As a busy mom and travel writer, I need outfits that are easy to throw on and style in the morning on my way out the door to carpool or the office. My ideal clothes travel well, don’t require ironing, and are fairly versatile: enter, the sweater dress. Available in various styles from super fitted to fit-and-flare, this wardrobe stable easily translates from day to night — and is incredibly comfortable along the way.Â
With fall in full swing (and winter not too far off), sweater dresses keep you cozy and warm without looking like you left the house in a hoodie blanket. Meanwhile, I love that depending on the weather, you can rock them alone or pair them with leggings or tights for some extra warmth. And as if that’s not enough, our favorite knit dresses will easily work with heels, flats, booties, over-the-knee boots, or even a good pair of cute sneakers.
To help you kick off your winter wardrobe, we rounded up 13 easy sweater dresses that deserve to be added to your rotation this holiday season. From retailers like Nordstrom, Target, Old Navy, Amazon, and more, these knit dresses are sure to keep you cozy — and best of all, they’re all under $50.
Steve Madden Kallie Long-Sleeve Funnel-Neck Rib Mini Sweater Dress
A stylish look for fall, the holidays, and beyond, this ribbed number is a flattering take on the sweater mini dress — and it’s effortless to style whether you’re dressing it down with a pair of sneakers on warmer days when you want to show more leg, or dressing it up with boots as shown on the model. Available in sizes XS to XL, the dress is machine washable and features a funnel neckline.
Anrabess Oversized Sweater Dress
If you’re into the oversized aesthetic, consider this slouchy turtleneck sweater, which comes in more than a dozen solid colors to go with everything in your wardrobe or suitcase. Normally $63, it’s currently on sale for less than $50.
Garnering over 5,000 five-star ratings, this “stylish, comfortable” dress is “so warm and cozy” and “looks great with leggings under it too on really cold days,” wrote an Amazon shopper. What’s more, it washes really well, so you can be sure you’ll get the most bang for your buck.
H&M Mama Knit Dress
If there’s one thing I remember from my days of rocking a baby bump, it’s that finding simple pieces that are comfy, stylish, and could last beyond my pregnancy is a tall order. H&M’s Mama collection is all about outfitting your bump in minimalist yet timeless fashions, so you can easily save it for future pregnancies or as an everyday oversized option.Â
Available in sizes XS through XXL, this fitted knit dress comes in cream, and black. Its roomy-yet-fitted style hugs you in the right places without squeezing you, and it’s even machine washable. You can also buy it in non-maternity sizing, too.
Banana Republic Polo Fitted Midi Sweater Dress
This fitted, polo sweater dress is perfect for the office, holiday parties, dinners out, or tossing in your carry-on. The ribbed material adds texture, while the polo-style collar and side seam slit give it an edge and keep it on-trend.
Currently on sale for $72 off the original price (and it’s even an additional 20 percent off at checkout!), it comes in two colors and is made of a cotton and stretch blend that gives it some extra comfort. Sizing runs from XXS to XXL.Â
A New Day Long-Sleeve Midi Sweater Dress
If you prefer a looser-fit midi dress, try this relaxed sweater dress from Target. Available in two neutral hues of taupe or grey, it hits right below the knee and would pair nicely with tights and boots. Plus, the looser fit allows you to layer it over a camisole for added warmth in the colder months. Grab it in in sizes XS through 4X before it sells out.Â
Old Navy SoSoft Midi Dress
Those who prefer a relaxed style that leans more fitted than boxy will love this black ribbed midi sweater dress from Old Navy. It features a minimalistic look with a clean crew neck, ribbed body, and perfect length. Plus, the machine-washable material is super soft and not too thin or too thick, so you’ll be comfortable wearing it from morning to night on long travel days.
While we’re highlighting the wide range of sizes you can snag it in, from XS through 4X, note that it’s also available in tall and petite sizing.
Gap CashSoft Shaker-Stitch Mini Sweater Dress
This simple, boxy sweater dress features a ribbed material and comes in variety of neutral colors — although, we have our heart set on the festive red option that’s perfect for the holiday season. Made from a cotton blend, the incredibly soft and cozy dress is available in sizes XXS through XXL.
H&M Scoop-Neck Rib-Knit Dress
If you need a nice neutral for the office or to pair with bold accessories, we love this grey H&M rib-knit dress. Add a funky belt or layer a button down beneath it for extra intrigue, or go simple with a pair of classic boots. The relaxed style gives you plenty of room to move, making it a great pick for a walking tour or the airport.
Ofeefan Knit Sweater Dress
Available in over 18 colors. this square-neck pick has an above-the-length hem and blouson sleeves. The fit-and-flare style and swing skirt give you plenty of movement and ease, and it pairs nicely with leggings or tights for extra warmth. For one reviewer who doesn’t like clingy clothes, this dress “isn’t too thick or to thin,” while fitting and looking nice. They added that it is “soft and comfortable and “is just right for a Florida winter.”
Zesica Solid Waffle-Knit Tie-Waist Tunic Sweater Dress
This stylish waffle knit dress, which comes in a wide range of color options, features a waist tie to accentuate your curves and a crewneck for added warmth. On colder days, skip the bare legs and pair it with a pair of leggings and eye-catching knee-high boots.
Boasting over 1,300 five-star ratings, this dress is “the perfect find for my fall pics,” one shopper exclaimed, adding that the “quality was great.” It can also “be dressed up or down” easily, noted another happy customer. And right now, it’s a whopping 40 percent off, so you can grab it for $38.
Banana Republic Wrap Midi Sweater Dress
An elegant pick, this Banana Republic sweater dress comes in three gorgeous colors — camel, cream, and black — that are ideal for fall and winter. It can easily be dressed up or down with everything from flats to boots, and you can also pair it with tights or wear a tee or thin turtleneck beneath it to get the cozy layered look. We can’t believe it’s a mere $44 (60 percent off the price tag, and you can get an additional 20% off at checkout right now).
Uniqlo Souffle Yarn Dress
On trend for the season, this super cozy, quarter-zip sweater dress has a relaxed, straight-cut silhouette that won’t hug your body, and it looks great paired with tights and leggings on chilly days. Inspired by your dad’s cardigan, the dress is made of soft and not scratchy yarn that feels creamy against skin. You can’t machine was this one, but you can opt to dry clean rather than hand washing.
Steve Madden Danessa Belted Long Sleeve Polo Sweater Dress
This polo midi sweater dress features a spread collar, fitted silhouette, and tie-waist with a removable sash. Thanks to the no-fuss design, it won’t wrinkle in your carry-on and is easy to throw on for a day exploring a new city. And at a price this low, I’m picking it up in both shades, black and coco brown.
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