Best Casual Knit Dresses for Everyday Wear

Best Casual Knit Dresses for Everyday Wear

Behind the Design

When you're going from a high-powered business meeting to an evening out, sometimes the easiest ensemble is a classic dress. Especially for summer style, this wardrobe staple offers a comfortable, lightweight solution that brings elegance to any occasion. Explore the perfect fabrics and colors for your taste, and discover new styling tips to keep your favorite day dress a statement-making piece. 

Tweed Inlay Knit Dress

Belted Faux Wrap Dress

What Makes the Best Day Dresses?

A day dress is a timeless staple that you'll return to time and again, so it's essential to find a piece that fits your style. The classic day dress typically falls around knee length, with a flexible fit for comfortable movement. Summer styles tend to feature a short sleeve or sleeveless design that's light and breathable in warm weather. 

Beyond the classic cut and style, the nature of the perfect day dress depends upon your unique taste. If you're looking for simple everyday dresses that work for business and casual settings, neutral palettes offer a versatile option. They're easy to pair with other pieces in your wardrobe, and can be styled up or down to create fresh ensembles. Play with a subtle pattern, like herringbone or plaid, or keep it simple with solid color design. 

For a statement-making piece, explore bold summer hues, like pink, orange, and robin's egg blue. Summer day dresses function as a stand-alone ensemble, making it the perfect garment for vibrant style. Add an extra touch of spring with chic floral print dresses perfect for warm-weather occasions. 

Lightweight Summer Fabrics

When you're shopping for warm weather clothing, comfortable fabric is an essential element of every piece. Dresses, in particular, must offer a flexible, flattering fit that's easy to move in throughout the day. 

Knitwear creates a soft textile with ample stretch and rebound that's perfect for casual day dresses. Particularly for structured designs that fit close to the body, the breathability of knit fabric ensures you stay cool and comfortable from day to night. 

Satin silk offers another popular fabric for casual summer dresses. The textile is exceptionally soft and lightweight, a perfect choice for sunny days. The closer weave is slightly less breathable than knit, making it ideal for looser fitting garments. Opt for an elegant draped dress in silk for a loose design with a lightweight, delicate feel. 

Passementerie Trim Kaftan

Milano Knit Dress

Day-to-Night Styles

Day dresses aren't just for daytime occasions. With a few simple styling tips, it's easy to take this wardrobe staple from a business meeting to an evening out. Begin your day with the basics – a casual knit dress and a pair of loafers. The look is effortless and refined, perfect for everyday work settings and lunch meetings. When the day is done, swap out your shoes for a pair of heels and finish the look with a tailored jacket. It's simple, elegant, and easy to carry with you for busy days on the go. 

Casual day dresses are an effortless staple in any summer wardrobe. The lightweight, breathable fabrics are perfect for warm weather while the versatile designs make it easy to transition from day to night. At St. John Knits, we offer a unique range of styles and palettes crafted from the finest proprietary textiles. Each of our day dresses is designed to last beyond fleeting trends, with timeless style that perfectly blends staple and statement. 

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