Our Favorite Sweater Dress Styles For Fall

If you’re looking for something cute and comfortable to wear this fall, the sweater dress is the perfect piece to add to your wardrobe. Whether you’re working from your bedroom or heading out to dinner with a friend, you can dress it up or dress it down to suit the occasion. Here are a few of our favorite sweater dress styles and some styling tips to help you achieve your best fall look. 

The Turtleneck

When I think of essential fall and winter pieces, the turtleneck is the first that comes to mind. It’s warm, classy, and never goes out of style. If turtlenecks are already a staple in your wardrobe, there’s no doubt you’ll love the turtleneck sweater dress. 

Since the turtleneck will sit close to your face, choose a solid color that best matches your complexion. A cable knit adds texture and detail to your look. (See if you can find one in a natural fiber such as wool or cotton.) Make sure you have a couple of pairs of high-quality warm tights to wear underneath your dress. You might even consider a pair of black leggings to wear underneath during those extra cold days. 

If you’re going for a more casual look, a boot with little to no heel is perfect with the turtleneck dress. If your sweater dress is above the knee, you could also consider pairing it with a knee-high boot or over-the-knee boot. Following the rule of thirds is a great way to ensure that your proportions are on point. 

The V-Neck

Heading in a different direction from the turtleneck, the v-neck is another timeless neckline. I love this look because it’s elongating. Regardless of your height, the v-neck gives the illusion of length.

Another reason I love the v-neck is that it allows room for accessorizing close to the face. A stack of dainty necklaces is feminine and draws the eye upwards. The neckline doesn’t need to be daringly low, but showing a little skin never hurt anyone. 

Opting for Oversized

If being comfortable is high on your priority list, then the oversized look is for you. An oversized sweater dress means you don’t have to compromise looking cute to be comfortable. The look can be styled to suit any occasion, but it’s amazing as a work-from-home outfit. The point of this look is to be extra cozy, so don’t shy away from oversized sleeves or an oversized neckline. Puffy sleeves, bell sleeves, or a turtleneck go perfectly with the oversized body of the sweater. 

Double down on the oversized vibe with your accessories. Cuff up your sleeves and wear an oversized watch, or throw on a pair of chunky gold hoops to draw attention to your face. If you like to draw attention to your waist, you can add a leather belt to emphasize your shape. 

When choosing a material for the oversized look, thick wool knit is the best way to go. You can make the look more feminine by choosing a pastel color such as blush pink, powder blue, or dusty lavender. Who says you can’t wear pastels in colder weather? 

The Oversized Cardigan Dress

Another trendy oversized option is an oversized cardigan dress. I love this look because it’s versatile. It can be worn as a knit dress with a pair of ankle boots or as a cardigan over your favorite pair of jeans. 

Oversized Knit Cardigan Dress from Zara

I’ve been seeing this look everywhere as the fall season approaches. So if you love the look and like to keep up with trends, you’ll want to add this piece to your wardrobe.

Fitted Dress in Knit

The sophisticated big sister to the oversized dress is the fitted dress. This look in a thinner knit is perfect for fall when the weather is still mild. You can wear it to the office or for a dinner out on a cold evening.

Matching sets are all the rage these days. For an extra chic look, opt for a fitted tank knit dress with a matching cardigan. Regardless of the sleeve length, the neckline options for this look are endless. Scoop, crew, v-neck, or even a turtleneck all work with the fitted knit dress.

Since this dress will sit close to your body, fit and material should be carefully taken into consideration when adding one of these to your wardrobe. There’s nothing comfy or cute about being itchy, so cotton, cashmere, or a cotton-cashmere blend is the way to go. Make sure your dress fits you well but isn’t too tight. Even if you follow all the washing instructions correctly, there’s still a chance the sweater will shrink. For this reason, you might even consider purchasing a size up just in case.

Get Playful with Patterns

If you’re looking for something fun, casual, or even preppy for this fall, a patterned sweater dress should be your go-to. You might want to save floral for spring, but stripes are always in style. I love plaid or diamond knit for this time of year; it’s perfect for back-to-school season, even if it’s been a while since you last went back to school. 

Diamond Pattern Knit Dress from Zara

Closing Thoughts

This fall, you don’t have to choose between dressing up and being comfortable. You can stay warm and look chic in one of the sweater dress styles that we love. Whether you’re going for coffee or heading to work, you’ll be sure to get compliments everywhere you go. 

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