From Chelsea boots to trench coats, there are a handful of tried-and-true fashion staples that we find ourselves reaching for when the temperature drops. For dressier occasions, a sweater dress has always been one of those go-to's.
Cozy, fashionable and easy to style, sweater-style fall dresses are the ultimate cold-weather wardrobe essential. But how do you style them to stay both warm and cute? We consulted a few fashion pros for insight. Plus, their picks for the best sweater dresses of 2024.
Why are sweater dresses a great option for fall and winter? | How do you style a sweater dress? | Best sweater dresses | FAQs | How we chose | Meet the experts
Best turtleneck sweater dress$undefined$89.50
Universally flattering fit$undefined$128.00
Cozy, plus-size option$43.00$43.00
Why are sweater dresses a great option for fall and winter?
When the temperature starts to get colder, many of us instinctively turn for warmer layers and pants. But fashion stylist Gianna Nucci tells us a sweater dress can be just as good of an option.
“It helps to add a little bit of variety to your cold-weather wardrobe,” she says.
Per fashion stylist Leah Wise, the cool weather staple offers plenty of versatility to your aesthetic.
“They are super comfortable and easy to throw on while keeping you looking incredibly fashionable. It’s like walking around wrapped up in a blanket all day. There are so many different styles of sweater dresses, everyone can find their perfect fit,” she notes
How do you style a sweater dress?
Sweater dresses tend to fall into two main categories: form-fitting or more relaxed, oversized styles. The tighter options, which are typically made from a lighter, ribbed knit material, are more suitable for evening outings, Nucci says. Think holiday parties, date nights or drinks with friends. When wearing one of these, consider completing the look with stockings, high boots and some festive jewelry.
The more casual styles, on the other hand, are perfect for workdays, lunches with friends and so much more. These can be worn on their own or layered under a jacket or a faux fur vest, Nucci says. If you’re worried about the dress looking too bulky, you can also throw on a belt to accentuate your waist.
Both short and longer styles of boots pair well with these dresses, but Nucci says you want to be conscious of your boot height, so it doesn’t make you look shorter. Opt for taller options with shorter dresses and booties with longer ones.
Best sweater dresses, according to experts
Best chunky sweater dress: ANRABESS Chunky Mini Sweater Dress
- Wide variety of color options
- Issues with color accuracy
Closure Type: Pull On | Number of Colors: 19 | Number of Sizes: Five | Machine Washable? Yes
Wise calls cable knit sweater dresses “the epitome of fall.”
“This one on Amazon is less than $50, making it super affordable and accessible. The oversized, loose fit makes it easy to throw on in a pinch for a cute but comfy look. This one is machine washable, making care super easy so it can be worn over and over again,” she says.
A cozy plus-size option: ASOS DESIGN Curve Supersoft Fluffy Slouchy Sweater Mini Dress
- Looks good on all skin tones
- Tie-back can't be seen easily
Closure Type: Pull On | Number of Colors: One | Number of Sizes: Six | Machine Washable? Yes
Wardrobe stylist Audrey Brianne is a fan of this sweater dress that “boasts one of the season’s most sought-after colorways: burgundy.” The stylist appreciates the “loose, lightweight fit” and notes that it’s easy to add “multiple layers over or underneath.”
A relaxed fair isle design: CeCe Fair Isle Long Sleeve Sweater Dress
- Flattering knee-length design
- Only one non-neutral color
Closure Type: Pull On | Number of Colors: Four | Number of Sizes: Five | Machine Washable? Yes
Fact: You can never go wrong with a Fair Isle pattern. This warm and cozy sweater dress features a funnel neck, a ribbed hem and a heavier knit material to keep you nice and toasty when the mercury drops.
“With its blanket-like appeal, the craft nature of the dress is an instant mood booster. You get to stay warm without compromising style. It’s everyday wear with a twist,” fashion stylist and TV host Cindy Conroy says.
Best midi length sweater dress: MANGO Mock Neck Long Sleeve Sweater Dress
- Great price
- Only available in two colors
Closure Type: Pull-On | Number of Colors: Two | Number of Sizes: Six | Machine Washable? No
Personal stylist Beverly Osemwenkhae loves the “midi length” of this sweater dress and calls it “a great staple for work.”
The preppy mock neck pairs well with the sassy side slits and the loose design can be worn cinched with an oversized belt or loose for a more casual look.
Neutral A-line sweater dress: Saks Fifth Avenue Ribbed A-line Polo Dress
- Comes in two neutral colors
- Exclusively at Saks Off Fifth
Closure Type: Pull On | Number of Colors: Two | Number of Sizes: Six | Machine Washable? No
“With it’s polo collar, A-line silhouette and rib-knit material, this sweater dress spells cozy, whether you’re thinking of wearing it for Thanksgiving, the holidays or work,” Conroy says.
Other elements we’re digging include the dainty four buttons that can be worn buttoned or loose and the slightly pleated skirt.
Best turtleneck sweater dress: Rib Long Sleeve Turtleneck Sweater Dress
- Versatile for many occassions
- Slit may be too high
Closure Type: Pull On | Number of Colors: Seven | Number of Sizes: Six | Machine Washable? No
“This midi-length sweater dress has a thigh-baring slit, making it anything but boring,” Wise tells us.
The stylist is particularly fond of the built-in compression that can help the wearer “feel confident wearing a more formfitting sweater dress.”
Osemwenkhae also loves “the versatility of this dress and the how the split makes it easy to pair with a tall boot.”
A versatile belted option: Ann Taylor Belted Ribbed Sweater Dress
- Easily dressed up or down
- May be long on petite frames
Closure Type: Pull On | Number of Colors: One | Number of Sizes: Six | Machine Washable? Yes
“This dress is universally flattering for all body types. I especially love the self-tie belt for that perfect cinched waist,” Conroy says.
The ribbed sweater dress features a laid-back crew neckline, a casual ribbed design and a stunning deep red hue.
Best for petite frames: Taylor Petite Metallic Fit & Flare
- Petite and regular sizes avail
- Needs to be hand washed
Closure Type: Pull On | Number of Colors: One | Number of Sizes: Three | Machine Washable? No
“With the button details and threads of metallic, this sweater dress is muted, but somehow manages to play at max volume.” Conroy says.
We can’t help but agree and dig the lightweight and stretchy jersey fabric, the V-neck design, and the fit and flare silhouette.
Best off-shoulder sweater dress: Aritzia Sunday Best Topaz Dress
- Unique off-the-shoulder design
- Hard to wear in cold weather
Closure Type: Zip | Number of Colors: Three | Number of Sizes: Six | Machine Washable? No
Sometimes, simple details make a big impression.
“The subtle flair at the bottom is very feminine and flattering,” Wise notes.
The stylist is fond of the three neutral color options of this sweater dress and says the frock is the “perfect base” to accessorize with boots, scarves, jackets, jewelry and more.
Universally flattering sweater dress: Splendid x Cella Jane Turtleneck Long Sleeve Sweater Dress
- Flattering fit
- Dry clean only
Closure Type: Pull-On | Number of Colors: Three | Number of Sizes: Five | Machine Washable? No
Brianne is fond of this sassy sweater dress that has subtle but stylish details.
“The non-form fitting silhouette and high neck automatically elevate this chic sweater dress,” she says.
We could see ourselves pairing it with booties and a moto jacket or flats and a cardigan.
Best V-neck sweater dress: Aritzia Wilfred Elsie Dress Knit Wrap Sweater Mini Dress
- Flattering V-neck design
- May be short on taller frames
Closure Type: Pull On | Number of Colors: Three | Number of Sizes: Six| Machine Washable? No
“This is another great option for casual or evening attire. The versatile neckline will make for good layering of necklaces/long scarves,” Brianne says.
Best sweater dresses, editor picks
Flowing fit: Gap CashSoft Polo Mini Sweater Dress
Closure Type: Pull On | Number of Colors: Three | Number of Sizes: Seven | Machine Washable? Yes
Jess Bender, a senior editor at Shop TODAY is loving this cozy affordable find this season. “GAP has been having a major resurgence this year, so I’m officially ready to jump back on the bandwagon, starting with this tennis core-inspired ribbed polo dress. Unlike other sweater dresses that have a tendency to cling around my apron belly, I appreciate that this one has a looser, flowy fit starting from the waist down,” she says.
Most detailed design: Farm Rio Wool Blend Surrel Garden Knit Sweater Dress
- Great pattern
- It's a bit of a splurge
Closure Type: Pull On | Number of Colors: One | Number of Sizes: Five | Machine Washable? No
Bender is also coveting this sassy sweater dress. “The wider Shop TODAY team knows how much I adore Farm Rio and their vibrant designs, so it’s no surprise I’m eyeing one of their sweater dresses for the colder months,” she says. “This one doesn’t have the usual bold colors and dramatic silhouette the brand is known for, but it still has plenty of features to get people’s attention like the floral design and roomy balloon sleeves. The length is also appropriate for the office, which means my colleagues will be seeing me rocking this plenty until the city starts thawing out from winter.”
More sweater dresses to shop
Nina Leonard V-Neck Balloon Sleeve Sweater Dress
Make a statement in this dramatic balloon-sleeve sweater dress. It’s available in six bold colors, but we think the red option is a great choice for the upcoming holiday season.
Cupshe Influencer Edits Cable Knit V-Neck Sweater Dress
While you may mostly associate this brand with swimsuits, they also have a really cute fall clothing collection, and we are loving this cable knit sweater dress. It has a banded waist to give it some extra flair and structure.
Pink Queen Loose Turtleneck Oversize Pullover Sweater Dress
We bet this turtleneck dress feels just as cozy as it looks. The style comes in over 30 colors and patterns, including trendy beige and cheetah print. Grab just one or stock up on a few, so you'll have one to wear for every occasion.
ZESICA Batwing Sleeve Knit Pullover Sweater Dress with Belt
Stand out at your next party in this Amazon dress. Between the tie at the front and the cutout at the back, it has so many stylish details that are bound to get you compliments.
Lulus The Best Yet Ribbed Bodycon Sweater Dress
"This dress is so warm and luxurious," wrote one reviewer. "Looks like I spent a lot more money on it than I did. Paired with cute booties or heels — [I] can't wait to wear it to an event, holiday party or anywhere!"
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater Dress
Available in four colors, Nucci likes this classic sweater dress, which features a relaxed, yet slim fit. It’s practically a steal for a cashmere dress with its price point, too.
How we chose
With so many sweater dresses to choose from, we wanted to find the best of the best for our readers. So, we consulted several fashion stylists to get expert tips and ask what sweater dresses they're currently eyeing. We also added a few editor picks of our own!
Meet the experts
- Audrey Brianne is a Los Angeles-based wardrobe stylist who has worked with companies including Tommy Hilfiger, Betsey Johnson, Carole Hochman and People’s Revolution. Brianne has a fashion design degree from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising and her clients include actors and musicians.
- Cindy Conroy is a fashion stylist and TV host based in New York and Toronto. Her work and commentary has appeared in InStyle, People, E! News, Teen Vogue, Elle US, Forbes, TIME, The Cut, Cosmopolitan and many other outlets. She has worked with celebrity clients, including Christina Milian.
- Gianna Nucci is a personal stylist working in the Annapolis, Maryland area.
- Beverly Osemwenkhae is a personal stylist based in New York City and London whose work has been featured in InStyle, Bustle, Yahoo, HuffPost and other publications.
- Leah Wise is a fashion stylist who also works as a lawyer.
