Sweater season is upon us—which, in turn, means so is the season for the best sweater dresses. And how does one define this rather nebulous category of clothing? The answer is sweeping, yet simple: any knitwear that’s long enough to wear without pants. Beyond that, think of the world (and your wardrobe) as your oyster. There are so many types of soft-and-stretchy, one-and-done pieces out there that you could truly wear a different one every day until summer and never get bored. Near-endless styling possibilities don’t hurt, either.
Say you’re looking for a cute date night look on a bone-chilling evening. A cashmere mini (with fleece tights and winter boots, of course) is cozy, but still quite flirty. Or maybe you need something refined enough for a day at the office when you just cannot deal with the idea of a waistband; that’s when an elegant mid-length wrap style will serve you well. And if you just want an off-duty option, there are plenty of those out there, too, like a cable-knit turtleneck or a textured cardigan.
You’ll find shopping intel on these key styles and more essential sweater dresses ahead, where Glamour editors have gathered their favorite selections of the moment. And while you’ll find we stuck to mostly neutrals, we’d also support styles that offer a pop of color—think a bold red turtleneck. Shop the best sweater dresses for women below.
The best sweater dresses, at a glance
Best mini sweater dresses
A plush pullover with a minxy hemline creates arresting visual contrast—it’s sexy, but in a cool, subtle way. If you’re looking to play up the sultry element, aim for a lightweight material and a body-skimming shape; relaxed fits with lots of sumptuous texture, meanwhile, feel more daytime-appropriate. And when in doubt, look to the runways for styling inspiration: For fall, Prada layered a knit mini with a crisp button-down shirt and heels, while Miu Miu coupled a slinky slip style with tall socks and menswear-inspired shoes.
Best maxi sweater dresses
Much like their shorter counterparts, long knit dresses can skew either super-casual (with looser cuts, as seen at Khaite this season) or more polished (figure-enhancing shapes, like the asymmetrical ribbed numbers at Victoria Beckham). Whichever vibe you’re going for, though, the right shoes will drive the point home. For a more laidback vibe, add boots; heels, conversely, make the whole situation feel fancy. Perhaps our favorite way to pull off the look is with a sleek blazer or tailored jacket on top.
Best cable-knit sweater dresses
As spotted on the Chanel catwalk, a classic cable knit instantly makes a sweater dress more snuggly. Thanks to the thicker weave, it also keeps things extra-warm, making it an ideal choice for sub-zero forecasts. To keep your legs toasty as well, try pairing yours with sheer tights, long socks, and tall boots. And if it’s an especially chilly day, a thin thermal layer won’t show underneath your sweater’s thick texture.
Best cardigan sweater dresses
Something about a button-front detail on a sweater dress reads as inherently sophisticated—just look to the latest offerings from brands like Aritzia and Guest in Residence for proof. The beauty of this silhouette is that it can pull double duty: To transform the piece into something else, simply open up the front and throw it over jeans and a T-shirt like a duster. Throw a big coat over the entire ensemble, and it’s like your cardigan dress has a whole second life.
Read the full article here







.jpg)
