Comfort or style? That is the question.
The polarising choice between fashion and function has driven personal style for millennia. It’s the question the likes of designers, editors and stylists are frequently asked.
But dare we say, why the need to pick one over the other? These two elements can coexist peacefully and we have proof.
Jumper dresses exemplify this harmonious sartorial marriage. The garments are stylish and slouchy in equal measure, making for the ultimate throw-on look for school runs and coffee dates alike. Quite possibly the most versatile wardrobe invention, the jumper dress can be paired with thick tights and boots for a chic day-to-day aesthetic or dressed up with stilettos and a clutch bag for glamorous evening soirees. With a jumper dress in tow, the world of events really is your oyster.
The garment’s nonchalance has attracted the attention of It-girls throughout the years. The Swinging Sixties birthed one of Marilyn Monroe’s most popular looks, a violet cable-knit dress that she wore on the set of Let’s Make Love in 1960, in addition to Bridget Bardot’s grey sailor girl jumper dress worn while shooting Two Weeks in September in 1967.
Its popularity carried over into the 21st century when the piece became a costume department regular for shows such as Gilmore Girls and Gossip Girl. Naturally, this only piqued interest, and before long paparazzi were capturing stars off-duty sporting the cosy number - Taylor Swift, Gigi Hadid, Emily Ratajwkoski and Elsa Hosk to name a few.
While fashion has evolved, the allure of the jumper dress has remained steadfast. A consistent inclusion in designer collections, luxury knitwear labels such as Missoni, MaxMara and Isabel Marant can’t resist an effortless jumper dress ensemble crafted from soft merino wool blends of the highest quality.
Keen to expand your winter wardrobe? Look no further. Read on to discover the best jumper dresses for leisurely layering this winter.
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Mango Striped Sweater Dress
Embrace your inner grunge with Mango’s striped sweater dress showcasing charcoal and black colourways. Teamed with biker boots and tights, you’ll have both edge and ease with this snug mini.
Buy now £59.99, Mango
Arket Cable Knit Dress
Tap into the ongoing obsession with all things chocolate. The rich hue is back and better than ever, and Arket’s jumper dress is the snuggliest take on the sugary sweet pigment.
Buy now £139.00, Arket
Jean Paul Gaultier + KNWLS Cable-knit Wool-blend Mini Dress
Stay on top of the trend cycle with Jean Paul Gaultier and KNWLS’ cable knit dress in a punchy shade of purple pink. Not only do we love the colour, but also the off-the-shoulder silhouette, chunky bell sleeves and Y2K folded collar, which have made this a sartorial win in our eyes.
Buy now £690.00, Net-A-Porter
Isabel Marant Atina Cable Knit Mini Dress
The perfect blend of Parisian timelessness and casual cable knit, Isabel Marant’s mini cream number is a winter wonder. Pair with cowboy boots for an awe-inspiring Western ensemble.
Buy now £995.00, Net-A-Porter
Topshop Knitted Funnel Neck Midi Dress
Cool and cosy were on the agenda when Topshop devised its knitted funnel neck midi dress. Simply roll out of bed and slip into the piece for in-office days or coffee mornings out. A warming hug in a single garment.
Buy now £40.00, ASOS
Farm Rio Pom Pom-embellished Cable Knit Turtleneck Sweater Dress
An avant-garde spin on the low-key jumper dress, Farm Rio’s pom-pom edition is one for the It-girls. It features a practical black hue punctuated by a chunky cable-knit, eccentric pom-pom detailing and a slouchy off-the-shoulder silhouette.
Buy now £350.00, Net-A-Porter
H&M Cable Knit Midi Dress
Opt for a streamlined aesthetic with a simple, longline jumper dress. This high street hero can be teamed with boots or sneakers for a comfortable, elegant look to see you through the winter months.
Buy now £44.99, H&M
Massimo Dutti Short Knit Dress
Incorporate the muted shade into your winter wardrobe with this dress from Massimo Dutti. The cream, knitted mini dress caught our eye thanks to the unique yet chic sailor collar and pale ecru tone.
Buy now £59.95, Massimo Dutti
Zankov Matilda Striped Brushed Knitted Maxi Dress
Brighten your day with a starburst-toned knitted maxi. Zankov’s longline number is the epitome of dopamine dressing, thanks to its ombre colour palette in vibrant shades of bubblegum pink, tangerine and cream.
Buy now £860.00, Net-A-Porter
Paco Rabanne Embellished Open-knit Cotton Mini Dress
Party girl glamour meets beachside attire in Paco Rabanne’s open-knit dress. The neutral-toned number comes complete with a mini silhouette and twinkling beaded embellished trims that pay homage to the label’s Swinging Sixties roots.
Buy now £504.00, Net-A-Porter
Ulla Johnson Almira Patchwork Jacquard-knit Midi Dress
Bohemian style comes to the forefront with Ulla Johnson’s unique patchwork dress. The midi is brimming with character, from the tapestry of jacquard-knit panels to the bolted waist and turtleneck finish. Seventies sophistication in a single garment.
Buy now £370.00, Net-A-Porter
ba&sh Medee Short Dress
Available in velvety mole brown or festive wine red, ba&sh’s Medee dress is versatile thrown-on for frosty mornings. Add chunky Chelsea boots and a baseball cap and you have yourself a low-key, leisurely look to re-wear each winter.
Buy now £305.00, ba&sh
Balzac Paris Aria Dress
Inject a dose of feminine flair into your knit collection. Balzac Paris’ black jumper dress adopts a sweet shift cut and features a gentle ruffled trim to draw the eye.
Buy now £96.00, Balzac Paris
