The Best Way to Layer a Sweater Dress

Surprisingly, maybe, sweater dresses weren’t my thing until I purchased the sweater dress in today’s post. For some reason, they made me a little nervous. Are you in that boat right now? Let’s talk about them and why the one is today’s post is changing the sweater dress game! 

Transitional Fall to Winter Outfit Idea | How to Layer a Sweater Dress featured on Louella Reese

j.crew sweater blazer | urban outfitters sweater dress | c/o patricia nash designs handbag | dkny navy tights | ariat ankle boots | c/o lisi lerch navy tassel earrings | david yurman cuffdavid yurman ring

Okay, truth be told, sweater dresses use to terrify me. Still kind of do, if I’m still being honest. However, I’ve found one that’s a total game changer and has me styling it constantly. I actually purchased the sweater dress in today’s post earlier this year for NYFW in February (see how I styled it for fashion week) but thankfully, Urban Outfitters brought it back again this year. They also added a few new colors and it’s currently on sale for under $40 woot, woot! 

So why was (am) I scared of sweater dresses? Because, one they either completely consumed me (short girls you feel me) or two they clung to every little bump, bulge, and curve – and not in a good way. Either way, I just didn’t feel as though they were flattering or that I was comfortable in them. Again, until I tried on the one in today’s post. 

GAMECHANGER (apparently my new favorite word). This sweater dress layers perfectly on your body, without clinging too much or overwhelming you. Oh and it’s crazy comfortable + warm. 

PHOTOS BY KRISTEN BISHOP DAY

Transitional Fall to Winter Outfit Idea | How to Layer a Sweater Dress featured on Louella Reese Blog
Navy Tights, Cognac Leather Ankle Boots | Transitional Fall to Winter Outfit Idea | How to Layer a Sweater Dress featured on Louella Reese Blog
Navy Tights, Cognac Leather Ankle Boots | Transitional Fall to Winter Outfit Idea | How to Layer a Sweater Dress featured on Louella Reese
Transitional Fall to Winter Outfit Idea | How to Layer a Sweater Dress featured on Louella Reese Life & Style Blog

j.crew sweater blazer | urban outfitters sweater dress | c/o patricia nash designs handbag | dkny navy tights | ariat ankle boots | c/o lisi lerch navy tassel earrings | david yurman cuffdavid yurman ring

So I found the perfect sweater dress, now what? Time to layer! Morning and evenings are cold and afternoons are starting to feel the same. And while a sweater dress packs some warmth, it’s not quite enough to keep you feeling toasty. Therefore, layering is necessary!

3 of the BEST WAYS TO LAYER A SWEATER DRESS

Pull on tights  

Bare legs just aren’t going to work now that we’re days away from December. So grab a pair of your favorite tights and pull them on under your sweater dress. I personally opt for navy or gray 99% of the time. A little different from the typical go to black and more fun to wear! 

Colorful tights are an option too! Have fun, wear what you like, and keep your legs warm!

Add a chic sweater

Personally, I love layering a sweater over a dress more than any other piece. I’ll skip the jacket or coat any day for a cozy sweater. Opting for a sweater gives your look a more cozy, comfy vibe. And if you choose a chic one, like this j.crew sweater blazer, it’ll also up the dressy factor of your look! 

Grab your favorite boots

For extra warmth, wear boots! They add a preppy vibe to your look and obviously keep your toes much warmer than a pair of flats or loafers. Keep things neutral with black, cognac, beige or white (yes white booties are okay for fall/winter). Or opt for a little more fun with a pair of leopard print booties

24 Comments

  1. Rachel wrote:

    I’m with ya girl! I can never find a sweater dress that isn’t too long or doesn’t cling to every bump. Love this one and how you styled it with the blazer sweater!

    Rachel
    http://Www.hello-Her.com

    Posted 11.28.18
    • Struggle is real, right? You should definitely give this one a try. Thank you so much gal!

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 11.28.18
  2. Anna English wrote:

    I love this look! I’ve been so into sweater dresses this season.

    Posted 11.28.18
  3. Rach wrote:

    I love how you styled this sweater dress! I’m kinda terrified of them too. I haven’t one that fits right!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

    Posted 11.28.18
    • Thank you so much Rach! The struggle is definitely real but you should 100% give this one a go. Hopefully it’ll be a game changer for you as well!

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 11.28.18
  4. Lee wrote:

    I totally feel you about avoiding sweater dresses because they feel clingy – I’m totally going to try this one out since you don’t think it does that! yay!

    Posted 11.28.18
    • Exactly! So glad someone else feels the same. Yes, you absolutely should try it!

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 11.28.18
  5. Morgan wrote:

    I remember when you got this for fashion week! It was so different for you and fashion week was the perfect time to try out something new .. aren’t you so happy you did?! Love the styling you did here!

    -Morgan
    How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com

    Posted 11.28.18
    • Completely agree! It really is the best time to try something new. And yes, very happy to did. Thanks so much lady!

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 11.28.18
  6. Cathy wrote:

    I love how you styled your sweater dress, it’s so pretty! Your handbag is fabulous!!

    XOXO
    Cathy

    Posted 11.28.18
  7. I haven’t found ones that fit right for me. I need to dig deep and search. I love how you styled this one !

    Posted 11.28.18
  8. Lisa Autumn wrote:

    What a cute outfit!

    x Lisa | lisaautumn.com

    Posted 11.29.18
  9. ashley hargrove wrote:

    This is one of my favorite looks for Fall and Winter!! I always love layering a sweater dress with a gorgeous coat. Such a chic look!

    Posted 11.29.18
  10. Mollie wrote:

    Looove how you styled this sweater dress! And I totally agree with you – they can be intimidating!

    xx Mollie
    http://www.molliemooreblog.com

    Posted 11.29.18
    • Thank you so much Mollie!! So glad I’m not the only one that finds them to be ha.

      xo Laura Leigh

      Posted 11.30.18
  11. Kelsey wrote:

    Loving the blue tights! They definitely complete the outfit- so cute!

    Posted 11.30.18
  12. Kristina wrote:

    This dress looks great on you and love it with the navy tights!!

    Posted 11.30.18

Comments are closed.