We’ve entered the days of cold days and even colder nights. The fall days are slowly turning colder and darker. Sweater weather is upon us and we are excited! If you look forward to pulling out your sweaters each fall, consider adding sweater dresses to your wardrobe!
If you haven’t embraced a sweater dress yet, now is the time to do it! It’s the perfect look for everything from the office to date night and everything in between. It is a fall to winter staple.
There are tons of different types of sweater dresses to choose from. You can get a mini sweater dress, a midi sweater dress, oversized sweaters, turtleneck, solid colors, printed colors, long sleeves or even short sleeves!
One perk of a sweater dress is that it is easy to throw on, add some shoes and and go! But styling sweater dresses can sometimes get tricky. This post will give you outfit ideas and some simple styling tips!
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Casual Sweater Dress Outfit Ideas
Sweater Dress | Denim Jacket | Sneakers
Sweater dresses don’t have to look fancy! You can wear a sweater dress in your weekend and every day looks by adding sneakers, flat boots, and relaxed layers.
Consider wearing a looser knit sweater dress, slouchy dress, or a cable knit style to give a casual vibe. Adding casual elements to a dress instantly makes an outfit ready to wear at any time.
I took a black turtleneck sweater dress and added a denim jacket and a cute pair of sneakers to make this outfit weekday ready!
Find even more denim jacket outfit ideas here and other ways to wear dresses with sneakers!
Sweater Dress | Boots (sold out – similar here)
How to Wear a Sweater Dress to Work
A sweater dress can easily be work ready! Make sure your dress is long enough to be appropriate for work. I recommend choosing a knee length or midi sweater dress.
If needed, add a pair of tights. Include layers that are more structured and professional, like a blazer. For footwear, choose close toed shoes, leather or suede boots or shoes, or heels.
Sweater Dress | Boots (sold out – similar here)
Sweater Dress | Heels (sold out –similar here)
Date Night & Evening Looks
Are you headed out on a winter date night? A sweater dress works in this situation as well! You may even consider an off the shoulder dress if that is your style. Consider adding more elevated accessories such as a statement belt, statement earrings, or layered necklaces.
For footwear choose heeled boots or a classic pair of pumps. If you need an extra layer, make it dressier with a statement piece, such as a shawl or a stunning leather jacket.
A monochromatic style gives an elevated, upscale vibe! The photo above is the same dress as the photo below, just different shoes. An upscale look would be great to wear to Thanksgiving or even a holiday party!
How Dress Length Changes the Look
There are typically 3 different types of lengths you can choose for a sweater dress.
- Above the knee – most popular length. This style is easy to wear with tights, leggings, and a wide variety of footwear. Best for casual looks or date nights.
- Knee length – this is a classic style that works well on most women. This is a great option when you are needing a more formal look (example, for work).
- Midi (mid calf) – This is a great option if you are taller or if you love to wear heeled shoes.
Sweater Dress | Duster (sold out – similar style here and similar color here) | Boots (sold out – similar here)
Sweater Dress | Boots (sold out – similar here)
Shoe Pairings That Work Best
There are a ton of different shoe options you can wear with your sweater dress. My guess is that you already have one or two great options in your closet right now! Your sweater dress looks can completely change depending upon what footwear you choose.
Sweater Dress | Plaid Scarf | Boots
Here are some of my favorite pairings to give you different sweater dress looks. Choose the combo you like the best!
- Knee high boots or over-the- knee boots – These work best with knee length or longer to keep your outfit classy.
- Ankle boots/ankle booties – these work with any length of dress. If you are concerned about feeling “cut off” at the ankles, choose either a neutral/light color or a dark color with matching tights.
- Casual sneakers or loafers – These work with any length dress as long as the dress itself isn’t TOO dressy
- Combat boots – these give a more casual option without being as casual as sneakers.
- Flats – another great option if the weather isn’t too cold!
Sweater Dress | Sweater ( similar here and here) Boots (sold out – similar here)
Layering Tips for Cooler Weather
As the weather gets cooler and cooler, layers become more and more important. There are a number of ways that you can add warmth to your outfit.
Sweater Dress | Jacket (sold out here) | Boots
With your footwear, add tall riding botos or over the knee boots and tights or socks. This is the easiest way to add extra warmth. You can even add a base layer on top! You can find my favorite base layers here.
Sweater Dress | Jacket | Boots
I love a simple sweater dress because of the wide variety of layering options you can add. You can do a shawl, cashmere scarf, a long shacket, a gorgeous fleece, or even a cardigan. A blazer can add an extra layer of warmth, or even consider a coatigan!
If you have a bodycon sweater dress, you could add a sweater over the top. If you choose a long layering option, add a belt to give some definition to your body.
Sweater Dress | Belt (sold out – similar here) Boots (sold out – similar here)
Simple Styling Tips
Here are a few easy styling tips to keep in mind as you wear your sweater dress!
- Create Shape. Add a belt or a cropped jacket to add some shape to your outfit.
- Consider your layers. Make sure your layers are appropriate for the look you are going for. The more structured the layers, the more formal the event.
- Accessorize! Wear statement earrings to draw attention to your face. Bracelets and rings are amazing accessories for a sweater dress.
- Maintain your dress. Use a lint roller and a de-pill tool to keep your dress looking in tip top shape.
FAQs
Yes, sweater dresses are a classic piece that virtually never goes out of style. When in doubt, choose a classic sweater dress in a neutral color (such as black) with a flattering silouette.
Absolutley, you can wear leggings with a sweater dress! Leggings add great warmth. Leggings with more of a smooth, “slippery” texture will work best as the sweater won’t “catch” on the material.
Add earrings, necklaces, and bracelets for a chic look while wearing a sweater dress.
Putting It All Together
If you have a sweater dress that you haven’t worn in a while, I hope you are encouraged to pull it out and start wearing it! If you don’t have a sweater dress, consider getting one to add to your seasonal wardrobe. I recommend starting with a black sweater dress as it will go with any accessory or shoe you own. It is such a versatile piece to have that will give you extra winter outfit options throughout the cold months!
Love all your suggestions! Thank you!
Nice sweater dress options! Thanks for sharing☺