It's Official: This Is the #1 Dress Trend of Fall 2021

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It's officially knitwear season, and even though our collection has expanded quite a bit in the last few years (hello, cardigan sets, knit boleros, and knit skirt sets, to mention a few), there's one item, in particular, that's a step above the rest. We're talking about knit dresses, specifically ribbed-knit dresses. Maybe it's because they add an effortless vibe to all our fall and winter outfits; maybe it's because they're supremely comfortable, easy to put on, and happen to look expensive regardless of price; or maybe it's because we haven’t found a style yet that we don’t like. Whatever the reason, they're the dominating dress trend this season, and we're so here for it.

If you’ve been eyeing the trend but haven’t found the outfit inspiration you needed, then look no further than the best ribbed-knit dresses below. We’ve charted the trend's path from the fall 2021 runways to our Instagram feeds and now to our carts. So scroll down to peruse a selection from some of your favorite retailers, and glean some styling inspiration from your favorite street style stars who’ve worn theirs with everything from heeled mules to chunky boots. In other words, there’s enough inspiration ahead for the rest of winter and even those transitional weeks to come.

On the fall runways:

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Gabriela Hearst)

Gabriela Hearst sent ankle-grazing ribbed dresses down its runway layered over trousers, solidifying them as the ultimate fall layering item.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Bevza)

At Bevza, long silhouettes were punctuated by cool, skin-exposing cutouts that are simple but striking.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Fendi)

Fendi's take involved a classic beige hue and off-the-shoulder neckline that's both of the moment and timeless.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Dion Lee)

While plenty of designers showed ribbed dresses on the more conservative (read: wearable) end of the spectrum, the ones at Dion Lee were decidedly risqué with plenty of eye-catching cutouts.

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(Image credit: Courtesy of Ganni)

Ganni styled the ribbed dresses in its fall collection with another favorite fall trend, chunky lug-sole boots, and plenty of fashion people have since followed suit.

How fashion people are styling ribbed dresses:

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(Image credit: @thelanguageofyolande)

Style notes: We loved the idea of a ribbed dress with easy-to-wear cutouts so much that we went ahead and made our very own, and TBH, we're not surprised by how popular it became.

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(Image credit: @greceghanem)

Style notes: These easy dresses pretty much style themselves, so keep it simple with go-to accessories like gold hoops and black sunglasses.

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(Image credit: @ali_tate_cutler)

Style notes: We're seeing more and more of these simple silhouettes that feature an out-of-the-box neckline, and we're obsessed.

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(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)

Style notes: While boots are an obvious choice, you can also wear a knit dress more casually with retro sneakers.

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(Image credit: @thevisuelofgrace)

Style notes: Simple and sleek, ribbed dresses make for the perfect base for your boldest and best accessories.

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(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Style notes: To really make your overall silhouette pop, try belting your dress with a chain-link belt.

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(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Style notes: Neutral tones like tan, camel, and beige are really where these ribbed numbers shine.

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(Image credit: @jen_wonders)

Style notes: In a pinch? Classic mules and a belt make for a fail-safe fall-and-winter outfit.

Speaking of fall trends, here are nine styles that you don't need more than $100 for on Amazon.

Senior Editor

Anna is an NYC-based senior fashion editor who has been a member of the Who What Wear team for over seven years, having begun her career in L.A. at brands like Michael Kors and A.L.C. As an editor, she has earned a reputation for her coverage of breaking trends, emerging brands, luxury shopping curations, fashion features, and more. Anna has penned a number Who What Wear cover interviews, including Megan Fox, Julia Garner, and Lilly Collins. She also leads the site’s emerging travel vertical that highlights all things travel and lifestyle through a fashion-person lens.