I've Found 5 Easy Ways to Style Summer's Knitted-Dress Trend

Bianca Foley is an influencer and sustainable-fashion expert who we follow closely because she's super skilled at bringing together style and more conscious ways to consume. From amazing second-hand pieces and inspiring ways to rewear clothes through to her thoughts around rental, alterations and new sustainable brands, Foley is our go-to girl both via her Instagram (@biancaffoley) and the podcast she co-hosts, Sustainably Influenced. For the next three months, she'll be sharing her intel with you, starting with her journey from a self-confessed shopaholic to a more sensible shopper.

I have always loved knitted body-con dresses. They are incredibly versatile and easy to throw on. I appreciate that they can be worn in summer and winter alike and can be made to feel dressy or casual with the addition of a few key accessories and separates. In my eyes, it is the perfect item of clothing. I generally gravitate towards anything in dark tones, but as it's finally beginning to warm up, I have been leaning towards lighter, more neutral colours, which allow for quick styling with multiple items in my wardrobe. If you read my last piece, you will know that I believe in curating a wardrobe that is full of pieces that you will look forward to wearing time and again. I believe that buying things you really love and wearing them for a really long time is the first step towards making sustainable fashion choices.

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(Image credit: @biancaffoley)

My favourite knitted dress is an older one from COS, which I grabbed from Depop last year. This lightweight body-con iteration is the perfect dress for every season. It’s no longer available, but there are a number of alternatives online that are just as beautiful. I’ve handpicked another COS option for you below. 

1. Choose sporty separates for day.

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(Image credit: @biancaffoley for Who What Wear UK)

Style Notes: I love the balance created between a really sporty item and something sleeker. This dress worn with different pieces can be quite chic, so I like to mix it up with a brightly coloured sweatshirt and plain white trainers for an everyday and comfortable way to wear a body-con.

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2. Smarten it up with a blazer.

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(Image credit: @biancaffoley for Who What Wear UK)

Style Notes: Adding a contrasting blazer will smarten up a simple dress in a flash. You could always swap out the sandals for flats or strappy heels to elevate the look even further.

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3. Go monochrome in similar tones.

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(Image credit: @biancaffoley for Who What Wear UK)

Style Notes: It should be a scientific fact that dressing all in one colour—otherwise known as monochromatic dressing—immediately makes your outfit look more expensive. I love pairing a simple, boyfriend-style shirt with a fitted dress. Similar to the linen shirt up next, this shirt, however, is a slightly heavier weight in brushed cotton, providing the perfect cover-up on cooler summer days.

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4. Try layering an oversized shirt.

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(Image credit: @biancaffoley for Who What Wear UK)

Style Notes: I love styling fitted, body-con pieces with oversized shirts. The contrast gives off serious cool-girl vibes, and the monochrome aesthetic is giving me all the laid-back summer vibes.

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5. Add a splash of colour.

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(Image credit: @biancaffoley for Who What Wear UK)

Style Notes: We live in Britain, we know how changeable the seasons can be, and we all know that even in June, we often need layers. I adore this vegan-leather trench from ethical brand Aligne; it is warm enough for chillier evenings, and the bold colour immediately transforms this into a summer-friendly look.

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Next Up: We Went Street Style–Spotting in London—12 Summer Looks We Really Rated