Sweater Dresses for Sweater Weather

Does the prospect of wearing a sweater dress make you break a sweat? Yes, a sweater dress can be toasty, but for those cool weather days it will keep you at just the right temperature.

A sweater dress is the perfect outfit choice for late fall, winter, and spring. It is a single item that essentially makes up an entire outfit, and it has a put-together vibe while still being casual. Also, a sweater dress is the perfect item to last a whole day with Berkeley’s unpredictable weather. Sometimes you leave for class at 9am with sunny, clear skies and when class ends the fog will have rolled in and it’s freezing. Temperatures always change throughout the day, but a sweater dress will keep you appropriately dressed to transition from mild days to chilly nights.

Initially it may seem hard to style a sweater dress, but with a little guidance you’ll be sporting one in no time. So fear not, because here are five tips on how to style this staple cold weather item.

Staying Warm and Stylish

Feeling cozy but want to avoid the sweatpants/sweatshirt uniform? Try layering your sweater dress over tights or leggings. Choose a pair of opaque tights or thick leggings to keep your legs warm. If it’s not bitingly cold out, you can replace the thick legwear with sheer tights or tights with a lace or fishnet pattern. Style this duo with either tall boots for shorter dresses or ankle boots for dresses of any length. Add cute socks for extra flair.

Cool Days on Campus

Layer your sweater dress over a pair of ankle length skinny jeans. Choose a pair of jeans with a cut-off cuff for an even more relaxed look. Jeans are perfect when styling a loose-fitting dress for a relaxed and layered look. In general, a shorter length sweater dress would be a good choice for this look. For a more slouchy look, the “sweater dress” can actually be a long, oversized sweater. Wear this outfit with sneakers for a long day of walking around campus or exploring the city.

Outer Layers for Chilly Days

Still feeling that winter chill even when you’re bundled up in your super cozy sweater dress? Try adding a jacket for additional warmth. For a warmer day, choose an oversized jean jacket to complete this look. On a windy day in Berkeley, a jean jacket with sherpa lining is the perfect choice. For an exceptionally chilly day, finish off your outfit will a knee-length coat. This look is great if you have a meeting or coffee date, because it is a step up from the go-to jeans and a t-shirt campus look.

Looks for Warmer Weather

When it starts to get warmer, don’t put your sweater dress in the back of the closet! You can still wear your dress with bare legs on those days when you’re not quite sure what the weather is going to do. Spring is bringing warmer weather, so this look is a great for transitioning between seasons. Style with a statement necklace, your go-to shades, and pair of high-top sneakers.

Ready for Both Cold and Warm

If you don’t want to go fully bare legged, but are afraid it might get a little chilly by the end of the day, try adding a pair of knee high socks into the mix. Knee highs will show just the right amount of leg while still keeping it classy, and creating an edgier vibe. Finish off this look with a pair of booties or even chunky sandals.

As you can see, the sweater dress really is a staple wardrobe item! Now go forth in your cozy dresses and don’t let that winter weather get your style down.

Photography by Chloe Akazawa

Words by Sophia Conti