With minimal effort and maximal payoff, the sweater dress is a winter wardrobe go-to.
Not to be dramatic, but getting dressed this time of year can feel like an endless struggle. Each day is a battle between wanting to feel comfortable and trying to still look put together. Enter the criminally underrated sweater dress. Like breathable leggings and insulated winter coats, sweater dresses are an ideal antidote to the slog of winter routines.
How to style sweater dresses
Don’t be fooled by its name: the sweater dress is not a frumpy last resort. Its purpose is to cultivate a state of full-body warmth while still making you look incredibly chic. From form-fitting to loose and mini to maxi, sweater dresses are versatile gems, making them oh-so-easy to style.
It all comes down to the accessories. Achieve a sleek, minimalist look with the help of a ludicrously capacious bag and XL sunglasses. For a professional finish, fasten a big chunky belt to cinch your look at the waist. If your sweater dress hits just above the knees, pair it with a pair of platform boots and sheer tights for an off-duty model effect.
When selecting your sweater dress of choice, don’t be afraid to play with colour and texture. Opting for a cable-knit fabric or a hot pink hue will give you that extra design oomph during cold-weather outings. Regardless of how you wear it, the sweater dress provides an effortless all-in-one outfit. It is high time we appreciate it for that.
The best sweater dress options to wear now
Best overall
Long-sleeve knit sweater dress
Forget everything you think you know about the boxy sweater dress. This body-con offering takes the functional aspects of the cozy design and melds them with a sleek going-out aesthetic.
With a pullover design and a stretchy ribbed fabric, it’s instantly flattering while keeping you warm. The mock-neck design, ribbed detailing and above-the-knee-cut help elongate your legs, while the fitted thick cuffs add a retro appeal. Plus, it’s available in 15 colours.
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Best Rated
Pink Queen turtleneck sweater dress
Searching for a dress that is basically a blanket? Look no further than this turtleneck design. It is gloriously oversized for an intentionally voluminous fit that works to combat winter-weather blues.
Made of stretchy acrylic, it’s not only ultra-cozy, but works as its own statement piece when paired with knee-high boots. Choose from 34 colours and patterns, it’s been tried and tested by over 23,000 reviewers who love it for its softness and lasting quality.
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Best pleated
Anthropologie long-sleeve ribbed sweater dress
It’s no secret that preppy style is back in vogue, and the pleated skirt is a key ingredient to this academic uniform. Anthropologie brings its penchant for pleats to the sweater dress template with this blush lightweight midi pullover.
Made of a viscose, nylon and elastane blend, it’s a durable pick with just the right amount of stretch. And along with standard fits, there are options for petite and plus sizes, ranging from XXS Petite to 3X. Pair it with Mary Janes and frilly white socks for peak school-girl styling.
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Best sustainable
Frank and Oak The Turtleneck Sweater Dress
A certified B Corp, Canadian retailer Frank and Oak ensures that 100% of its products are produced with sustainable processes and eco-friendly materials. This sweater dress — available in a rich chocolate brown — is no exception.
Made from a blend of cruelty-free lambswool and recycled nylon, it’s soft to the touch with a relaxed straight-loose fit. Falling comfortably at mid-calf length, it’s got a refined finish, thanks to its ribbed turtleneck, cuffs, and bottom hem design. And with a naturally temperature-regulating function, it’s sure to keep you warm all winter.
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Best tie-up
Women’s wrap knitted mini dress
Whoever said sweater dresses can’t be curve-accentuating hasn’t seen this fan-favourite Amazon pick. A sleek wrap dress that hits just above the knees, this mini sweater dress is sexy and sophisticated. Made of cotton and polyester for a comfortable feel and durable wear, it’s a thick go-to with surprisingly strong insulation.
On top of all that, it’s extremely cute. We love elements like a V-neck, plunging backless design, and adjustable elastic waist tie. You may have just found your new favourite going-out dress.
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Best V-neck
Dynamite Heavenlyarn long-sleeve sweater dress
All you’ll want to do is snuggle into this dress. Made with Dynamite’s new soft-stretch fabric — a polyester-spandex blend — this slip-on garment is designed to be lightweight and comfortable. Its V-neck design is elevated when layered atop a crisp collared button-up, while its ribbed cuff and hem contribute to a refined overall finish.
With a relaxed fit and mini length, it’s the perfect grab-and-go gem for week-day mayhem.
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Most versatile
Free People Ottoman slouchy tunic
Wear it to work, out to dinner, or around town on errand-heavy days. Wear it as a dress or as a baggy sweater. However you choose to use it, this slouchy sweater dress is reliably at your service.
Made of a cotton, nylon, and spandex blend, it’s soft and cozy with a good amount of stretch. And while it has a billowing fit, details like a mock-neck and ribbed texture add to its styling intentionality. Choose from 21 basic and trendy colours.
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Best long
Women’s long rib knit slit body-con dress
This long sweater dress has the best of both worlds: a cozy maxi skirt fit with easy-to-walk-in side slits. Made of a viscose, nylon, and polyester blend, this crewneck ribbed design can take you from the office to a cocktail party.
Thanks to a built-in tie, you can cinch your look to your liking, while still maintaining the quintessential sweater dress ease. Choose from 20 timeless colours. We think it’s perfect for basically any occasion and reviewers love its non-clingy fit and thick material.
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Fluffiest
Uniqlo souffle yarn turtleneck dress
That’s right, this Uniqlo sweater dress takes the award for the fluffiest option on the market. You can thanks its use of souffle yarn, a soft and silky 4-ply yarn that holds shape while offering a luxurious feel.
Made with recycled materials, this sweater dress comes in a blend fabric of acrylic, polyester, wool and spandex. With a billowing fit that’s still lightweight enough for layering, it’s roomy, relaxed, and 100% itch-free. What’s better than that?
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Best cable-knit
Turtleneck long sleeve cable-knit pullover
If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a million times: cable-knit sweaters are simply superb this time of year. Here, the winning sweater style takes dress form. This fitted pick has the classic chunky knit detailing with a fold-over neckline that exudes festive fun.
It comes in 13 deep autumnal hues and features two convenient front pockets. And with an acrylic fabric, it’s made to keep you warm while staying in-tact amid repeated wear.
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Best knee-length
Simons ribbed turtleneck dress
This straight-fit design is crafted to fall evenly at the knee for an A+ professional fit. With a luxuriously enveloping turtleneck and streamlined draping, it offers a classic feminine aesthetic.
A knit and wool feel make for ultra-cozy wearability, while a vertical ribbed texture and long raglan sleeves add to the elongated effect. And if the pastel lilac hue is not your vibe, opt for the alternative, a deep blue.
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Best plus-size
Asos Curve oversized mini sweatshirt dress
This pullover sweater dress is an accessory lover’s dream. Made of 100% cotton, it’s sure to keep you cozy. And because of it’s minimal design and drop-shoulder detailing, it has a street-style appeal that can be easily personalized.
Pair it with your go-to necklace stack and add a statement going-out bag. This pick instantly creates a great ensemble that takes little to no effort. It’s available in black and green — and at just $32, you may as well get both for easy outfits on hand.
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Best petite
Gap CashSoft oversized mini sweater dress
Boxy garments can sometimes overlook those with petite frames. But this oversized sweater dress surely does not. Made of a cotton-blend that promises to be plush like cashmere, it’s the lightweight layer-friendly sweater dress you’ve been looking for.
With a folder-over turtleneck, long sleeves, and subtle ribbed cuffs, it cocoons you while still making you feel pulled together. Pro tip: this runs intentionally oversized, so size down two sizes for a more classic fit.
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Best off-the-shoulder
Enza Costa knit slouch dress
A winter-appropriate sweater dress or a sexy Friday night ensemble? You decide which way to style this timeless sweater dress. Enza Costa’s knit slouch dress brings a luxury design eye to the classic cozy garment.
Made in the U.S. of a polyester, viscose, and spandex blend, this off-the-shoulder number is unmistakably modern. Expect uncompromising warmth.
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