Style Report: Sweater Dresses
Posted by The Editorial Desk / Monday, December 19th, 2011
The sweater dress bridges the gap between seasons, adding a little winter knit to a staple look. Whether it’s sleek and simple cashmere, a classic winter pattern or a punch of color, this season’s sweater dresses have stepped up their game with extras that push them to the forefront of fashion.
Horizontal stripes – which have made a comeback from unflattering and forbidden – and chunky knits have also played into the look’s success, with colored and patterned tights perfecting the winter outfit. And these easy pieces combine the best of comfort and style all while boasting a little bit of seasonal flair.
Think back to your favorite family Christmas card. Remember that ever-so-tasteful red and green cable knit sweater, accented with the branded holiday sweater pattern and stitch? It’s better now, we promise. That holiday sweater has inched its way back onto sweater dresses of the season, making for a much more fashion-forward ensemble.
Neutral colors coupled with the stitch, like in this H&M flared knit dress ($50), keep the nostalgia at bay and make a simple oversized sweater a stand-alone favorite.
H&M flared knit dress. (Photo courtesy of hm.com)
This Gap cowl-neck patterned dress ($36), is another good choice.
Gap's patterned sweater dress. (Photo courtesy of gap.com)
Bright and bold colors have been a longstanding trend, and only enhance the sweater dress style. Madewell’s Siberian red shadowbox sweater dress ($98) is simple and fitted with a chest pocket zipper, but stands out with its burst of color.
Madewell Shadowbox sweater dress. (Photo courtesy of madewell.com)
And Madewell continues on the sleek side of the sweater dress with the Something Else dress by Natalie Wood ($205) – available online only. It’s black, fitted and hits right above the knees, with an outfit-making upper back cut-out.
Madewell's Something Else ribbed panel dress. (Photo courtesy of madewell.com)
Horizontal stripes lend themselves to a more casual feel, appearing with lightweight knits and more boho-style fits, like this Gap striped sweater dress ($55). As you can see, it works well with denim, not just tights.
Gap's striped sweater dress. (Photo courtesy of gap.com)
Happy shopping!
– Chloe Gould
Tags: 2011 fall/winter trends, Chloe Gould, Gap, H&M, Madewell, Northern VA Magazine, Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia Magazine, nova mag, Style Report, SWAG blog, sweater dresses, TBD shopping