The KNIT fit
Kathryn Neale has learnt through the pandemic that comfort rules. And a classic knit dress is a winner for fashion and comfort.
Rihanna seems to be the only celebrity who has managed to express volumes while saying nothing for a year. She has taken Covid-affected fashion fatigue and turned it on its head.
That was my impression when I saw a recent photo of her exiting a Los Angeles restaurant in a gorgeous Nanushka knit dress. She looked warm and sexy. She appeared to be wearing the dress entirely for her own pleasure, and it was luck that we got to see it.
Rihanna’s current sweatpants with stiletto combinations are also an exercise in honesty. They are an acknowledgment that life has changed for all of us. For reasons that are obvious, we go to dinner in tracksuits now. Sky-high heels are a specific luxury. But her latest Covid-cosy dress is next-level fashion. Rihanna wearing the perfect knit dress stopped me in my tracks.
It sent me down an immediate internet spiral of Googling knit dresses. I then braved the volcano that is my closet to dig out my own navy, ribbed knit dress. It’s from Cos and is mock neck, sleeveless and ankle length. It came with a matching deep V-neck, cropped, long-sleeved sweater. When you wear them together, the sweater drops casually off the shoulder exposing your upper arm. I put it on and realised I look nothing like Rihanna, but I had found my vaccination look.
Living in New York City, the last year has been intense. I had days where I had no reason to care about what I wore. Nobody wanted to leave the house anyway, and there was nowhere to go. This spring brings more than just warm weather to the city. Many of my loved ones have been vaccinated, and I have a vaccination appointment soon. I feel guilty as I acknowledge the privilege of this appointment, but will go as it’s the best way to serve the city I love and protect my immediate community. I can also dress for the convenience of the vaccinators.
A knit dress is the most comfortable dress you can wear. It adjusts to the shape of your body and there is no panic when you do up the zip. It’s a dress that lets you feel like you are still in bed. While you may see flashes of bare legs, you will never get cold knees. The long, lean line is flattering on all body shapes. What more could a woman want in a dress?
I have some tips on how to wear a knit dress, but the most important thing is to be comfortable with your own body. Anyone with a healthy body should take a moment to celebrate that body. On the day of my vaccination I am going to channel Rihanna. I’ll be super comfy in my knit dress with just a bit of skin showing in the right places.