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Fall Shopping Guide: Sweater Dresses
The great dress renaissance is still in full effect, which is good news for lazy gals like me--dresses are incredibly easy (hello, one piece!), feminine, and often comfortable. Speaking of which, if the temperature ever starts to drop, there's nothing cozier than a sweater dress. Interesting details and shaping keep them from looking like, well, you're wearing a sweater as a dress. Pair 'em with tights and boots and, if you are looking for a challenge, layer it with a turtleneck for added warmth. Voila--there's your winter uniform. You're welcome!

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Shopbop has a ton of cute sweater dresses, the first of which being Jovovich-Hawk's Viola. I like the asymmetrical look, and the fact that it zips up gives is a very Bond-babe sexiness.


I love how Stella McCartney made this kitschy Fairisle sweater look cool. I think all it needs is some black leggings and Doc Martens for an all-out grunge-revival.


But if you're going to splurge, why not do it on this gorgeous Nina Ricci Sweater Dress? Part of Olivier Theyskens' first collection for the house, it's sure to be a collector's item. But if you're going to actually wear it, I'd suggest a slip and some opaque tights underneath for modesty's sake.


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I'm glad Mark Eisen is back with his knitwear line Karoo, because dresses like this cashmere boatneck are cut in a flattering manner and finished with unique details. And they're super-soft, which is always a bonus.


Vanessa Bruno has always done interesting things with jersey, and now for fall, she's working with heavier knits. I love the pleating at the shoulders and sleeves of this sweater dress; it has that effortless-cool look that all of her pieces do.


Another designer who usually is innovative with jersey is Mara Hoffman, and, again, with this cashmere dress, the interest is all in the sleeve--Juliet sleeves, to be exact. The short length keeps it sexy and prevents it from veering into Renaissance Faire territory.


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This sweater dress from Forever 21 has a curvy shape that prevents the knit from looking too heavy and bulky. It's a whole lotta synthetic fibers, but this is the perfect thing to wear for a night out--pair with motorcycle boots and/or a fitted leather jacket. Bonus: You can throw it in the washing machine.


Up until a few weeks ago, I had no idea that the merchandise in European Gaps is different than what's in U.S. stores. Lucky for us, a small selection of European looks is available online, including this sweater dress, whose sweeping sleeves are clearly far too dramatic for the U.S. market.


This belted sweater dress from Alice Temperley's Go International Target collection was one of the standout pieces--and tellingly so, it's almost sold out. Check your local store or, better yet, eBay if you don't see your size here--that's what I'll be doing.