How To Wear A Sweater Dress + 14 Best Outfit Ideas
A good sweater dress is a must-have closet staple for the fall and winter months.
They’re great for all body types and many different occasions, and they’re an easy yet chic way to get dressed in a pinch.
Today I’m sharing a few different ways to style a sweater dress for both casual and dressier occasions. We’ll cover the best shoes to pair with your dress, accessory combinations, layering options.
Whether you love thigh-high boots look for a girls night out, a cozy look for the holiday season, or prefer something a bit more casual for everyday wear, we’ve got plenty of outfit formulas for you to choose from!
How To Style A Sweater Dress
With sweater dresses coming in all different colors and several different lengths, it’s actually quite simple to put together stylish looks with what you may already have in your closet.
No matter what time of the year you plan to wear your sweater dress, we’re confident you’ll find something love below!
1. Pair your sweater dress with knee-high boots
While there are many different types of boots you can pair with a mini sweater dress, opting for a knee-high style is one of the easiest ways to create a chic yet simple outfit.
Pick a pair of boots that falls just under the knee for a well-balanced look.
If you prefer, you can choose a pair of over-the-knee boots, but as a general rule, under-the-knee works best for most people.
If you’re short and wear a sweater dress with over-the-knee boots it could completely cover your legs. Balance is key!
2. Cinch your sweater dress with a belt
Adding a belt to a sweater dress is a great way to show off your figure and is one of the easiest ways to make a sweater dress more flattering.
While some sweater dresses come with a belt, you can always add your own for a nice contrast.
We love these because they’re great quality but super affordable.
Shop Black Sweater Dress (fits true to size) | Shop Similar Boots
3. Go Monochromatic
An all-black monochromatic look will never go out of style and it’s one of my favorite ways to wear sweater dresses. However, you can also achieve this look with any other color you please.
Neutrals are great for the winter season because they make it easy to layer with most coats in your closet.
The dress above is my favorite sweater dress because it’s chic yet basic while also being super soft and cozy.
Shop Grey Sweater Dress | Shop Heels
4. With Stiletto Heels
Did someone say date night? We can’t think of a better way to make a sexy sweater dress look than by pairing a cozy sweater dress with a pair of high heels.
5. With Combat Boots
A sweater dress isn’t typically edgy by itself but pair it with a chic pair of combat boots for the cooler months and you’ve got a whole different vibe going.
Not only are combat boots comfortable but they also come as a bit unexpected when paired with a sweater dress. I have this pair and love them!
If you want to change it up a bit from the standard black style, check out these white boots we’re currently loving!
6. With A Matching Cardigan
If you still feel like you need an extra layer, a sweater dress paired with a long cardigan gives off a casual and prepper vibe.
Of course, if your sweater dress has long sleeves, you’ll want to take the bulkiness into consideration. Just be sure that you have enough room in your sweater to accommodate the sleeves of your sweater.
A pair of sneaks would be a perfect way to polish off this look or you could go a completely different direction and dress it up with your favorite heels. The options are virtually endless.
7. A Sweater Dress With Tights
While a traditional pair of tights might not be all the rage these days, there are so many unique and trendy styles out there as well.
Whether you prefer designer Gucci tights (or affordable Gucci alternatives!) or a more affordable option like this 4-pack from Amazon, there are certainly plenty of options to choose from.
And don’t feel like you have to stick to black tights For a more eclectic look you can opt for a bright, fun color! Finish off the look with a black leather jacket for a modern look.
8. Layer With A Chic Coat
A simple yet sophisticated and easy way to style a midi sweater dress is by pairing it with a timeless coat. A wool peacoat or trench coat is a great option.
Classic coat styles are great to keep in your closet as staples year after year. There’s no need to buy a new one every season once you find one with the perfect fit.
Opting for solid colors will be the easiest to mix and match, but don’t feel like you can’t work your own style into the mix as well. A plaid or houndstooth coat is a great choice, too.
If you do prefer the solid colors, a black or tan option will be easiest to pair with most outfits, will work for transitioning from one season to another, and will never go out of style.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more casual look, you can always opt for a denim jacket instead.
9. Pair It With A Blazer
Long gone are the days of only wearing a blazer in the office.
Blazers are great for professional settings but can also be the perfect finishing touch over a sweater dress for a chic streetwear look as well.
A blazer over a sweater dress with a pair of sneakers is edgy yet refined while a sweater with a blazer and stilettos is bold yet classic.
This is my absolute hands-down FAVORITE blazer ever. It’s super versatile and something I think every woman should have in her closet.
10. With Cowboy Boots
If you prefer a pair of tall boots with a more Western vibe, why not go the cowboy boots route?!
I snagged this pair of white boots from Amazon last year and they’re great! They’re high quality and the best boots I found in this style in terms of comfort.
Shop Turtleneck Sweater Dress | Leggings | Similar Boots
11. With Leggings
If you like the look of a sweater dress with tights but still need a bit more coverage or extra warmth, try adding in some fun leggings.
Sure, you could throw on a pair of black leggings like I did above, but you can also have fun with some fun and funky prints.
If you do decide to go with a solid black pair, I recommend these for layering. They have a nice sheen to them, so they’re a bit nicer than regular lounge leggings.
They come in short, regular, and long lengths, and they have a super comfy wide waistband. Just be sure to size up one size because they do run small.
12. Layer A Sweater OVER your Sweater Dress
Yep, you read that right! A cropped sweater can be the perfect finishing touch over a fitted sweater dress.
You can easily find some affordable options HERE and have one delivered to your door in just a few days.
Alternatively, you can wear a tank top sweater dress (like the one above) and layer a chic work shirt underneath for a completely different look.
Shop Sweater Dress | Shop White Sneakers
13. With Sneakers
This is definitely an edgier, more casual combo but it’s also a super chic look.
This is a great choice for inclement weather when you don’t want to wear heels or booties, and also the best option if you happen to be heading out with young kids in tow.
You don’t have to wear heels to create a cute sweater dress outfit. It’s always a great idea to keep a versatile pair of tennis sneakers in your closet for a comfortable yet cute look like this.
14. With Chelsea Boots Or Ankle Boots
Chelsea boots are a great shoe option for a midi dress while a pair of ankle boots or mid-calf boots are a good option for a long sweater dress. Depending on which style of sweater dress you prefer, you can choose your shoes accordingly.
We love these mid-calf boots for the cold weather months because they’re comfortable and on-trend.
What Shoes To Wear With A Sweater Dress
Now that we’ve gone over some sweater dress outfit ideas let’s get into the different types of shoes that tend to work best with sweater dresses.
1 – Boots/Booties
Boots and booties are great because they work for just about anyone and chances are, you probably have a pair of plain black ankle boots in your closet already.
They come in so many different styles, shapes, heel heights, materials, etc. that no matter what your preferred style is, you have plenty of options to choose from.
Depending on the length of your sweater dress, you’ll want to choose the shaft of your boots/booties accordingly.
2 – Sneakers
As mentioned above, sneakers work well with sweater dresses for a flirty, yet sporty look.
Surely if you browse Pinterest or Instagram at all you’ve seen fashionistas wearing the highly coveted Golden Goose sneakers with their sweater dresses.
But, no need to fear. If Golden Goose sneakers aren’t in your budget, we’ve got plenty of alternatives for you RIGHT HERE.
3 – Knee High Boots
Knee-high boots work for both tall and short girls AND they offer more coverage in the colder months, which is why they are a perfect pairing for a sweater dress.
Just like booties, you can find knee-high boots at varying price points, and in tons of colors, styles, and materials.
4 – Pumps
Pumps are questionably the least comfortable, but certainly great for the workplace and special occasions. Pumps help to elongate the legs and are a classic style that will never go out of style.
Accessories To Wear With A Sweater Dress
Another great thing about sweater dresses is that you can choose pretty much whatever jewelry and handbag you want.
If you’re putting together a more professional look, you might opt for a tote bag and if you’re going out for a night on the town, a clutch might be more appropriate, Either way, you can’t go wrong.
Hoops work with just about any style of sweater dress, but depending on the neckline of your dress you will want to choose your necklace accordingly.
I wear the pair of hoops above with every sweater dress I own!
And here’s a necklace that works great with sweater dresses that have a lower neckline.
Best Sweater dresses
If you don’t already have a sweater dress you love, check out this list of some of our favorites!
If you prefer oversized fits, you’ll LOVE this dress!
This oversized style turtleneck sweater dress is one of my favorites. It comes in a ton of colors and is the perfect fit.
It’s great quality and works well with many different styles of shoes. I have it in several different colors and it’s one of my go-to dresses in fall and winter.
This slim-fit ribbed style is a bit more work-appropriate if you’re looking or something that you could potentially wear to the office.
This dress also comes in various colors and if you’d like to add a second layer for coverage, a blazer would be a great choice.
Shop Off Shoulder Sweater Dress
If you’re looking for something on the sexier side, this soft sweater dress is a great option. This batwing sleeve, tie-waist style has an off-shoulder design, which makes it a bit more risque than the other options above.
This dress would be great for a date night or girls’ night out.
FAQs
How Can I Make My Sweater Dress Look Better?
If you feel like your sweater dress seems shapeless, try adding a belt. This is the best way to show off your curves and flatter your figure.
If you feel like your outfit looks choppy, try switching up your shoes.
The right shoe choice can make all the difference, especially when your dress is a midi length. The right shoes will depend on the length of your dress as well as your height.
What kind of jacket do you wear with a sweater dress?
As mentioned above, there are several jacket styles that pair well with sweater dresses.
First, look at the sleeves of your dress. If they’re a balloon style or oversized fit, you’ll want to wear a jacket that has room to accommodate that.
Alternatively, if your sweater dress is more fitted, you can go with just about any coat you prefer.
Trench coats, peat coats, blazers, and denim jackets can all work well with a sweater dress.
what should you wear under a sweater dress?
You don’t have to wear anything under a sweater dress if you don’t want to.
However, if you feel like your dress is very short, you can always put on some bike shorts.
This 3-pack of bike shorts comes in all the neutrals you’ll probably ever need.
Can you wear jeans with a sweater dress?
This is a personal preference. While most people will find that it’s a pretty difficult look to pull off, it can be done if styled properly.
Do sweater dresses look good on short girls?
They definitely can! Depending on the retailer you can even find sweater dresses in petite sizes.
However, if all else fails you can certainly add a belt to help cinch the waist to avoid the dress swallowing your frame.
Conclusion
The great thing about sweater dresses is that there are so many different ways to style them.
Whether you like oversized sweater dresses, cashmere sweater dresses, or knit dresses, you’re bound to find one that works for your body and comfort level.
Take the time to experiment with different styles to see which works best for you.
Hopefully, you now have a better idea of how to style a sweater dress and feel confident you can put together a great outfit.
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So stylish! Looking so beautiful in this cute sweater dress.