The seasonal shift from summer to fall can be tricky to dress for. There’s a definite change in the air, but the weather hasn’t given way just yet. For the in between, one of the best pieces to have on hand is a rib knit dress.
Rib knit dresses bring a textural, sweater-like feel without adding heat, and their springy fabric hugs the body in figure-flattering yet relaxed way.
They’re also are incredibly versatile, working for every season with the right styling. To boot, many rib knit dresses are twofers designed to be worn open as a long cardigan or buttoned as a dress.
Whether you live in a cool climate or simply want to dress in anticipation of fall, a rib knit dress is a great piece for now. Comfortable in the A/C and perfect for brisk days ahead, see below for the best rib knit dresses to wear from this season to the next.
The Best Rib Knit Dresses
Perfect for blending comfort and chic as you work from home, this H&M cashmere blend dress is under $150 and also comes in rich navy. Wear it to work with flats and a blazer, or dress it up with heels and a leather jacket for a night out.
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This black stripe short sleeve midi dress will look great in late summer with straw accessories but easily works its way into fall with a sweater over the shoulders and mules. It’s under $200 and has a subtle flare hem, allowing you to dress it up and down with ease.
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Button front rib knit dresses feel sophisticated and special without looking outright sexy. This long sleeve option has a fitted bodice and a roomier skirt for comfort. Wear it open with your favorite fall base layers and boots or as a maxi dress all buttoned up. Under $150, this one’s worthy of any fall wish list.
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See below for more of my rib knit dress picks to shop now, from this gorgeous flare sleeve dress from & Other Stories to this $50 cozy collared beige dress, this on-trend green knit dress at Zara, and this chocolate brown long sleeve from MANGO.
Outfit Details: STAUD Rib Knit Dress (long sleeve version here), Veronica Beard Clogs (similar, less expensive here), MANGO Tote (old, similar here)
How to Style a Rib Knit Dress
Whether your rib knit dress has a playful use of color or is neutral, these are effortless, uncomplicated staples you can usually style year-round. Here are a few rib knit dress outfit ideas to get you started:
- Layer Long Pieces: In spring and fall, try layering long pieces, such as a duster cardigan or trench coat, with your rib knit. Complete the look with casual white sneakers.
- Add a Blazer: For a business casual outfit, style a blazer over a modest ribbed tank dress. You could try a plaid blazer over a solid-colored rib knit and finish the look with mules or slingbacks.
- Add a Denim Jacket: For a summer to fall look, drape a denim jacket over your shoulders and pair with your favorite summer sandals and straw tote before you stow them for the cold months.
- Throw on a Leather Jacket: Leather looks amazing pared back to knit textures. Try a neutral rib knit dress with a black or brown leather jacket for a fall night out. You could make the combo even more striking with a monochrome palette. I’d reach for a leather bag and shoes to tie in the jacket.
- Wear It Open: If your rib knit has buttons, try styling it as a longline cardigan. I love this look with a tank top, denim, and sneakers or sandals. You can also dress it up with heeled booties, dressy jeans, and a sleeveless blouse.
- Wear It Solo with Seasonal Accessories: The beauty of rib knit dresses is that they look great on their own, so they’re a blank canvas, especially in the warmer months. For my transitional short sleeve rib knit dress outfit, I used fall accessories (suede clogs and a suede tote) to nod to the season ahead.
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