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The sweater dress is the epitome of cozy and classy. There's a huge variety of silhouettes, materials and styles, making a sweater dress a necessity in nearly any wardrobe. What, you don't think you can wear a sweater dress in your daily life? Think again -- you'll find the sweater dress might become your go-to piece, thanks to its versatility and comfort.
At the Office
No matter what the season, a sweater dress is a perfect way to add some spark to your daily grind uniform. When the weather is cooler and one layer isn't enough, layer a shirt dress under a sweater dress. Let the collar, sleeves and tails hang out, as you would with a dress shirt under a sweater. Add tights or leggings and high-heeled boots to add warmth and structure to your look. When the weather is not as daunting, wear a high-waisted skirt on top of your sweater dress, allowing the bottom of the dress to just peek out below the skirt. This adds depth to your outfit, as would a long cardigan or vest over the dress -- with or without the skirt. Obviously, a sweater dress can be worn alone, but why limit your options? Inject some fun into your work wardrobe with playful layers.
On the Weekend
Sometimes, adding interest to your weekend wear can be even more daunting than office apparel. When you want an interesting but cozy look, keep a sweater dress casual by layering it over jeans. A slim-fitting pair of jeans looks best and keeps your rear from looking too bulky. Scrunch the dress up a bit so that the hem falls near the crotch of your pants, and add a thick belt at your waist. A thicker belt helps disguise the bulk of the scrunched-up sweater dress better than a thin one. On the other hand, when spring comes around, a sweater dress with a long cardigan and flats is preppy and girly without being too warm.
For Date Night
A sweater dress perfectly balances the formality of a dress and the "oh, this old thing?" easiness of a sweater, especially when you don't know just how dressed up you should be for a date. Wear the dress with a blazer over it, which adds structure and some warmth, but roll the sleeves of the blazer up for interest. If the dress has long sleeves, allow the sleeves to show past the sleeves of the blazer. If the dress has an attached belt, cinch it at your natural waist, and if it doesn't, add a thin belt at your waist over both the blazer and dress. Add sparkly, eye-catching jewelry for a polished look, and shoes of your choice -- flats, boots and heels all work for this look.
Out On the Town
This may come as a shock, but a sweater dress truly can be flattering and sexy for a night out. Leave your legs bare if it isn't too cold, and wear platform heels -- for their height and comfort compared to standard heels. Be very certain to wear something at your waist -- either a sash or belt -- to show off your figure, and if your dress has a V-neck, bring attention to it with long, layered necklaces. Top the look of with a showy cocktail ring and a sparkly clutch, and you have an outfit that will keep you looking and feeling great all night.
