As we bid adieu to temperate afternoons and stash away our open-toe sandals, it’s time to replenish our cold-weather wardrobes. What is contained within a well-curated autumnal closet? Well, lots of cashmere knits, of course, trench coats, cardigans, and other fall hero accessories, like over-the-knee boots and suede bags. On the dresses front, autumnal blooms mark the season’s prettiest floral dresses, while the best sweater dresses are one of those rare items that combine cosiness with put-togetherness. Beyond the ease of wear (they go with practically everything), sweater dresses pack a lot of versatility in a single piece, whether styled for relaxed moments with comfortable smoking loafers or amplified with modern pumps and jewelry for events or date night.
Vogue’s Favorite Sweater Dresses
The Maxi Dress
Banana Republic sculpted ribbed maxi dress
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The vast range of designs and silhouettes available play into the sweater dress’s universal appeal, from essential midi lengths with crew necklines, and basic black or grey shift styles. Whether you gravitate toward statement stripes and graphic prints from Christopher John Rogers or Zankov, neutral turtlenecks and preppy polos from Gucci or Cos, or even asymmetrical picks from Victoria Beckham or Alaia, our lineup has something to suit every need. Shop the best sweater dresses, from mini to maxi lengths, ahead.
Classic Midis
If there’s one sweater dress you’ll never regret investing in, it’s the midi variety. Simple and luxurious, the styling possibilities are endless in any silhouette, be it a mock neck, button-front, or oversized, calf-skimming style. And even better, these sumptuous styles come with the feel of a warm and cozy blanket, worn outside.
Simkhai
Genna ribbed-knit midi dress
Le Kasha
Logan ribbed organic cashmere midi dress
Loulou de Saison
Ari wool and cashmere-blend maxi dress
Asymmetric Styles
Artfully draped dresses and blouses were spotted countless times on the fall runways, from Victoria Beckham to Lanvin. With this evolution came asymmetric hemlines, like JW Anderson’s wrapped midi and A.L.C.’s essential black dress, featuring exaggerated long sleeves.
Lanvin
embellished draped wool-blend turtleneck midi dress
JW Anderson
knitted tie-detail asymmetric midi dress
Victoria Beckham
draped ribbed-knit wool-blend maxi dress
Alaïa
cashmere and silk midi dress
A.L.C.
Liv one-shoulder draped merino dress
Turtleneck Dresses
Staying warm and sophisticated is easily achieved in a turtleneck dress. Whether crafted in heavyweight wool with ribbed detailing like Maria McManus’s or belted and knee-length like Lemaire’s, it’s the perfect complement to thigh- or knee-high boots.
Lemaire
belted turtleneck midi dress
Toteme
wool and silk-blend turtleneck dress
Staud
Canal scarf-detailed wool turtleneck midi dress
Maria McManus
pleated ribbed merino wool maxi dress
Naadam
cashmere turtleneck dress
Maxi Dresses
A maxi is the ultimate sweater dress for shielding yourself from the cold. Style yours with lug-sole boots for a utilitarian offset, or go the elegant route with minimalist footwear and sculptural jewelry.
Banana Republic
sculpted ribbed maxi dress
Zara
double belt effect tie dress
Altuzarra
Gia ribbed wool and cashmere-blend maxi dress
The Elder Statesman
Nora Lite cotton maxi dress
Ulla Johnson
Albie striped knitted maxi dress
Statement Dresses
Juxtaposing clean minimalism are the designer offerings from Proenza, Christopher John Rogers, and Missoni, who play with stripes, graphic patterns, and bold hues. For day or night, take your pick from Gabriela Hearst’s wool polo dress, Zankov for DVF’s sequinned-embellished option, and Issey Miyake’s vivid sculptural shape, for starters.
Proenza Schouler
Solana striped midi dress
Missoni
striped crochet-knit maxi dress
Gabriela Hearst
Calypso ribbed striped merino wool midi dress
Polo and Prep
Class is in session! Though it takes inspiration from the ’70s, the ribbed polo dress is one of the season’s must-try sweater dresses. Variations range from second skin to fit-and-flare to loose and relaxed. Choose your favorite and finish with a sleek pair of loafers.
Loro Piana
Lyskamm long-sleeve silk polo dress
Altuzarra
Madleen wrap-effect cashmere midi dress
Mini Lengths
The weather may be changing, but that doesn’t stop the fashion crowd from playing with mini lengths, when worn with tights and tall boots, of course. Mini sweater dresses, from Toteme to Saint Laurent, are a great option for transitional dressing. Make sure to layer yours beneath sweeping coats and luxe accessories, like snoods and scarves, for contrast.
Toteme
cowl neck double face wool dress
Max Mara
Edison brushed cashmere-blend turtleneck mini dress
& Other Stories
knitted t-shirt mini dress
Magda Butrym
cashmere-blend mini dress
