Nifty Knits: Cozy Up This Winter with Stylish Sweater Dresses

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Nifty Knits: Cozy Up This Winter with Stylish Sweater Dresses

10 January 2017
 Categories: , Blog


The annual chill of winter prompts you to bulk up your wardrobe arsenal with cozy sweaters from cardigans and wraps to pullover styles that feel like a warm and comforting hug when you slip them on with your favorite pair of jeans. When you are seeking out a dressier option, sweater dresses are back in full versatile glory. Find out how you can rock the season's must-have, whether you're headed to the office or stepping out for date night.

Stitches and Styles

When browsing for sweater dresses to add to your wardrobe, you will immediately notice the diverse styles to choose from. Whether you prefer long or short lengths, fitted or relaxed fits, solids or patterns, anything goes. Some style options include the following:

  • Patterns, such as houndstooth, animal prints, patchwork, stripes, and color block
  • Decorative stitching for textural appeal
  • Turtlenecks, crew necks, and boat necks
  • Cold shoulders, cutouts along the sleeves, and keyholes on the chest
  • Lengths that range from mini to maxi
  • Metallic and leather embellishments

From the season's spicy red, bold royal blue, and warming taupe to classic gray and chic black, choose a color that pops and lifts your mood when the winter doldrums threaten to kick in along with a neutral hue for rising to more elegant occasions.

Dressed-Up Dresses

While a basic black sweater dress may not look exciting on the hanger in your closet, you can dress up that dress by pairing it with bling-worthy accessories, such as the following:

  • Metallic belt
  • Chunky gold or silver bracelets
  • Statement necklace
  • Shoulder handbag with a chain strap

You may also consider a fashion scarf with metallic fibers for added dimension and sparkle.

Shoes to Dress By

When it comes to footwear, many of the boots in your closet will pair nicely with a sweater dress. Consider the following options when you contemplate shoe selection.

Tall boots that span over your knees can be worn with a mini sweater dress. Such boots, especially those with high heels, can elongate shorter physiques.

Boots that reach somewhere in between your calves and just below your knees, including rider boots, are best paired with sweater dresses with hemlines that just bare your knees. Showing a bit of leg in between the boots and the dress prevents an undefined and dumpy appearance.

Ankle boots look chic with sweater dresses that go down to the knee or mid-thigh.

For maxi-length sweater dresses, just about any of your fashionable boots will do. If the dress is slit, choose a boot that will allow some leg to peek through.

Classic pumps add a professional touch to knee-length sweater dresses for office attire.

What should you wear on your legs? While you may need to wear pantyhose at the office, baring your legs elsewhere is perfectly acceptable. If your plan to meet up with friends at the bar or coffeehouse means having a close encounter with a shiver-worthy snow squall, tights are a trendy and warming option.

Things All Put Together

From taking a stroll through a village market to dining out with your Valentine's Day sweetie, the versatility of the sweater dress has you covered. The following guidelines will have you stepping out in style through the final gusts of March's winds.

For a casual outing, such as meeting friends at a bookstore, coffee shop, or  local park, add a pair of riding boots and a fashion scarf to a chunky shaker-style sweater dress in a neutral or earth tone. Tights will be a welcomed addition to this ensemble if the mercury plunges, and a riding-themed belt will add a bonus accessory to tie in with the boots.

For a casual dinner date or a rendezvous with friends at the pub, consider a flared sweater dress in a solid hue, such as gray, to pair with tall black boots and an oversized metallic handbag.

Keep your workday wear professional by sticking to a mid-length sweater dress in a color block or houndstooth pattern to pair with fashion boots, pumps, or ankle boots and understated jewelry.

For a sexy ensemble for that special dinner date, choose a fitted black sweater dress with cutouts along the lengths of the sleeves to pair with black or metallic strappy ankle boots, a metallic clutch, and your best jewelry.

Warm up a snow day and transform a short sweater dress into a tunic by pairing it with leggings, sheepskin boots, and a belt. Adding an ensemble of knitted gloves, a hat, and a scarf will turn up your temperature when you step outside.

Sweater dresses are essential necessities in women's clothing for every winter wardrobe, and taking them from basic to stunning is easy with today's acceptance of a wide variety of style trends to keep you out and about in fashionable coziness all season long.