As a busy mom and travel writer, I need outfits that are easy to throw on and style in the morning on my way out the door to carpool or the office. My ideal clothes travel well, don’t require ironing, and are fairly versatile: enter, the sweater dress. Available in various styles from super fitted to fit-and-flare, this wardrobe stable easily translates from day to night — and is incredibly comfortable along the way.
With fall in full swing (and winter not too far off), sweater dresses keep you cozy and warm without looking like you left the house in a hoodie blanket. Meanwhile, I love that depending on the weather, you can rock them alone or pair them with leggings or tights for some extra warmth. And as if that’s not enough, our favorite knit dresses will easily work with heels, flats, booties, over-the-knee boots, or even a good pair of white sneakers.
To help you kick off your winter wardrobe, we rounded up 13 easy sweater dresses that deserve to be added to your rotation this holiday season. From retailers like Nordstrom, Target, Old Navy, Amazon, and more, these knit dresses are sure to keep you cozy — and best of all, they’re all under $50.
Asos Jumper Long Sleeve Tie Belt Mini Sweater Dress
A stylish look for fall, the holidays, and beyond, this belted number is an elevated take on a sweater dress. Pair it with boots as shown on the model, or go for heels if you prefer to show more leg. Available in sizes 0 to 14, the dress is machine washable and features a bateu neckline.
And if you’re like me and avoid wearing white for fear of spills, the brand also offers this dress in a very cute bubblegum pink shade.
Pink Queen Loose Turtleneck Oversize Pullover Sweater Dress
If you’re into the oversized street fashion aesthetic, consider this slouchy turtleneck sweater, which comes in everything from solid colors to checkerboard to two-toned options. Normally $50, it’s currently on major sale with prices as low as $25.
Garnering over 14,000 five-star ratings, this “flattering” dress is “adorable with or without leggings,” one shopper raved. And we can’t forget: it has pockets.
H&M Mama Knit Dress
If there’s one thing I remember from my days of rocking a baby bump, it’s that finding simple pieces that are comfy, stylish, and could last beyond my pregnancy is a tall order. H&M’s Mama collection is all about outfitting your bump in minimalist yet timeless fashions, so you can easily save it for future pregnancies or as an everyday oversized option.
Available in sizes XS through XXL, this fitted knit dress comes in beige, cream, and black, Its roomy-yet-fitted style hugs you in the right places without squeezing you, and it’s even machine washable.
Agnes Orinda Plus-Size Bodycon Knee Slim Cut-Out Dresses
This cut-out body-hugging dress from Agnes Orinda is perfect for holiday parties, dinners out, or tossing in your carry-on. Currently on sale, it comes in three colors and has a flattering ribbed texture. Plus, its polyester and spandex blend gives it some extra comfort. Sizing runs from 1X to 4X.
Old Navy SoSoft Cocoon Mini Sweater Dress
If you prefer a looser fit, try this cocoon sweater dress from Old Navy. Available in four hues, it hits right above the knee and would pair nicely with tights and boots. Plus, the looser fit allows you to layer it over a camisole for added warmth in the colder months.
Available in sizes XS through 4X in straight sizing and XS through XXL in tall and petite, the dress comes in black, dark green, and two shades of brown.
Maurices Plus-size 24/7 Ribbed Midi Sweater Dress
Those who prefer a more fitted look will love this gray ribbed midi sweater dress from Maurices. It features a belted waist to accentuate your curves, a side slit that starts just above the knee, and machine-washable material.
While we’re highlighting the plus size range from 0X through 4X, note that it’s also available in straight sizes with XS through XXL.
Cupshe One Shoulder Drawstring Mini Sweater Dress
This fitted sweater dress has a drawstring waist and comes in rust orange and black, so it’s a great fit for the fall season. Made from ribbed knit polyester, the one-shoulder dress is available in sizes XS through XL.
H&M Rib-knit Dress
If you need a nice neutral for the office or to pair with bold accessories, we love this taupe H&M rib-knit dress. Add a funky belt or some chunky jewelry for extra intrigue, or go simple with a pair of classic boots. The fit-and-flare style gives you plenty of room to move, making it a great pick for a walking tour or the airport.
Cupshe Honeycomb Knit V-neck Mini Sweater Dress
The minidress crowd will love this above-the-knee sweater dress with a swing skirt. It has a unique honeycomb design throughout the bodice, plus fun flouncy sleeves. You can also pair it with leggings or tights for extra warmth. This green knit dress comes in sizes XS through XL.
Zesica Solid Waffle Knit Tie Waist Tunic Sweater Dress
This stylish waffle knit dress, which comes in a wide range of color options, features a waist tie to accentuate your curves and a crewneck for added warmth. On colder days, skip the bare legs and pair it with a pair of leggings and eye-catching knee-high boots, like this Vince Camuto Evangee pair.
Boasting over 1,200 five-star ratings, this dress is “the perfect find for my fall pics,” one shopper exclaimed, adding that the “quality was great.” It can also “be dressed up or down” easily, noted another happy customer.
Steve Madden Madelyn Button Shoulder Long Sleeve Sweater Dress
A cute and casual pick, this Steve Madden sweater dress comes in four great colors — two neutrals and two jewels — that are ideal for fall and winter. One pleased customer exclaimed that it’s “perfect for the fall with boots!” Shoppers do note that it’s on the shorter side, so consider pairing it with leggings or tights.
Available at Nordstrom, this comes in sizes XS through XL, and you can order online for in-store pickup if the idea of waiting for shipping doesn’t appeal to you. Best of all, it’s for just $37 right now.
H&M Rib-knit Sweetheart Dress
A sweetheart neckline, ribbed texture, and midi length make this sweater dress a gorgeous choice for holiday parties, date night, and more. The bold red hue is eye-catching, and you can machine wash the dress on cold. Sizing ranges from XS through XXL.
Weeso Knit Square Neck Babydoll Sweater Dress
Available in over 20 colors — including a sky blue hue that’s on sale for $25 — this square-neck pick has a knee-length hem and bouson sleeves. The fit-and-flare style and swing skirt give you plenty of movement and ease, while the material is “soft and sweater-like,” as one shopper shared. The dress is also “comfortable, warm, and the perfect length,” wrote another fan.
Do note that several reviewers found that the dress runs a bit big, so consider going down a size.
Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.