Sweater Dress: Holiday Party Dresses Are In!

Owning a sweater dress is one of the smartest investments you can make. Nothing says 'fashion sense' like a cable knit, cozy sweater dress. A sweater dress is the perfect article of clothing for ANY occasion. You can wear a sweater dress to work, on a date, to an interview, to a holiday party, etc; They are entirely appropriate for any occasion and allow you to look adorable even in the cooler months. With a sweater dress you don't have to worry about whether you look 'seasonable appropriate' during the fall or winter--it is the perfect replacement for that favorite summer dress you love to wear.

Sweater dresses come in a variety of styles, knits, and lengths just like any other dress. Knowing which ones are the most fashionable can be difficult so you may use this guide to make your sweater dress shopping a breeze.

10 Tips to Keep in Mind While Shopping for the Perfect Sweater Dress

Sweater Dress Tip #1

When shopping for a sweater dress wear the items that you would typically wear with the dress so you can get a better idea of how it will look when you try it on. Example: Wear a tunic or dress with leggings and boots. This will ensure you will love your new sweater dress when you bring it home and eliminate the need to make any returns.

Sweater Dress Tip #2

Choosing the right size sweater dress: Keep in mind that a sweater dress tends to stretch out after and while wearing it. Chose the size that is slightly snug on your body (depending on the style sweater dress) as it will fit perfectly once it stretches.

Sweater Dress Tip #3

Try different colors and textures of leggings and tights with your sweater dress to accent it. If you are unsure, black leggings compliment any sweater dress.

Sweater Dress Tip #4

Cowl neck or draped neck sweater dresses are both flattering and super popular. A cowl neck does wonders for both women with a small bust that are trying to enhance it, and women with a large bust trying to appropriately cover their chest. A cowl neck sweater dress can add volume to your feminine parts and draw attention away from your hips.

Sweater Dress Tip #5

When deciding on the length of a sweater dress you should consider where you plan on wearing the dress. As long as you do not plan on wearing the sweater dress to a formal occasion you should be able to get away with a shorter length due to the ability to wear leggings underneath. Sweater dresses should not go past the knee unless you plan on wearing it to a church or library. Keep it cute.

Sweater Dress Tip #6

Consider a cable knit sweater dress or one with different stitching. Since most sweater dresses are a single color, they can make up for a lack of pizzaz with interesting and eye catching stitching. Cable knit sweater dresses tend to be warmer than the standard stitch as it makes the dress a bit more thick.

Sweater Dress Tip #7

The most popular color sweater dress is gray. Gray sweater dresses look fantastic with any color leggings--a black sweater dress requires a different color legging but most people like to wear black leggings. During the holidays red sweater dresses see an increase in sales as they are the perfect holiday dress. A red sweater dress would be a great choice for a holiday family picture. Red jives perfectly with those very favorite black leggings.

Sweater Dress Tip #8

Pay less for a sweater dress when you shop at discount store such as TJ MAXX or Marshals. You can find cheap sweater dresses at stores such as Kohls, Macys, Sears, Old Navy, etc. If you don't mind spending a little more, check out stores such as Nordstrom, Bebe, Saks Fifth, Guess, Anne Taylor, Banana Republic, Boston Proper, Bloomingdale's, etc.

Other very popular brands to check out: Free People, BCBG, Anthropology, Tory Burch...