If you’re looking for an alternative to jeans during cooler months, consider adding this wardrobe staple into your rotation: the sweater dress. Sweater dresses are highly versatile and with a little bit of creativity you can find several ways to style one.
Below you’ll find tips on how to wear a sweater dress along with 6 sweater dress outfit ideas, plus my favorite sweater dress options to keep you cozy and chic this season.
How to Wear a Sweater Dress
Find a Fit You Like
There are many different sweater dress styles out there. You can find fitted short versions, turtleneck styles, midi lengths, and eve and wrap silhouettes.
I personally love a straight cut sweater dress, either in a long or midi length. This style isn’t super fitted, but it also doesn’t look like a giant oversized sweater either. It’s a good in between, especially if you are a little self-conscious about wearing tight dresses.
Look at Material
I have a friend who can’t wear wool and won’t touch anything made with it. Just like sweaters, sweater dresses come in town of fabrics, knits, and weights.
If you’re like my friend and sensitive to certain materials, grab a sweater you love and check the tag for the material.
Focus on Neutrals
Although you can find a sweater dress in just about any color, if you’re just starting a sweater dress collection, I recommend that you start with neutrals.
A black or tan sweater dress is timeless, matches with other neutrals in your closet as well as more statement-type pieces and pops of color.
Add Layers
A sweater dress looks great on its own, but you can still style a dress for fall and winter even when temperatures drop. Add layers like wool or trench coats or add tights to provide and extra layer of warmth.
Monochrome is Always a Win
When adding layers like a coat or jacket, you can still achieve a streamlined appearance by keep everything the same color. A monochrome outfit is always so stylish and timeless (and easy to put together!)
Sweater Dress Outfits
LONG SWEATER DRESS | TAN SUEDE ANKLE BOOTS | BLACK BAG
Long Sweater Dress and Ankle Boots
This long sweater dress has that straight cut I mentioned earlier. It’s not too clingy around your stomach but it’s also not so big that it’s swallowing me whole.
A sweater dress and boots is a classic combo, and one of the most common ways to wear a sweater dress. I love these tan suede ankle boots. The sock style hugs your leg in such a flattering manner. These boots are one of the most comfortable pair of heels I’ve ever owned.
MINI SWEATER DRESS | HERRINGBONE BLAZER | GLOSSY ANKLE BOOTS (SIMILAR HERE) | BLACK BAG
Short Sweater Dress and Blazer
I bought this herringbone blazer a couple years ago. An oversized blazer always looks good with jeans, but to switch things up a bit pair it with a short bodycon sweater dress.
I added lug sole ankle boots to this outfit to make it feel a little edgy; combat boots also work. (Here’s the exact pair of combat boots I own. I’ve had them for several years and they also come with black laces.)
If it’s too cold for bare legs, add some sheer black tights.
Tan Midi SWEATER DRESS | brown knee high boots | tan wool coat | pink BAG
Monochrome Neutral Midi Sweater Dress and a Coat
I embraced a tonal, monochromatic look here by incorporating different shades of tan and brown.
Even the purse feels like a neutral since it’s a softer, muted shade of rosy pink.
black mock neck sweater dress | brown knee high boots | black BAG
Long Turtleneck Sweater Dress and Knee High Boots
This black mock neck turtleneck sweater dress may be my favorite sweater dress because it’s something that I think I’ll really just have in my closet forever.
Keep things simple with a pair of brown knee high boots. I love mixing brown and black, but if it’s not your thing, black boots work just fine.
black mock neck sweater dress | Black heel ankle boots (similar here) | BLACK LEATHER JACKET
Sweater Dress and Black Leather Jacket
This is the same black sweater dress as the outfit above, just styled a little differently. Swap out the knee high boots for some heeled ankle boots, then throw on a black leather jacket. Leather jackets are a personal fall outerwear favorite!
This feels edgy, elevated, and cool without looking like you’re trying to hard. I love this outfit for dinner.
Rust sweater dress (similar here) | brown knee hiGh boots (similar here) | brown belt (similar here)
Midi Sweater Dress with a Belt
An easy way to accessorize and dress up a sweater dress is to add a belt. It’s so simple, but adds just a little extra something, and can also help define your waist if you’re feeling “lost” in your dress.
My Favorite Sweater Dresses to Shop Now
