigh comfort levels.

"I think we've reached a stage of enjoying just having one garmentto put on after such a long time with separates.

Those of us who feel the cold can put on an under-layer, then allthat's needed are the tights and the boots or shoes and theovercoat and we're set to go," Kilcullen points out.

Styles vary. Fine knits include smock, tunic, wrap and pinaforestyles.

Their shapes can be straight or A-line, with many continuing tofall from under the bust.

They can be draped and ruched, the addition of metallic threadgiving the garment a glam edge for nights out.

Whether the label leans towards urban street wear - check out thecute hoodie styles - or high-end women's wear, there is a prettygood chance a little knit dress is embedded somewhere in thecollection.

In the South, in particular, fabulous fine merino knits are highlysought-after for their natural warmth and fluid sensuality.

But cashmere, jersey, cotton/Spandex, cotton/Lycra, polyester andviscose are also forming the basis of good-looking winter styles.

Dresses in chunky knits are on this winter's agenda, with cable andfisher-knit varieties flying high.

Although now featherweight, thanks to the latest knit technology,these continue to be minimally cut.

Even so, there's still the chance of them being less flatteringthan fine knits, depending on your figure type and what they areworn with.

As with all fashion trends, a degree of common sense is needed.

The 60-year-old would not be as scintillating in a mid-thighsweater dress with tights and boots as her 30-year-old daughter.

But she could be a knockout in a knee-length wrap dress with bootsand opaque tights or in a tunic over full-length slimline pants.

By the way, if the garment is unlined and has a tendency to clingto leg wear, apply body moisturiser or antistatic spray to thetights.

The versatility of the knit dress means they are ideal for theworking woman who can look demurely smart by day and, with thesimple addition of some jewellery, move seamlessly on to dinner orthe theatre.

Many of the dresses look as great over jeans as they do teamed withthe new season's decorative textured tights and higher-than-highheels.

It's the same with sleeveless tunic styles, Kilcullen suggests.

"For the office, wear them with opaque tights and ankle boots overa crisp white shirt or a black high or polo-neck long-sleevedskivvy.

"For a party, wear them sleeveless over slimline black pants andhigh boots or sheer tights and patent stilettoes."

From the latest forecasts it looks as though the little knit dresswill be around for a while yet.

This is good news, given its comfort, convenience and abundantlychic style. - Jude Hathaway