While dresses are fun, they can be too, well…dressy. Sometimes, you might want to wear a dress, but casually, and cozily. That’s where sweatshirts come in. Wearing a sweatshirt, or sweater over a dress takes a look from dressy, to casually chic. It’s especially useful during transitional seasons or colder weather. Here are some factors to consider when going for a balance of casual with a hint of elegance.

Consider The Length of The Sweater/Sweatshirt and Dress

The length of the sweater or sweatshirt combined with the length of the dress can further elongate, or shorten your silhouette. For example, If you're wearing a shorter dress, you can pair it with a slightly longer sweater or sweatshirt for a balanced look. Or vice versa: for longer dresses, a Cropped Sweater can add a certain twist to your style as well.

Play with Colors and Patterns

This is where individualization comes into play in styling your outfit. Experiment with different combinations of patterns and colors. Power clashing is all the rage nowadays. A Solid Colored Sweater can be paired with a Patterned Dress, or you can mix complementary colors for an eye-catching ensemble.

Learn About Layering Techniques

Layering Techniques are ways to execute the action of wearing multipmate garments on top of each other. In this case, this is a perfect way to style your overall look of sweater/sweatshirts over your dress. The first part of the layering technique is the full layering. This is where you pull the sweater/sweatshirt over the dress, letting the dress show at the hemline and neckline. This is a classic approach that maintains the elegance of both pieces. The second part of the layering technique is the partial tuck.

Furthermore, you tuck the front part of the sweater/sweatshirt into the waistband of the dress slightly. This adds some structure and visual interest to the outfit. The other part of the layering technique is the Belted Layering. In this technique, you add a belt around your waist over the sweater and dress combo. This defines your waist and adds a polished touch.

Harmonizing the Neckline

While the look of the clothing is the factor to pinpoint on, consider the neckline of both the sweater and dress. To further explain, a Ribbed Crewneck Sweater  can work well with a V-Neck or scoop-neck dress. Or approach this vice versa! It is important to synchronize the neckline as it can look more layered as you desire to be if it is both the same type of neckline.

Aligning the neckline of the clothing pieces can further enhance your look.

Accessorize To Complete Your Look

Adding accessories to any style can further complete your look to have a simplicity approach, even if your outfit is more casual. Adding in these factors like a statement necklace , simple earrings, or scarves to enhance your outfit and tie everything together. This staple can further enclose your style into a more put together effect.

The key is to create a harmonized look of having a casualty piece and a simplicity pieced layered together. That is why mixing and matching your dresses with sweaters/sweatshirts is an amazing way to combat that styling approach. This is a way to create an elegant approach of combining two different approaches of style.

Don't be afraid to express your sides of your style as it can outshine the constant trends.

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