The New Button-Up Sweater Dress & How to Style It

Julie Diana

5 hours ago

Silk scarf: Amazon / Sweater dress: The Drop, XXS-5X, 5 colors! / Tank: Amazon Essentials, XS-XXL / Skirt: Amazon Essentials, XS-XXL / Bag: Humble Chic, champagne gold

Striped dress: A New Day, XS-XXL / Blouse: Soft Surroundings, similar here XS-XXL / Skirt: Esteez, 2-18 / Necklace: made with these beads

Scarf: Amazon / Earrings: Amazon / Cream button-down dress: A New Day, XS-XXL / Taupe jersey dress: A New Day, similar here XS-5X/ Bag: Quince

Lately I've been styling button-down sweater dresses as dusters.

I first fell in love with these versatile garments a few years ago. I had found a chic Rag & Bone number from online thrift store ThredUp.

Dress: Rag & Bone, similar here XS-XXL

After layering it over a sleeveless blouse and midi skirt, I was hooked.

In the past few months, I've had a lucky streak finding more.

Keep reading to discover my (size-inclusive, affordable) bounty.

All of the dresses are rib-knit in a slimming pencil silhouette. They gently drape over your figure, flattering without clinging.

Let's start with the styling video!

1. The collared jewel-tone

Silk scarf: Amazon / Sweater dress: The Drop, XXS-5X / Tank: Amazon Essentials, XS-XXL / Skirt: Amazon Essentials, XS-XXL / Bag: Humble Chic, champagne gold

When it comes to color, deep jewel tones are my favorite. They're a reader favorite here, too.

I especially appreciate jewel tones that are richly saturated. (I'll leave acid wash and faded colors in the '90s, thank you.)

This emerald green checks all the boxes. For a monochrome effect, I've styled it over this jersey tee and matching skirt.

If green's not your hue, the dress comes in four other colors, including black and vibrant red.

It's available in sizes XXS-5X, so everyone can enjoy! I recommend sizing up once, as the sleeves are tight.

2. Black & ivory stripes

Scarf: Iristide / Dress: A New Day, XS-XXL / Blouse: Soft Surroundings, similar here XS-XXL / Skirt: Esteez, 2-18 / Necklace: made with these beads / Shoes: Calvin Klein

This dress/duster is made of the springiest, most delicious rib knit. It drapes beautifully.

Before wearing, I did make some simple alterations. The dress comes with lovely bell sleeves. Unfortunately they're not compatible with my mom/homemaker gig, so I narrowed them with simple hand stitches.

I also hand-stitched two pleats into the back for added waist definition.

I hope they make this dress in more colors!

3. Creme elegance

Scarf: Amazon / Earrings: Amazon / Button-down dress: A New Day, XS-XXL / Taupe jersey dress: A New Day, similar here S-XL / Bag: Quince / Shoes: Calvin Klein

Speaking of more colors, the dress does come in one more.

This one more happens to be the most elegant shade of cream. The matching pearlescent buttons make it even classier. (Can you believe it's from Target?)

I've styled it here over another great Target find, a sleeveless taupe dress. You can find a similar one here.

The wishlist

Scroll for some more smashing button-down knit dresses! Style over a sleeveless dress, a blouse and skirt, or simply wear by itself.