Ribbed and fitted, with a pretty little peplum at the waist, isn't the type of sweater dress that you should be investing in this season. Instead, loose, long and oversized are the elements you should look for when shopping.
Personally, I’m instinctively drawn to shades of grey, which easily exude luxe, effortless comfort, but whites, pastels and jewel tones are equally appealing, and black sweater dresses can look elegant and edgy.
If the unfitted, paper-bag effect isn’t one that flatters your body, there are a few different ways in which you can accentuate the waistline.
For a casual, tomboy style, tie an oversized plaid shirt around your waist, knotting the sleeves in the centre or off to one side. Or accessorise with a thick waist belt – but never a wretched waist trainer or one of those Prada-esque corsets.
Cowl necks or sleeveless designs can also work well with this silhouette. If you’re adamant about employing shorter knits, and aren’t sold on the dress silhouette, consider getting a tunic or two. Worn with leather trousers, leggings or a good pair of jeans, they can give off a similar cool and classy attitude.
In terms of footwear, avoid clichés, such as heeled ankle boots. Refrain from going down that tiresome cowgirl route, and instead opt for combat boots, perhaps juxtaposing them with a pair of frilly socks. Or wear trainers, coupled with fishnet or athletic socks.
Over-the-knee boots also have the potential to give your outfit an enviable wow factor – but be careful, because these can also look terribly trashy, if the sweater dress is too short.
If you’re going for this look, a hint of a sliver of skin is all that should be visible between the hem of the dress and the top of your boots.
hlodi@thenational.ae
