The Knee Length Dress for Color
Many smart women know that the color boost of one unique piece in a look can tone the entire appearance, from key colors in the accessories to the makeup, even nail color shades and jewelry. But the knit dress can make for some excellent fashion standbys. Some women opt for heather colored tones for knee length dresses in a knit, providing warmth and comfort all day long. This can make an excellent investment, especially if spandex or elastic fibers are woven into for forgiveness during wear.
Knee length dresses can be worn for evening or day, depending on the type of material color interplay, trimming or stying. Uniform fit such as the traditional tailored one piece dress can be worn under almost anything or by itself. Knee length dresses can present a very finished look in black, but colors also blend well with any type of accessories. The genius of a knee length dress is that alone it looks like a finished statement, but under other clothing takes on the function of a top and skirt.
The knee length dress is a fashion staple of every retail fashion line from Ralph Lauren to Eileen Fisher to Calvin Klein. St. John Knits and Donna Karan release knee length black knit dresses and staple gray knit dresses every winter ad fall for their customers to rely on. Texture variations such as rib knits, novelty knits, cable, chevron and waffle knit dresses make witty style choices for Falla nd Winter.
Lanvin, Alexander Wang, Chloe and Alexander McQueen all have knee length knit dresses in their fashion collection this season. The hues reflect those particular fashion houses with a nod to the seasons. Gray and black are the color dictates of this season’s knee length dress with color blocking and inset knits as well as overall textural variations on the classic knit dress. Cowl neck and bandage dresses also belong to this category of knee length dresses.
Michael Kors is showing colorblocked knee length knit dresses, (which could take on the appearance of a black top and skirt under a suit jacket). This brings a sharp stab of visual excitement to a conservative look, while reserving the flexibility of an all black dress on other occasions. A knee length dress instantly takes on an air of sophistication missing from overly casual looks. Clever styling can add tiers or peplums, frills or bateau necks to create interest in the basic A-line knee length dress.
Such dresses can hold their shape season after season, from a tight fit to a softly gathered sweep of hem. Beige, grey, and cream white “oatmeal” tones can make a winter white or neutral grey toned look take off, with complementary silver or gold jewelry setting off the palette. (The Marc Jacobs military sweaterdress is a good example of this) Black, neutral, grey or white can be used to make a statement with metals, white with pearls, or any color with contrasting or tone accessories for a total look.
Scoop necks and boat necks can be “camouflaged” with scarves for when worn under jackets and sweaters. The conservative styling of the most generously adventurous of knit dresses in this type will never go wrong fashion-wise. Sleeveless knee length dresses can be worn during the day or for evening, with strappy sandals or Cap sleep or long sleeves knee length dresses can be worn with boots, shoes, or high heels. Hose can set off or balance spare or heavy texture dresses.
But the knee length dress does not have to be staid or even overly traditional designers such as Stella McCartney are infusing dramatic color arcs into their novelty knit dresses this season. Missoni is renowned for producing intensely detailed knits of the finest quality worldwide. Whether from the preppy traditions of Ralph Lauren or the up-to-the-minute creations of Juicy Couture, color and texture combine to make knee length dresses the consistent fashion choice of the well dressed woman.
