You can take sweater weather to new heights with a sweater dress. Essentially, a sweater dress is a long version of a knitted sweater. Its hemline extends anywhere from midthigh down to the ankle.
The sweater dress is the perfect low-maintenance outfit that’s a full look in itself. And you can keep it fresh by simply swapping out your footwear, belts or outerwear.
While this cozy-chic style never goes out of fashion, this buying guide covers the current trends and styling tips.
n this article: CPink Queen Women’s Loose Turtleneck Oversize Long Pullover Sweater Dress, Glamaker Women’s Long Sleeve Ribbed Bodycon Midi Sweater Dress and Grace Karin Women’s Wrap V-neck Sweater Dress.
What are the styles of sweater dresses?
While your basic sweater dress looks a lot like an oversized sweater, there’s diversity within the sweater dress family. Here are the top styles:
- Classic sweater dresses end just at or above the knee. Their silhouette is typically loose and oversized. The roomy cut allows for superior comfort. You can add a belt for a more defined waist on this otherwise boxy cut.
- Mini sweater dresses hit above the knee but typically feature a fit-and-flared cut. There are also bodycon mini sweater dresses that are ultra form-fitting.
- Midi sweater dresses feature hemlines that end at a conservative, midcalf length. They’ll keep you toasty and warm in the winter. Form-fitting midi styles look more polished, while cocoon silhouettes offer a slouchy vibe.
- Maxi sweater dresses offer the most warmth and coverage, extending down to the ankle. They can be form-fitting or feature looser cocoon silhouettes. Some come with belts. Be aware that longline dresses get quite warm.
- Wrap sweater dresses are a figure-flattering alternative to the pullover style of most sweater dresses. Wrap dresses close in the front by wrapping one side of the knitted material across the other. They are tied at the waist.
- Cutout sweater dresses are trendy and expose a bit of skin while still keeping things classy. The cutouts can be located at the hip, waist, shoulder or back.
- Cardigan sweater dresses are an on-trend style and feature buttons down the front. The neck is typically a V-neck. Some polo-style sweater dresses also feature buttons, though they don’t extend down to the hemline.
Material and knit
Inexpensive sweater dresses are made from acrylic, which can mimic the knit of wool, or blends of polyester, rayon or cotton. Woolen dresses are the warmest, though the priciest. You can find blends of wool for a lower price. Cashmere sweater dresses are the most expensive of woolen materials. You can find sweater dresses in a range of knits from thinner ribbed knits to chunky cable knits. Flat knits are also widely available.
Neckline and sleeves
When picking a sweater dress style, you’ll be confronted with a choice of necklines: V-neck, cowl neck, crew neck, turtleneck, mock neck, scoop neck and square neck. High necks are popular and keep you warm but aren’t ideal if you’re someone who runs hot. Most sweater dresses feature long sleeves. A trendy style is puff-sleeves, such as lantern and balloon sleeves. Less common are sleeveless and short-sleeve sweater dresses.
How do I style a sweater dress?
For many wearers, cinching the waist of a sweater dress with a belt is key, not to mention fashionable. Sweater dresses can be worn with or without tights underneath, and leggings are also a stylish choice. Depending on the length of your dress, tall or ankle boots are on point for fall. You can also wear heels to dial up your knits or dress down with sneakers. Sweater dresses look cute with short jackets, such as moto styles. If you want to rock a long coat, be sure the hemline covers the length of your dress.
Best cashmere sweater dresses
