This time of year a lot of us live in layers and leggings. The best proportion for top sweaters is a ¾ tunic, landing somewhere between hip and knee. Today, many of these are called sweater dresses. If you wore them with hose they’d be minis. Don’t look at labels, look at length. (Click on the product’s name in red for more information and to buy).
Dark and White Staples
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Aubin & Wills Sweater/Dress—Casual and practical, a country look with crisp traditional pattern. Great for long walks, errands or the movies. See the actual length on site. Warnold Wool and Angora blend, mid weight sweater/dress. Body forgiving shape. Classic Fair Isle snowflake intarsia, ribbed trims. Hand wash. $265
Navy Heart “Longline Jumper” (The British call sweaters jumpers)—A bit of whimsy in a lighter weight version. Sonia Rykiel uses oversized, graphic hearts this way at a considerably higher tariff. Crew neck 99% Acrylic Sweater/Dress with big side heart. Machine washable. $57
Polyxena Jumper/Dress—Flea Markets, Chores, Off Broadway-a casual and comfy topper. Viscose/Nylon/Lambswool/Cotton/Cashmere/Angora! Oversized silhouette with crew neck, large open stitchwork, ribbed neck, hem and cuffs. On sale $115
Alice by Temperley Marie Polyneck Sweater/Dress—This one is nicely detailed, just waiting to be accessorized with silver jewelry. More finished, wear the Temperley to a museum or neighborhood dinner. Black roll neck with oversized silver stud embellishment on the shoulders. 96% wool, 4% Elastane. $292
Charcoal Goes with Everything
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Le Mont St. Michel Striped Loose Knit Sweater/Dress—Hides a multitude of holiday indulgences- or, belt it for clarity of silhouette (preferably something wide.) Relaxed fit, scoop neck; stripe detail, Ribbed cuffs. Mohair/Polyamide/Wool. $241.50
Oversize V-Neck Sweater/Dress—Layer this over a high-necked blouse for maximum effect or a turtleneck for added warmth. Soft, fine-gauge yarns are wool with a touch of filament nylon. Generous drape. This one looks like a dress. $148
Balenciaga Jumper Dress—Interesting color blocking ad quality weave makes this piece worthy of art openings or a better restaurant. Fine Wool and mohair. Features a slash neck. Light beige at the top and on one sleeve with a narrow stripe of brown across the chest and on the cuff-elsewhere charcoal grey. $415 (While the website shows the dress as out of stock, experience has proved that the sign up alert for restocking of the item often works).
Chloe Navy & Grey Sweater/Dress—Pair with a crisp white shirt or collared blouse. The old school look for knocking around. Dress up by wearing this under a ¾ jacket like a 3 piece suit. Classic argyle print with ribbed sleeve and bottom hem. Slightly V-neck. On sale $369
Longer Interpretations
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M.E.R.S.C.H. Nordic Pattern Turtleneck Sweater/Dress—A lighter take on warmth. Grey boots if you can find them. Grey or white down coat. Something luxe about lighter monochrome this time of year. East fit. 80% Wool, 20% Acrylic. $95
Color-Block Nubby Knit Sweater/Dress—This one cries out for a big brooch. Graphic appearance is distinctive. Matinee day? Acrylic blend, forgiving shape with attractive, finished looking gathering at hem. $62
One Brown, 3 Hued Blues
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The first two are versions of the absolutely luxurious Missoni Alice Sweater/Dress. This is a complicated affair with a built-in slip dress and 90% wool, 10% nylon crochet, slightly see-through over sweater. Features large roll neck in ribbed knit. Also ribbed are sleeve and bottom hems. Slips on. Comes with elasticized belt secured with large, metal “X” clasp. For the slim and well heeled. On sale $1,009!
Vanessa Bruno Open-Knit Mohair Blend Sweater Dress—Soft navy, soft shaping. Belt it? Or accessorize with scarf or neckpiece. Wide, round neck, button fastenings at the shoulders and cuffs. Split hem. Crepe detail at sleeve ends and hem. Mohair/Polyamide. Hand wash. on sale $257.50
See by Chloe Glitter Knit Sweater/Dress—Straight line looks great with a short black skirt as well as leggings and thigh-high boots. Power dressing. Blue and gunmetal with black double patterning knit underlay. Black ribbed cuffs, crewneck, and hemline. Black stripe up the sides. Wool/Polyamide/Polyester. Machine wash. $549
Paler Approaches
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Steven Alan Wool Sweater/Dress—As simple as it can get for minimalist women. Good fabric, good fit says it all. Versatile fawn color. High, round neck, contrast knit panel, ribbed trims. $300
Tibi Cable-Knit Sweater/Dress—This one really looks like a dress and is a bit longer. It’s the waist, of course. Soft peach cable-knit acrylic and wool blend. Round neck, contrast knit detail; rib-knit waist and trims. Acrylic/Wool. Back fastens with buttons. $260
Kimchi Sparkle Sweater/Dress—Longer line can be figure flattering. Wear simply or with a long scarf or necklace to further emphasize. Great over jeans as well as leggings. Easy silhouette, but narrow. Knit with metallic thread for an all over shimmer. Acrylic/lurex. Machine wash. $79
Etro Chunky-Knit Wool Sweater/Dress—This looks great with pencil pants (leather, if you have them) or leggings. Definitely patrician in its unusual styling and detail. Wear under fur. Cream heavy-weight ribbed 100% wool, funnel neck, fringed trim down both sides. On sale $745
Burgundy
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Camilla and Marc Bluecloak Paneled Dress—Ladylike. Good for meetings and lunches. Maroon structured knit silhouette with silver buttons at the long cuffed sleeves and shoulders. Round front neck, slightly V-back. Front panels for figure flattering contour. 100% Wool. $294
Crumpet Cashmere Sweater/Dress—Rich and uncomplicated. Deep tapestry color, luxe fabrication. Wear with your best boots. This will support pearls, should you be so inclined. As much a date piece as anything else. 100% cashmere for ultimate warmth without being bulky. $500
