Are dresses your go-to in the summer? They are for a lot of my clients. Because it’s the epitome of a one-and-done outfit. You put on a dress – and then it’s just sandals and jewelry (and sunglasses) and you’re out the door. So, why aren’t dresses your go-to in fall and winter?
I recently had this exact conversation with a client. She absolutely loved wearing dresses in spring and summer – mainly because they’re such an easy outfit. But she hadn’t even thought about dresses for fall and winter. But it’s just as easy. Pick a dress and boots and jewelry. Then add a jacket or coat (which you needed anyway) and you’re ready to go.
One of my favorite kinds of dresses is what I call a ‘blank slate dress’ – a simple dress that you can style in many different ways, for a bunch of different occasions. And one of my favorite kinds of dresses in cold weather is a sweater dress. So, I’ve combined my two favorites to create a whole bunch of style inspiration. Here’s a blank slate sweater dress, with 10 different ways you can wear it – for work, for the weekend and for holiday occasions.
QUICK NOTE: The items and brands that I chose are very much driven by the photos I could find. But the goal isn’t buying a bunch of new stuff to make a dress like this work. The goal is playing with what’s already in your closet - so that you’re getting maximum versatility out of a blank slate dress (and maybe rethinking what you already own into new and different outfits).
AT THE OFFICE
If your office is business professional, dressing in cold weather can pose a challenge. A silky blouse isn’t warm enough – but a chunky sweater doesn’t feel appropriate. Which is why a thinner sweater knit in a warm fabric (like this ribbed cashmere sweater dress) is the perfect choice. Just add a blazer and heels and you’re good to go.
STYLE NOTE: For maximum versatility, a thinner fabric ensures that you can easily layer different jackets, blazers and coats over the dress. And for even more versatility, choose one with a simple neckline - like a crewneck, v-neck or turtleneck (as opposed to anything with a collar that could get in the way).
Naked Cashmere sweater dress (in all outfits), Veronica Beard tweed blazer, Marc Fisher suede heels, Anabel Aram necklace, Caddis eyeglasses
If your office is business casual, you can still wear the same dress – just trade your blazer for a cardigan and your classic heels for fun boots. That’s the main benefit of a blank slate dress – it’s simple, so it works with a ton of different third pieces.
And when I say ‘simple’, I don’t mean that the dress has to be plain or neutral. A bright color can be just as versatile – and a print can work with many different outfits, too! It’s less about a specific dress and more about how it works with what’s already in your closet.
STYLE NOTE: If your workplace is super casual, a t-shirt and jeans are another ‘blank slate’ option. Check out 10 ways to wear a t-shirt and jeans all through fall.
Me + Em cashmere cardigan, Vince suede boots, Saphan crossbody bag, Bloomingdale’s earrings
On certain days, you can’t even think about what to layer over your dress. You just want to grab a coat and boots and get to work. So, keep it simple – add neutral boots and a belt that matches the dress. And a pop color coat – because why wear a black coat, when you can wear color? Check this out for other ways to add a pop color to your outfit.
STYLE NOTE: Adding a belt is a great way to define your waist (as long as it works with the shape of the dress). And if your dress comes with a matching fabric belt – snip off those pesky loops and trade up to a leather belt. The overall look will be much more pulled together.
Loft wool-blend coat, Vince Camuto boots, Weavers of Ireland scarf, B-low The Belt belt
ON THE WEEKEND
A blank slate sweater dress works just as well if your December is less winter frigid and more fall cool. Pair it with a denim jacket and cute loafers for a quick trip to the farmer’s market – and then head straight to lunch with friends.
STYLE NOTE: If you’re in a temperate climate, you can choose a t-shirt knit dress (as opposed to a sweater dress). The principles of versatility are the same. And if it’s really warm, skip the jackets – just pay attention to your shoes, bag and accessories as a method to vary your outfits.
Loft denim jacket, Tory Burch snake print loafers, Caddis sunglasses, Saphan tote bag
When fall turns to winter, a wool bomber and chunky boots feel totally season-appropriate. And when it’s really chilly, it’s not just about what you’re wearing over the dress – what you’re wearing underneath counts, too. Add tights if it’s cold – or leggings if it’s colder. And add a thin long sleeve t-shirt or turtleneck, too.
STYLE NOTE: Layers are a savvy style strategy in winter. They not only add interest – they add warmth. Because layering two lighter pieces is warmer than wearing one heavier piece (since layers trap air between them). Read this for more layering ideas that work from winter all the way to spring.
Veronica Beard plaid bomber jacket, Marc Fisher boots, Jennifer Zeuner layered necklace, Olivia Burton watch
You may be thinking, “a quilted vest with a dress?” And my answer is a resounding, “yes!” The vest adds a fun, casual vibe – and what’s wrong with that? I honestly feel like vests are a completely underrated layer in cold weather (here are the other reasons why I love vests).
STYLE NOTE: When you’re wearing ankle-height booties, you’ll probably be adding tights for warmth. The first choice for the color of your tights is matching the dress (or the darkest neutral in a print dress). And the second choice is matching your booties.
Loft quilted vest, Freda Salvador chelsea boots, Caddis eyeglasses, Aqua scarf
When is a dress not a dress? When it looks like a skirt! And that’s what happens when you add a sweater over your dress. It’s a great way to add versatility – and tons of warmth.
STYLE NOTE: If you prefer separates to a dress. Or dresses aren’t the easiest fit for your figure. A matched set gives you the look of a dress, but the benefits of separate pieces. Check out this article to see what I mean.
Vanessa Bruno turtleneck sweater, Schutz snake print boots, Bloomingdales leather gloves, Kendra Scott earrings
FOR HOLIDAY OCCASIONS
These last few looks don’t just work at the holidays – they work any time you’re going out in winter. But they’re also great for whatever you have going on this month, like this outfit for a holiday girls’ night out. The shearling jacket & sleek booties add a little edge (add fishnet tights for a dose of sexiness). And the bag and earrings add print and shine.
STYLE NOTE: If you think black and brown don’t go together, think again. They’re both neutrals, so they make a great combination. Read this for other color myths you can stop believing.
Alice + Olivia faux shearing jacket, Veronica Beard ankle boots, Dolce & Gabbana bag, Ettika drop earrings
Kick your holiday style up a notch with a velvet blazer. It’s one of those items that you can throw on with jeans. Or over black pants. Or on top of a blank slate dress. It’s really that good. And if you don’t believe me, read this.
STYLE NOTE: If you have pieces that you only wear at the holidays (like a velvet blazer) – they’re probably more versatile than you think. Check this out for ‘holiday’ styles that you can wear at other times of the year, too.
Veronica Beard velvet blazer, Malone Souliers slingback pumps, Kurt Geiger London necklace, Michael Kors metallic bag
When the occasion calls for a dose of glamour (and you’ll be spending time outside) - focus on outerwear and accessories to add exponential style points to your outfit. A statement coat, attention-getting booties and look-at-me jewelry are the perfect choices for a fancy night under the stars.
STYLE NOTE: When you’re choosing dressy accessories, select options that you can wear over and over (and dress up and down). Read this to see how I paired the same accessories with a little black dress and jeans and a sweater.
Me + Em shearling coat, All Saints gold boots, Alexis Bittar earrings, Nadri ring
Will you wear a blank slate dress this winter? If you have any questions, drop them in the comments. And if you have a favorite blank slate sweater dress outfit, let me know!
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