How to Wear a Sweater Dress: Tights, Boots, Belts and Coats

The short answer: wear a sweater dress with opaque tights and a boot that meets the hem, add a coat that is longer than the dress, and use a belt only when the knit is fine. A mini in a heavy knit, such as the Black floral-jacquard sweater dress from Essentiel Antwerp, wants knee boots; a fitted knitted midi wants a heel. Shop all designer knitwear, every designer dress, and the Essentiel Antwerp winter collection.

The sweater dress is the most comfortable thing you can wear to look dressed. The trick is proportion: a thick knit adds volume, so the rest of the outfit should be sleek. Essentiel Antwerp is the Belgian label Inge Onsea and Esfan Eghtessadi founded in Antwerp in 1999. It started as a T-shirt line in twenty colours and grew into a full ready-to-wear house known for graphic print, bold colour and a sense of humour.

Which tights go with a sweater dress?

Opaque black tights are the default, because they keep the leg line long and the knit looks deliberate. Coloured tights in burgundy work with black and pink knits, and ribbed tights add texture to a plain dress. Sheer tights suit a fine knitted dress for evening.

Which boots go with a sweater dress?

• Knee-high boots: the classic with a mini. The gap between hem and boot should be short.
• Over-the-knee boots: with a very short dress, so only a sliver of tight shows.
• Ankle boots: with a midi length, in the same colour as your tights.
• Loafers: with argyle socks such as the Argyle-print socks with rhinestone embellishments for a preppy day look.

Our picks

1. Black floral-jacquard sweater dress

A heavyweight mohair-blend knit with a contrasting floral jacquard across the chest and sleeves, a stand-up collar and slightly rounded sleeves. Designed for a relaxed fit.

2. Black voluminous one-shoulder midi dress

A knitted midi cut close to the body, with a sculptural ruffle that sweeps over one shoulder. The evening answer to the sweater dress.

3. Black off-shoulder sweater

Not a dress, but worn with the Black lace-trimmed maxi skirt it gives the same knit-on-top ease.

Should you belt a sweater dress?

Belt a fine knit at the natural waist to add shape. Skip the belt on a chunky knit like mohair jacquard, which bunches, and let a structured coat define the line instead. Our mohair sweaters guide covers how to care for the fibre.

Frequently asked questions

Can you wear a sweater dress to the office?

Yes. A knee-length knit in a dark colour with opaque tights and a boot is office-ready. Add a blazer for meetings.

What coat goes with a sweater dress?

A coat longer than the dress: a long wool coat, a trench, a tailored car coat. A cropped jacket works only with a mini.

How do you stop a sweater dress clinging to tights?

Wear a slip in between, and use a little anti-static spray on the inside of the knit.

Is a sweater dress good for a Christmas party?

A knitted dress with a sculptural detail, such as a one-shoulder ruffle, is perfect for a relaxed party. Add sheer tights and a heel.

How do you wash a mohair sweater dress?

Hand wash cool, reshape while damp and dry flat. Never hang a heavy knit dress, because it stretches.