How to Style a Sweater Dress

Dressing for transitional weather can be a challenge. When it’s too warm for a puffer coat, boots, and jeans, yet too cool for shorts and a t-shirt, you can be left feeling a bit confused on what to wear. This can make getting ready in the morning feel like a job, leaving you uninspired while you throw on whatever might keep you comfortable.

However, despite the moody weather, there’s one piece that seems like it was practically made for this time of year (whether you’re dressing for the fall or spring.) Enter sweater dresses, a versatile staple that I feel should be in every gal’s closet.

There are so many ways to wear a sweater dress, regardless of if you’re going for a laid-back look or something more formal. With that being said, I know that not everyone has a sweater dress they regularly style, which can make it a bit intimidating to come up with cute outfit ideas.

To help you look your best in between seasons (while being appropriately dressed for the weather), I’m sharing exactly how to style a sweater dress. These ideas are ideal for everyday wear but can also be spruced up for dressier occasions.

How to Style a Sweater Dress

Watch Here: Sweater Dress Outfit Ideas

Sweater Dress and a Lightweight Coat

If you want a sweater dress that offers a bit more personality than a solid colored option, try this striped pick. To keep warm, I layered the dress with an anorak jacket, which is the ideal weight and style to wear throughout the spring. A trench coat would provide a similar buy more elevated feel.

For shoes, I went with these heeled mules, but you could also wear white sneakers, sandals, or flats.

Sweater Dress and White Sneakers

Speaking of white sneakers, there’s no denying that they go with pretty much everything (which is a major perk to having them in your wardrobe.) For an easy-to-put-together outfit that’s ideal for everyday wear, slip into a sweater dress then add your favorite pair of sneakers. This is great for those days that aren’t quite warm enough for you to wear open-toed shoes.

This look could be worn throughout the day while you run errands or grab coffee, but it could also work for grabbing dinner or meeting with co-workers.

Sweater Dress and a Denim Jacket

Another obvious go-to when styling a sweater dress is to add a denim jacket. You could use this idea in conjunction with white sneakers for a practical day-to-day look.

I’d personally opt for a blue denim jacket, but white or black options would work too. It all really comes down to the sweater dress you choose, as well as the vibe you’re going for.

Sweater Dress and a Sweatshirt

Keep things casual by throwing a sweatshirt on over your sweater dress. I have always loved the combo of black and gray, but anything goes. Not only does this make the outfit look more relaxed, but it gives you a cozy factor you wouldn’t have otherwise. It’s also a great way to layer (which is essential when dressing for transitional temps.)

To make a statement that’s perfect for spring, go with a pair of metallic block heels for your shoes. This pair is such a good find (they’re only $35!) and would also look cute with jeans and a white tee.

Sweater Dress and a Leather Jacket

To give off an edgier feel, consider layering your dress with a leather jacket, which is another wardrobe must-have throughout all seasons. While this idea would work with any dress, it’s actually a great way to make a more formal sweater dress seem laid-back.

Any shoes would work, but I would highly suggest playing up your accessory game with this outfit. The leather jacket will create a tom boy vibe while some jewelry or a fun handbag can balance it out and make it feel more feminine.

Oh, and don’t feel obligated to stick with a black jacket here—a tan or colored option would look equally as chic!

Sweater Dress and a Coat

When you’re in the mood to wear a sweater dress but the conditions outside would argue that you should bundle up, reach for a trusted coat! I’d style this with a pair of knee high boots or ankle boots if it’s considerably cool out, otherwise, you could stick with sneakers, flats, loafers, or sandals.

The best part of this outfit is that you likely have items in your closet that would work!

Too warm for a proper coat? Try a sweater blazer instead.

I hope this post gave you lots of inspo on how to style a sweater dress! Let me know which outfit you like best in the comment section below.