From the best cashmere jumpers to affordable options, knitwear is an undisputed wardrobe must-have for the colder months. Jumpers and cardigans are the perfect layering pieces to wear with jeans and a blazer, but when you want something slightly smarter a knitted dress makes such a comfy yet stylish alternative.
Ruth Jones proved this beyond doubt earlier this month when she attended a special book event alongside Gavin & Stacey co-creator and co-star James Corden. Held at the London Palladium, When Gavin Met Stacey And Everything In Between called for an outfit that felt polished and her almond-toned jumper dress ticked this box.
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Falling to calf-length, this affordable dress is made from a soft knit material and has ribbed detailing at the waist for shaping. The turtleneck is a snuggly addition and the gold-toned metal buttons bring a hint of glamour.
Crafted from luxurious cashmere, this midi dress is a versatile mocha brown tone and has a funnel neck. There are side splits for ease of movement and you could easily add a belt for extra shaping and texture. Pair with knee highs and a longline coat.
This jumper dress is made with a classic cable knit texture and fitted shape. The sleeves are long and slightly flared for a feminine feel and the neckline is high, making it cosy on a chilly day. If you prefer jewel tones for the season, it also comes in burgundy.
Complete The Look
These riding boots will see you through the cooler months in style. They have a comfy block heel and strap with a buckle around the ankle for a touch of detail. The side zip fastening makes them easy to get on and off, and they also come in black.
This long necklace is gold-toned and can easily be layered over everything from roll-neck jumper dresses to round-neck ones. The design is simple with the pretty circle details and this means that it won't overwhelm bolder colours or patterns.
Available in both standard and wide fit versions, the Tayla boots by Dune are one of the brand's classic styles they bring back year after year. They're made from premium suede and have a stretchy back to ensure comfort and a close fit.
It was midi-length and ribbed all over, with the timeless roll-neckline making it feel extra cosy. The soft light brown colour of Ruth’s frock is one of those hues that’s easy to dismiss in favour of seasonal burgundy or forest green, yet is so wearable.
Sometimes you just want an autumn outfit idea that can be easily mixed and matched with different jackets or footwear depending on the weather and you’ll never have to worry with a versatile neutral like this. It will go with everything and Ruth Jones paired her dress with tan block-heeled boots.
As beautiful as stiletto heels look, whether on shoes or boots, I gravitate towards lower, chunkier designs which give some elevation without compromising so much on comfort. They’re also more practical for walking on wet or frozen surfaces this time of year.
Ruth’s boots had a grippy sole too and although it’s tricky to tell from pictures taken at the When Gavin Met Stacey event, they could have been knee highs. Whether you want a cosy date night outfit or a look for a Sunday Roast with friends, midi-length knitted dresses draped over taller boots is a winning combination.
Together they have a gorgeous frame-elongating effect and feel very elegant. You also get the added benefit of extra leg coverage on a colder day too. Ruth Jones’s boots were made from smooth leather or faux leather, bringing some textural contrast.
They were also a fraction darker in colour than her dress, though you could also go for more of a contrast by choosing black or chocolate brown boots. The Gavin & Stacey star accessorised her dress with a long gold necklace.
At the bottom of the chain was a cluster of shell-shaped adornments, including a few pearlescent charms. Necklaces can be tricky when you’re wearing an item with a roll or funnel neckline because they can get caught in the material or bunched up inside.
Going for a long necklace like Ruth did is a clever way around this. The chain had plenty of room to fit around her roll-neck and draped downwards, bringing a subtle amount of sparkle. If you love her ensemble but prefer crew or round-neck designs then a longer necklace can still be a lovely option to wear with a jumper dress to make more of a statement.
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