Hello and welcome back to 25 Days of Winter Fashion! I like to have a sweater dress or two in my winter closet, and I’m a sucker for a cowlneck top, so when I can combine the two, it’s a double win! This cowlneck sweater dress is super soft and cozy, the color is gorgeous and universally flattering, and best of all it’s only $40!!!
Sometimes sweater dresses can be clingy, but this one is not. It does have a bit of an A-line shape to it, which isn’t usually my first choice, but I don’t mind it for a change. I also like the flare sleeves because they give it a modern edge but aren’t wide enough to get in the way of daily tasks.
SALE ALERT >> Get 40% off your purchase at LOFT with code NEWNOW. (Not combinable with any other offers.) I also purchased and really like these velvet skinny pants. I plan to shoot a look with them this weekend!
The best thing about dresses is, they’re one and done. I paired this teal sweater dress with black leather over the knee boots, added a few accessories, grabbed a clutch, and I was out the door!
For size reference, I’m wearing a small in this dress so it’s pretty true to size for LOFT dresses. It did come in petite, but those sizes sold out, so I expect the regular sizes to go next. I wouldn’t wait around if you really want one. Also, I think the shipping at LOFT is pretty steep, but you can always order online and choose the Store Pickup option if you have a LOFT store near you. That avoids any shipping charges, but you can make sure to get the size you need, plus you get your order sooner that way.
By the way, I did iron the sleeves — guess I missed a spot. Yikes!
I don’t usually wear more than one leopard pattern in an outfit, but I thought this watch was cute with the leopard clutch since they’re both small pieces.
In case you missed it, I’m running a virtual Stella & Dot Trunk Show through 12/12, and this Pyramid Watch with the leopard band is one of the Trunk Show Exclusives. You can get it for 50% off with a qualifying $50 Stella & Dot purchase if you shop through my Trunk Show link.
Unfortunately the pearl cuff I’m wearing and the drop earrings are sold out. These earrings are similar but a little bigger and blingier.
On my other arm, I wore a Gorjana cuff that was part of the #Nsale and since sold out. This cuff is similar, just without the stones.
The leopard clutch adds a nice point of interest, although it’s not practical for daily wear. If I were going to work or church, I’d probably carry a black tote or shoulder bag with this outfit, but I’d definitely rock the leopard clutch if I were going out to dinner or to a holiday party.
I didn’t wear tights with this outfit for these pictures, but when it’s colder I will. I like it both ways. Black tights would create a more streamlined look.
STYLE TIP >> When wearing over-the-knee boots with a short dress, ideally there will be some leg showing (or tights, if you’re wearing them) between the top of the boots and the hem of the dress.
My over the knee boots are from last year, but these are this year’s version and I like how they have the split shaft in the back. It makes them more comfortable to walk in, although mine are okay now that I’ve broken them in.
I always wear this fitted slip under my dresses. While this dress isn’t particularly clingy, I still like to have another layer between me and the dress.
This is an outfit I’ll wear to church this winter, and I think it would make a nice work wear look for certain professions. I would also wear this to a holiday party if it was the right venue.
LOFT cowlneck flare sweater dress ($40!) // similar Franco Sarto OTK boots // Clare V. leopard clutch (similar for less) // similar cuff bracelet // leopard watch // sunnies c/o Maui Jim // similar earrings
Be sure to visit Cyndi and see the winter outfit she’s styling today, and thanks for stopping by!
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LOVE that color on you! One of my favorite winter outfits I’ve seen you in. Of course, you rock anything but something about this dress is so you and so fun. GORGEOUS!
These boots are so nice, perfect to wear with dresses.
xo
Pinksole
You always say these A line dresses are not your favorite — but TRULY you look amazing in this style 🙂 I really think I need to buy this dress too.
I love that you talk about a slip in this post Jo-Lynne. Especially when I wear tights I feel that I need them, otherwise everything sticks together, LOL!!But I wondered if I were the only one???
Not only is this dress wonderful on you, but that color is amazing too!!
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I love this dress on you. I think you’re too critical of yourself sometimes – you look amazing. I don’t have this dress, but I have a sweater in this color – I never thought about accessorizing it with leapord, but I will now. When I check my email, I always look for yours and Cindy’s first – you both have helped me so much!
Thank you! ????
Love this outfit! The teal color looks wonderful on you.
Thanks for the outfit inspiration. Sweater dresses are my go to in the winter for work and Church. I just bought a new black one last week that’s about this length. Think I’ll wear it to Church Sunday with tights and my black over the knee boots.
Hope whatever situation you’re going through resolves itself soon. Prayers that it does going up for you.
Thank you. 🙂 It’s nothing serious, just time consuming.
Jo-Lynne, do you wear a slip AND shaping shorts with a dress? Or just one or the other?
Usually both. The shaping shorts hold everything in and the slip keeps anything from clinging. Although in this case, the slip is probably enough.
Looking good! Pretty color!
(Yikes, I can’t find your chicken noodle soup recipe!)
That’s weird. I don’t know why it is gone. I can’t even find it in archives or trash. It’s pretty much this one: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/chicken-noodle-soup-recipe-2048981
You look fabulous, as always. I never liked sweater dresses until I saw them on you and Cyndi. They are such a great option for church…I am a bit old fashioned when it comes to church outfits… I like a dress, and this would work great because it’s casual, which is the vibe in our church.
Cryptic or not, I am always encouraged by your honesty in these posts. Everyone has “stuff” but it’s very easy to start thinking that I am the only one with a problem or a wrinkle or in need of a good shaping slip lol ???? You’re so awesome Jo-Lynne!
Jo-Lynne – I stumbled upon your site in a Google search for winter outfits and instantly subscribed. I simply LOVE your style approach and creative ways of putting clothes together. You are one of the few bloggers who truly gets fashion for the real world. Your warm, engaging, and incredibly gorgeous posts brighten my mornings, and are such a blessed diversion from daily work & family stresses. Thank you so very much. You are a true gem in this sea of craziness we all live in.
Wow, Lolo, thank you so much! So glad you found me. 🙂
That dress is adorable on you! Love the color and the cowl neck.
I have a question about the Nordstrom Fur-Fect Faux Fur Jacket that you sent back. I need a jacket to wear at New Year’s. That one is cute and affordable. Do you remember what size you tried on and how it fit? There are no reviews for the coat yet.
It would be perfect for that. I had the small and it was a good fit.
Thanks so much! That really helps me.
I realized the other night that I need a dress-up jacket, but one that isn’t too dressy, if that makes sense. I don’t want to look overdressed for the kinds of places we go. That Nordstrom jacket looks perfect.
Love the dress and that bracelet goes perfectly with it!
https://www.dressedinfaith.com
What a great outfit, Jo-Lynne! I really like how the heel of the boots pick up the color in the clutch. I wear lots of teal and have never thought to wear a leopard print accessory. Thanks for giving me new outfit ideas!
So glad it was helpful! I felt like it needed a pop of something, and my eyes landed on that clutch in my closet, and voila! That’s how many of my outfits are born, lol. I don’t think about a combination until I see them together.
I always get confused with how to fold a cowlneck. Is there a right or wrong way?
I don’t know, I always just fold it over and then futz with it until it looks right. 🙂 This one laid nicely without much fussing.
I love the color of this sweater dress and it looks great on you , I have never wore one because they always cling to my hips haha but this seems like it wouldn’t. I really have been enjoying your FB live talks , I have to watch it later but I like that you talk about all different things instead of focusing on just one thing , Thanks for all of your hard work !!!!
Diana
Thanks, Diana, so glad you’re enjoying them!
Love this dress on you! It’s a great color and love the leopard accessories with it!
I love sweater dresses – warm, cozy and put together. I got this today and I love the color but it really ran large. Can’t wait to wear it
That’s a great sweater dress, Jo-lynne. It’s not too clingy like so many and I like the bell sleeve. So I ordered a pair of OTK boots…I’m still not sure about them. They’re not bad, but I feel a little Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman…LOL. Probably just because I’m not use to them. Currently they’re in the box to go back, but I haven’t returned them yet. ????
I felt the same way the first time I wore mine — especially these black leather ones. 🙂 I remember a fashionable friend told me once — back when I was debating about wearing tall boots over my skinny jeans (can you believe that ever felt risky? LOL!) — that sometimes fashion involves a bit of a risk. Basically, she was saying sometimes you have to step outside of your comfort zone and try a trend before you really feel comfortable in it. I’ve discovered that is true of a lot of trends like this one that I see and like on other people but feel a bit foolish trying myself. Once I go out wearing it once, I feel fine the next time and end up loving it. That was definitely true for me with the OTK boots. 🙂
Thanks for the encouragement Jo-Lynne!!!
Oh my goodness, Jo-Lynne! This may be one of my favorite outfits ever that I have seen on your blog! I adore this dress. The color is one of my absolute favorites. Your boots are stunning. And the leopard details are perfect!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Just got my dress today in size medium. I’m usually a medium in everything, but sometimes have to get a large. This dress is HUGE. I would so love to keep it, but it’s so dowdy. I don’t get why Loft does this. It’s like they are always running two sizes (at least) larger than the tag. And they keep recommending medium so I keep ordering it, only to look like I’m in a tent. I did love the style, though.
I’m sorry it didn’t work for you. It definitely runs big, although I don’t think I could wear an XS in the shoulders so I stuck with the S.