How to Wear a Sweater Dress

One of the trendiest looks for cold weather this year is the ultra versatile sweater dress. This season's sweater dress is both stylish and fun to wear and happens to look great on almost anyone. Plus, the sweater is super snug and comfortable on a cold winter day. Do you need some ideas on how to wear this new trend for winter? Here's how to select and wear a sweater dress.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Accessories.
   
   You can change the look of your sweater dress quickly and easily by adding some interesting accessories. Long beaded necklaces can really add to the look of a sweater dress as can a beautiful scarf. You can take a sweater dress from day to evening just by changing your jewelry and scarves. The ultimate in versatility!

2. Layering.
   
   Sweater dresses can be layered with a variety of other knits to give a stylish look. Try wearing a sweater dress with slim knit pants or leggings and a pair of matching ballet flats or flat heeled boots for casual weekend wear. For the office, dress up your sweater dress with a sweater coat or long knit tunic for a dramatic, yet professional look. If your sweater dress has a lower cut neckline, wear a thin sweater in a complementary shade underneath to give your dress a whole new look. The possibilities for sweater dress layering are endless.

3. Vary Your Leg Wear.
   
   Sweater dresses can be coordinated with a variety of hosiery and tights. You can the illusion of height by wearing a black sweater dress, black opaque tights and a cute black boot or close toed shoe with a moderate heel. Try pairing a sweater dress with some of the patterned and textured hosiery and tights that are so popular this year. For evening, pair your sweater dress with a simple pair of sheer pantyhose in a matching color along with a great pair of pumps.

4. Vary Your Shoe.
   
   A sweater dress looks great with a variety of shoes from the popular little ballet flat to a basic pair of boots. For a dressier look, wear a sweater dress with a pretty pair of high heeled pumps. Ballet flats are most flattering worn with shorter sweater dresses since flats worn with a long sweater dress can give the illusion of diminished height. A sweater dress that falls several inches above the knee looks very chic with a boot that sports a small heel and tights in a matching color.

5. Clinch it With a Belt.
   
   You can wear a sweater dress unbelted, but if you need a little more definition at the waist, try adding one of the new thick, waist hugging belts. These belts rest high on your waistline and give you the illusion of longer legs. The waist cinching belts this season come in so many interesting textures and shapes that you can change the look of your sweater dress completely by adding a different belt. These belts also tend to visually trim inches off your waistline.

6. Buy One or Several.
   
   The sweater dress look is so comfortable and versatile that you'll want to buy more than one. If you can only afford one of these trendy winter items, select a sweater dress in a black or neutral shade. You'll be able to wear it with a variety of other items in your wardrobe. A turtleneck sweater dress in black would be an excellent choice. If you're only buying a single sweater dress, spend a little extra and get the nicest quality you can afford. This piece is a classic.