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Over 8,100 Amazon reviewers have given this winter staple dress a 5-star rating

This winter essential just became the most versatile piece in my wardrobe.
Courtesy Katie Jackson
/ Source: TODAY

After spending the last few months wearing them, I like to think I know what makes the perfect summer and fall dress. But the perfect winter dress? Until a few weeks ago, I wasn't sure what that looked like. Now, however, I think I know. It looks like this tie-waist sweater dress. Here's why I highly recommend it if you're looking for a new staple piece this season.

R.Vivimos Knitted Tie Waist Sweater Pencil Dress

Over 8,000 women already love it

While I've yet to see anyone else out there rocking the R.Vivimos Knitted Tie-Waist Sweater Dress, it's OK with me. For starters, I live in rural Montana where we have more cows than people. Second, one of the reasons I decided to try this dress was because it has a five-star rating from more than 8,100 reviewers. Furthermore, I think what really sets it apart is the style. I love the lantern sleeves, and the unique tie-waist is a fun feature I get a ton of compliments on.

At $31, it's cheaper than two cocktails

wearing my R.Vivimos tie waist sweater dress while getting drinks at the Sky Shed in Bozeman
Katie Jackson / TODAY

This dress cost me less than the price of two cocktails at my favorite rooftop bar in Montana, located in one of the state's highest end hotels. I have a lot of business meetings at nice properties as a travel writer, but I also don't make a lot of money. But when I wear this dress with my favorite wedge boots or my go-to leather sneakers, I can look like a 10 in a five-star hotel and still afford to buy a few drinks.

I'm obsessed with this R.Vivimos sweater dress, but you can shop similar top-rated styles for winter on Amazon right now — all for less than $40.

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LaSuiveur Slim Fit Cable Knit Long Sleeve Sweater Dress

It comes in 30+ colors

Katie Jackson / TODAY

This dress comes in 31 different colors. I got Army Green in a size S and think it's pretty true to color and size. It's a mix of cotton, polyester and spandex. While it's described as a sweater dress, it's pretty lightweight. However, it's thicker and warmer than a plain cotton dress. The instructions say to hand-wash only, but I've been able to clean mine on the delicate cycle in my washing machine.

It can be worn at least three ways

wearing the R. Vivimos tie-waist sweater dress as a shirt
Katie Jackson / TODAY

Although it's advertised as a dress, it can also be worn as a top. On days when I don't want to dress up, I simply tuck the bottom into my favorite jeggings. When I do this, I tie the waist in a bow in the back. But I also love styling it as a dress this way. While the piece is meant to be tied in the front like a sweater around your waist, it looks great when tied in the back, too. I feel like I got two dresses and a top for the price of one.

Is it the perfect winter dress?

wearing my R.Vivimos tie waist sweater dress with the belt tied in the back
Katie Jackson / TODAY

Is this dress the perfect winter dress? Well, it doesn't have pockets. However, I think pockets would be too much on a dress this short with thick ties that wrap around the middle. So, my answer is yes. This dress is pretty perfect for the season. But don't get me wrong, that doesn't mean I don't plan on wearing it during the spring, too.

For more winter fashion we're loving, check out:

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This article was originally written on Jan. 12, 2021.