If there’s one thing we know about you, dear Refinery29 reader, is that you absolutely live for dresses of all kinds: casual dresses for summer, puff-sleeve dresses for cheeky occasions, and cottagecore nap dresses for the home, just to name a few.
Since we’re now in the fall dress and sweater dress phase of the calendar year, we sourced the most-loved and absolute best sweater dresses from the interwebs, as rated and reviewed by customers who plan to live in these knitted frocks for the next several months. Minis, midis, maxis, ribbed, chunky, hooded, and more — trust that there’s a perfect sweater dress in here for you, too.
Welcome to Hype Machine, our hit-list of the top reviewed products across the web — according to a crowd of die-hard shoppers. Call this your 4-star & up only club, with entry granted by our devoted-to-the-goods shop editors.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Current Air Cable-Knit Sweater Dress Set
The Double-Hitter Sweater Dress
Take note: This is a two-piece sweater dress set! Wear it solo as a sleeveless sweater dress, or with the turtleneck-and-sleeves top for a full-on chunky sweater dress look.
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 5 reviews on anthropologie.com
What They’re Saying: “I love this dress! The material is very soft. It is flattering and not too tight. I love that you can wear it as a shift or add the top. This is perfect for work or going out. It is classic! The quality is great! It looks expensive. I ordered the lighter color.”
Current Air Cable-Knit Sweater Dress Set, $, available at Anthropologie
A New Day Long Sleeve Ribbed Knit Sweater Dress
The Super Ribbed Sweater Dress
Get to know the slightly stretchy sweater dress that wears like a warm hug.
The Hype: 4 out of 5 stars and 57 reviews on target.com
What They’re Saying: “Love this dress! Super warm and cozy and flattering on my preggo body and will still be cute when not pregnant. I think I might get in more colors!!!”
A New Day Long Sleeve Ribbed Knit Sweater Dress, $, available at Target
Try a relaxed-but-still-slinky silhouette with this rib-knit number.
H&M Ribbed Dress, $, available at H&M
J.Crew Knit Ribbed Sweater-Dress
The Travel-Friendly Sweater Dress
Don’t be afraid to pack down this baby-bell-sleeved frock for your winter getaway — it’s made from a crease- and wrinkle-resistant fabric.
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 12 reviews on jcrew.com
What They’re Saying: “I have last year’s version of this dress in black and couldn’t wait to get this years version too! The sleeves add a nice touch. Wonderful, sturdy material and very high quality. Only drawbacks: the sleeves are a little long (like shown in the photo) and the dress runs slightly large — I ordered a small and could have probably gotten away with an XS. I’m 5’6″ ~150 lbs hourglass figure and usually wear a small or medium in dresses depending on the cut. The color is stunning as well!”
J.Crew Knit ribbed sweater-dress, $, available at J.Crew
Nina Leonard V-Neck Balloon Sleeve Sweater Dress
The Statement Sleeve Sweater Dress
Don’t let the puff-sleeve moment deflate! Keep things pumped up with this cute sweater dress with even cuter romantic balloon sleeves. It’s also in an array of other bold colors like red, yellow, black, and wine.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 49 reviews on nordstromrack.com
What They’re Saying: “Very flattering on my curvy figure. The color is bright and cheery. This will be a winter staple!”
Nina Leonard V-Neck Balloon Sleeve Sweater Dress, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
French Connection Simona Long Sleeve Rib Sweater Dress
The Curves-Enhancing Sweater Dress
Look closely and you’ll see a sleek, two-tone knitted design that’s made to accentuate and flatter hourglass figures. (Though, as reviewers have noted, it’s great for other body shapes, too.)
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 27 reviews on nordstrom.com
What They’re Saying: “I’m normally a 10-12 in dresses I ordered a 10. The dress is form-fitting but not ridiculously tight. It sits nicely on my body…I am 5’10 198lbs for reference. I’m not super curvy but the pattern enhances my shape. The material is not thin but it’s also not super thick…it’s just right. I’ll be ordering the green one as well!”
French Connection Simona Long Sleeve Rib Sweater Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater Dress
The Authentically Cashmere Sweater Dress
As with all of Quince’s cozy offerings, this turtleneck sweater dress is made from ethically sourced, Grade A cashmere from Mongolia. It’s available in four neutral colors if you’re looking for a worthwhile capsule piece for fall.
The Hype: 4.8 out of 5 stars and 132 reviews on onequince.com
What They’re Saying: “I am OBSESSED with this dress — I am already living in it. Like all of Quince’s cashmere it is so soft, but it also is a great length, and so versatile.”
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater Dress, $, available at Quince
Anrabess Women’s Turtleneck Oversized Sweater Dress
The Keepin’ It Loose Sweater Dress
‘Tis the season for turtlenecks — and this ribbed sweater dress is made to fit easy and oversized for those one-and-done days. And, because this is on Amazon, you can be assured there are many fun colors to choose from.
The Hype: 4.1 out of 5 stars and 2,529 reviews on amazon.com
What They’re Saying: “I am shook. I was not expecting this sweater dress to be THIS good. I was excited for this to come in the mail and I imagined it would be cute but guuuuurl this hits every check mark. I took a gamble buying this because there weren’t very many reviews and me being a plus size girl, it’s hard buying clothing offline. I am 5’6″ 245lbs and I bought the biggest size which is an XL. PERFECT. The color is gorgeous too.”
Anrabess Women’s Turtleneck Oversized Sweater Dress, $, available at Amazon
Eliza J. Fit & Flare Sweater Dress
The Back-To-Office Sweater Dress
Sometimes, you just need a modest, non-frumpy sweater dress that’s chicly polished for a professional setting. This one fits the bill, and in a rich, beautiful teal color.
The Hype: 4.2 out of 5 stars and 83 reviews on nordstrom.com
What They’re Saying: “Beautiful dress! The color is gorgeous, the knit fabric is gratifyingly heavy (not see-thru or flimsy), and the fit was true to size. So happy with this purchase. Can be worn for work, dinner out or events. I like the self fabric belt for a monotone look, but also plan on wearing a leopard belt with it! I’m 5’5″, 125 lbs, 36DD and the medium was perfect for me. Great quality for a very reasonable price.”
Eliza J. Fit & Flare Sweater Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
Pink Queen Women’s Loose Turtleneck Oversize Long Pullover Sweater Dress
The Ridiculously Cozy, Ridiculously Oversized Sweater Dress
Honestly, this one’s a twofer — you could wear this as a sweater dress or as an oversized sweater with slim pants or jeans. This dress also comes in a ton of other colors, including several leopard-print options.
The Hype: 4.2 out of 5 stars and 15,937 reviews on amazon.com
What They’re Saying: “I LOVE THIS SWEATER DRESS! I read the reviews before me and they said if you want the over size look to go up a size. I am 5’4. 145 pounds. Normally wear a medium. I went up to a large for the over size look. I normally roll up the sleeve once for a cute cuffed look. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND.”
Pink Queen Women’s Loose Turtleneck Oversize Long Pullover Sweater, $, available at Amazon
Old Navy Rib-Knit Cardigan Sweater Midi Dress
The Henley Sweater Dress
Super soft, stretchy, and comfy to wear, this relaxed-fit sweater dress is the epitome of dress-up-or-down versatility. This dress also comes in two additional covetable colors, and it ranges in sizes XS through 4X.
The Hype: 4.25 out of 5 stars and 34 reviews on oldnavy.gap.com
What They’re Saying: “I love this! I’ve been looking for the perfect button-down sweater dress for a while now and this one is just right. Super soft, cozy, and not too heavy. Pair it with a jean jacket and booties and you’re good to go!”
Old Navy Rib-Knit Cardigan Sweater Midi Dress, $, available at Old Navy
Pact Classic Cable Knit Sweater Dress
The Classic Cable Knit Sweater Dress
Pact, which is always leading the way in the sustainable fashion space, offers a can’t-go-wrong sweater dress that is Global Organic Textile Standard Certified and manufactured at a Fair Trade Certified factory. Plus, the cable knit is super cute!
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 80 reviews on wearpact.com
What They’re Saying: “This dress is more than expected. Heavy enough to be substantial, light enough to be comfortable and flattering — and all with organic cotton? COME ON! It’s perfect. I will wear it every week this winter.”
PACT Classic Cable Knit Sweater Dress, $, available at PACT
FP Beach El Topo Sweater Maxi
The Flowy Maxi Sweater Dress
Inspired by beach cover-ups, this heathered sweater dress is designed to drape loosely on the body, as though you’re headed to an oceanside bonfire after sunset. You can also grab this flowy dress in red wine or black.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 14 reviews on freepeople.com
What They’re Saying: “This arrived beyond my expectations! The fabric is quite heavy, with movement and stretch — it is a shapely cut. It has some warmth but is breathable. The texture is gorgeous. Will look great with boots, sandals, or slippers! Sleeves come all the way to my wrists and the length is just above my ankles (I am 5’9″). The olive color is so rich and I’m looking forward to getting another in natural perhaps. Really gorgeous piece. Please make more colors.”
FP Beach El Topo Sweater Maxi, $, available at Free People
Nina Leonard Geometric Print Sweater Dress
The Fit-and-Flare Sweater Dress
If you’re looking for a sweater dress with a unique design, this affordable fave from Nordstrom Rack is the frock to cop. Not into the print? You can get this in plain black or a subtler black-on-maroon colorway.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 404 reviews on nordstromrack.com
What They’re Saying: “Purchased an XL in the navy and was surprised how flattering it was on my curvy figure. Sweater dresses aren’t usually the most forgiving but the waist on the dress comes above my natural waistline so it does a great job concealing my midsection. The fabric has a nice weight to it without being bulky or clingy. Love the flared, twirly skirt too.”
Nina Leonard Geometric Print Sweater Dress, $, available at Nordstrom Rack
MOVEFORWARDFIRST Cashmere Knit Hooded Sweater Dress
The Basically-A-Snuggie Sweater Dress
This exceptionally cozy hoodie sweater dress is guaranteed to make you feel like you’re wearing an all-day hug.
The Hype: 4.9 out of 5 stars and 4,502 reviews on etsy.com
What They’re Saying: “Warm, soft, hoodie, AND pockets! This is so comfy. I’m 5’4″ and about 125 and I got a small — it fits perfectly but any bigger would be too big. It does have room to stretch so I don’t have any restricted movement. If I saw this in a store I would’ve only paid $80, but I’m not mad at the price I paid and there’s no way in hell I’d return this. I do recommend, great buy.”
MOVEFORWARDFIRST Cashmere Knit Hooded Sweater Dress, $, available at Etsy
Abercrombie & Fitch V-Neck Slip Midi Sweater Dress
The Slip-In-A-Slit Sweater Dress
Form-fitting but generously stretchy, this ribbed sweater dress is effortless enough for everyday casual wear and for easy dress-up with the right shoes and accessories. You can also score it in creamy white or classic black.
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 13 reviews on abercrombie.com
What They’re Saying: “This dress is AMAZING! I tried it on when it arrived, even though I was very bloated (thank you, IBS). Even on one of my bad bloating days, this dress is very flattering and forgiving! I followed the advice of other reviewers and sized down one size and it fits perfectly. For reference, I am 5’6”, 145 lbs, and curvy in the hips/butt. Love this dress!”
Abercrombie and Fitch V-Neck Slip Midi Sweater Dress, $, available at Abercrombie and Fitch
UO Dale Ribbed Bodycon Polo Dress
The Polo Sweater Mini Dress
Preppy is (still) alive and well! This polo sweater dress is a solid transition piece if you’re easing from summertime seaside vacationing to back-to-school crunchy fall foliage. If baby blue isn’t your hue, this dress also comes in a deep raspberry red.
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 6 reviews on urbanoutfitters.com
What They’re Saying: “I love this dress and will be wearing it for the foreseeable future. It is so soft and so flattering and could be worn to do basically anything. The fabric is really stretchy; you could even go a size down but I love the fit as is in my regular M size. I got the brown — regretting not getting the blue too!”
UO Dale Ribbed Bodycon Polo Dress, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
9 Plus-Size Sweater Dresses Perfect For Winter
