What Is a Sweater Dress?

Sweater dresses are knitted frocks worn usually during cooler months. They come in many different styles. A simple sweater dress is a quintessential wardrobe workhorse. Simply add a few key accessories and discover infinite wearing possibilities.

History

The first sweater dress sewing patterns date back to the 1930s and 1940s. Sweater dresses became widely available in the 1950s. By the 1960s, sweater dresses were wardrobe staples. Styles ranged from single-colored conservative garments to multi-colored avant-garde pieces. Today's sweater dress is a classic fall wardrobe favorite.

Types

Sweater dress fabrics, hemlines, sleeve lengths and necklines vary greatly. Common sweater dress fabrics include wool, cotton and cashmere. Hemlines range from mid-thigh to ankle length. Sleeveless, as well as long-sleeved, three-quarter length, short-sleeved, and cap-sleeved sweater dresses exist. Necklines include jewel-neck, crew neck, boat-neck, v-neck, cowl neck and turtleneck.

Professional Wear

To give a sweater dress an office ready look, adhere to these tips. Avoid tight fitting dresses. Select a neutral color. Knee-length hemlines are ideal, but for shorter hemlines, wear matching colored tights. Wear chunky shoes or boots. Keep accessories at a minimum.

Weekend Wear

For a relaxed weekend look, slip a mid-thigh or knee length sweater dress over leggings or skinny jeans. Considering adding boots and a leather biker jacket to complete the look.

Night On the Town

Convert a basic sweater dress from day to evening wear with the help of interest-generating accessories. Add a statement necklace, polished metal bracelet, scarf or contrasting belt. Wear mid-calf or knee high boots with shorter dresses; select ankle boots or booties to wear with longer versions.

Specialty Sizes

Sweater dresses cannot be altered. Refrain from purchasing one that is ill-fitting or poorly proportioned. Women under 5'4" should only purchase sweater dresses in petite sizes.

Considerations

When shopping for the perfect sweater dress, consider what undergarment will go underneath. Remember, clingy knit dresses hug the body, revealing figure bulges and bumps. Opt for heavier knits that skim the body.

References

• Zappos Blog - Fashion Culture
• Finding the Right Sweater Dress
• Underneath it All - A Guide to Selecting the Perfect Undergarments