I love a good fashion hack. In this case, we’re talking about wearing a sweater over a dress so that you can wear your favorite spring and summer dresses all year long. I adore sweaters because they’re both stylish and comfortable, and I absolutely love feminine dresses. Naturally, I was thrilled when wearing them together became trendy. 

Here are my favorite ways to wear a sweater over a dress!

Shop the post:

How To Wear A Sweater Over A Dress

I absolutely love all these sweater / dress combos and I’m so excited to share this fashion inspo as we head into the winter season. Shop the post above and below, and feel free to drop any and all questions in the comments!

Wear your sweater with a belt. 

How To Wear A Sweater Over A Dress

Cropped Cashmere Cable Knit Sweater / Midi Sweater Dress / Rothy’s Original Slip On Sneaker In Bright White / Suede Waist Belt

One of the most popular, and easiest, ways to wear a sweater over a dress is with the help of a belt. You can tuck your sweater into your belt for a “cropped” look, or you can tuck part of your sweater into your belt, leaving some of the belt visible, for a different but still trendy look. 

This cropped, cashmere sweater from J.Crew is one of my favorite sweaters to wear as part of a holiday outfit. For this look, I styled it with a midi length sweater dress from Madewell. Pairing a fitted dress with a bulkier sweater is a great way to maintain a more flattering silhouette. Not to mention sweater dresses are super comfortable! You can mix and match any color combination to make this look work for you. I typically pair a dark and a light; dark sweater with light dress, or light-colored sweater with a dark dress. 

I completed the look with my favorite white sneakers from Rothy’s, for a more casual, laidback feel. It’s the perfect outfit for running errands!

Throw an oversized sweater over your dress.

oversized sweater feminine outfit

Black Slip Midi Dress / Oversized V-Neck Sweater / Black Block-Heel Sandals / Dana Rebecca Diamond Bar Necklace

Another popular and comfortable way to wear a sweater over a dress is to slip an oversized sweater over a slip midi dress. 

For this look, I styled a classic black slip midi dress with an oversized v-neck sweater from J.Crew. Then, I completed the look with black, block-heel sandals, also from J.Crew, for a sweet, feminine look. I love how elegant this looks. 

Tie your sweater in a knot.

Poplin Smocked Tiered Midi outfit

Cotton Poplin Smocked Tiered Midi Dress / Waffle Stitch Cashmere Sweater (only a few left on this one so HURRY, similar HERE) / Black BootiesCrossbody bag / Kate Spade Initial Necklace

The key to this look is tying a knot in your sweater at your waist. It creates a gorgeous, feminine silhouette and is such a beautiful, stylish way to wear a sweater with a dress. Depending on the thickness of the material, you can either simply tie the sweater in a knot or use a hair tie to create a faux-knot. 

I’m a sucker for plaid and this Poplin Smocked Tiered Midi Dress from J.Crew Factory looks so lovely paired with a white waffle stitch cashmere sweater from Vineyard Vines. I finished the look with a gorgeous crossbody bag that I often use during the holidays and one of my favorite pairs of super affordable black booties (which you can see here).

Wear a cardigan sweater over your dress.

Wear a cardigan sweater over your dress.

Cable-Knit Cardigan Sweater With Jewel Buttons / Wool Tartan Blackwatch Daphne Dress / Black Suede Blade Heel Boots / Cubic Zirconia Earrings

Another great way to wear a sweater over a dress is by pairing your favorite cardigans with your favorite dresses. Personally, I like the way a cardigan looks over a mini or midi dress. 

For this look, I styled a wool tartan dress with a cardigan, but you can easily pair a lightweight cardigan with your favorite summer dress for a warm-weather look. 

I love this cardigan from J.Crew. With the sparkly jewel buttons, this sweater is perfect for a holiday party. For this particular look, I paired the cardigan with the Blackwatch Daphne Dress from Tuckernuck. The wool tartan dress is gorgeous on its own, but it’s super stylish, and extra warm when worn under a cardigan. Slip your feet into a stunning pair of black suede boots and you’re good to go! 

Shop the post:

What is your favorite way to wear a sweater over a dress?

I’d love to hear how you pair sweaters and dresses to create a look that matches your personal style! For more of my favorite outfits and style tips, head on over to the blog.