The best sweater dresses—like Reformation’s Ozzy Sweater Dress and Madewell’s Sweater Maxi Dress—are soft, warm and versatile enough to dress up or down, depending on the occasion. While classic styles in neutral colors are easier to wear season after season, you can also experiment with statement details, like intricate stitching, cut-away necklines and belts that flatter your shape.
When evaluating all the options, we prioritized sweater dresses with versatile fits that can be dressed up or down, soft textures and warm fabrics for cold days. We also consulted with deputy editor (and in-house style expert) Kari Molvar to compile our list of winners. Below, the best sweater dresses that we highly recommend.
Editor’s Picks, At A Glance
This soft, cozy and stylish dress from Everlane is ideal for wearing throughout the colder months. It’s crafted from a blend of organic cotton, Responsible Wool Standard-certified wool, and a touch of nylon and elastane for added stretch. The dropped shoulders provide comfort, and the cuffs and hem are finished with ribbed detailing.
For less than $60, this mock neck option from Quince is a stylish bargain. It’s got a ribbed texture throughout and a thigh-high slit that makes it feel dressier than a basic. Reviewers also appreciate the substantial weight of the fabric, saying it’s comfortable and doesn’t show undergarments. I own several sweaters from Quince, all made from the same material, which have held up beautifully over the years.
For a sweater dress that you can easily incorporate into your rotation of work outfits, consider Madewell’s Sweater Maxi Dress. It has long sleeves with ribbed cuffs, a round neckline and a slightly flared skirt with plenty of movement. Add a long coat (we like Madewell’s Double-Breasted Trench Coat) and heeled booties for a chic, pulled-together look.
With its subtle flared sleeves and shorter length, this 100% wool sweater dress is a good option for your next event or holiday gathering. It looks equally great with heels or chunky boots, and the fabric’s substantial weight helps insulate you despite the shorter hemline.
Abercrombie & Fitch’s Long-Sleeve Collared Mini Sweater Dress is another dress with a shorter length to consider. It has a deep v-neckline, classic collar and banded cuffs. In addition to the plain weave fabric, it comes in a cabled pattern with a raised, textured feel. This dress also comes in a wide variety of sizes, including petite and tall lengths.
This mid-length dress has a fixed wrap front, which gives the illusion of wrapping around the body for a flattering effect. It’s more secure than a traditional wrap dress but still looks elegant and sophisticated. Note: If the neckline is too low, layer a nude cami underneath for more coverage.
Theory Chunky Oversized Rib Wool Mini Dress
Theory is a New York-based brand known for its chic, modern pieces and high-quality fabrics. This oversized sweater dress is made from thick merino wool with an exaggerated ribbed texture. It runs true to size and hits just above the knee.
Cashmere is extremely warm, durable and soft, making it a top choice for sweaters and dresses. This style hugs the curves of your body but doesn’t feel tight or constricting. Choose from four neutral colors (including the dark navy shade shown above) and inclusive sizing that goes up to 3X.
For a figure-hugging pick that’s priced well, we like this button-down sweater dress from Amazon The Drop. Reviewers say it runs small, so you might want to size up for a more comfortable fit. Unlike other fabrics that require dry cleaning, this one can be tossed in the washing machine for easy cleaning.
This casual dress from Athleta is made from a blend of merino wool and cashmere, and it has a relaxed fit that allows you to move around freely, whether you’re running errands or walking the dog. There are two large patch pockets on the front, side slits and a cozy turtleneck. Plus, it’s machine washable.
Paige Desdemona Dress
There’s plenty to love about this fashionable pick from Paige. For one, the midi length is versatile enough to wear with heels, boots and flats (pair this with shoes of the same shade for a cool, monochromatic outfit). It also has a self-tie knit belt, modest side slit and collar. It’s easy to throw on, and the fabric has plenty of stretch.
This off-the-shoulder option is chic for events and parties. It’s made from 95% cotton and 5% cashmere for a soft, smooth feel that drapes beautifully. The fold-over neckline has a ribbed texture, and the skirt flares out for plenty of movement when you walk.
A black knit dress is timeless and can be worn year-round—pair it with a denim jacket in the spring and a wool coat and leather boots in the colder months. This version from cool-girl brand La Ligne has a sweetheart neckline and a light, lofty feel thanks to the cashmere and lycra blend.
Designed in-house by Anthropologie, this casual sweater dress has buttons down the front and a wide built-in belt with a shiny silver buckle. The buckle helps accentuate your waist and adds visual interest to this piece. It comes in olive green and two other neutral shades.
Sézane is a popular French fashion label known for its moderately priced clothing, shoes, bags and accessories. This mock-neck dress has oversized buttons on the sleeve and a fitted silhouette ideal for dressier occasions. We also appreciate the five color options, including dark forest green and rosewood, which can add a pop of color to your winter wardrobe.
Mango is a great choice for wardrobe basics that won’t cost a fortune, like this long-sleeve sweater dress that you can keep in rotation throughout the winter. It has a thick, warm cable-knit design and comes in two pretty colors: Sky Blue and Ecru, which has flecks of caramel for a hint of color.
Guest In Residence is a premium cashmere brand founded by the supermodel Gigi Hadid. The brand specializes in knitwear and has an impressive variety of men’s and women’s clothing and cold-weather accessories. This pick is admittedly a splurge, but we love the buttery soft cashmere construction that’s light and airy. It has a long, slim silhouette and delicate sleeve slits that feel less constricting.
This article was overseen by deputy editor (and in-house style expert) Kari Molvar, who holds a certificate in fashion styling from the Business of Fashion.
Katherine Louie, the author of this piece, is a lifestyle editor with extensive experience covering fashion and lifestyle topics. Louie owns sweater dresses from Everlane, Reformation, Sézane and Amazon, and appreciates each retailer’s high-quality fabrics and versatile designs.
This article is regularly updated to ensure all of the above brands and products continue to meet our criteria for the best sweater dresses. It was most recently updated in November 2024.
How We Chose The Best Sweater Dresses
To find the best sweater dresses, we considered several factors, such as fabric, style, size range, comfort, versatility and price.
Our fashion editorial team focused on top-rated brands and retailers such as Madewell, Quince, Reformation and more.
We read through hundreds of customer reviews for standout product traits and essential details and only featured brands with straightforward return and exchange policies, should you need to make any returns or exchanges.
The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by our fashion editorial team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Sweater Dresses In Style In 2024?
Sweater dresses are still in style and are more popular during the fall and winter. They’re a warm option that can be layered under a winter coat and dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.
Can A Sweater Dress Be Dressy?
Yes, sweater dresses can be dressy, especially when paired with heels or knee-high boots. You can also dress up your outfit by adding statement jewelry, such as hoop earrings, a charm necklace or bold rings. The key to making an outfit feel dressier is adding accessories.
How Do You Make A Sweater Dress Flattering?
To make a sweater dress more flattering, add a belt to accentuate your waist and heels or heeled boots. Heeled shoes typically elongate your legs and give you a nice height boost.