I must confess my husband, and I are not good about date nights. We got out of practice when the kids were little and have been inconsistent ever since. But our goal for 2020 is more date nights starting now. Of course, I always love an opportunity to wear a cute outfit. My days consist mainly of jeans/leggings and sweaters. So I delight at the chance to wear items from the rest of my closet.
For my daughter’s birthday, I took her to see Dear Evan Hansen. It was a chilly San Diego night, but I still wanted to look cute. I decided on a cute sweater dress and paired it with a long cardigan. That outfit got me thinking. A sweater dress is the perfect date night outfit for winter (even if that date is your fabulous daughter).
I traditionally shy away from dresses in the winter because I am fearful of being cold. I am always cold, and even though being 50 has changed that a bit, I still chill easily. Enter this season’s must-have dress ~ the sweater dress. A sweater dress is perfect for a night out during the winter. It is sexy, and it will keep you warm.
Sweater dresses are everywhere after Rihanna wore a Nanushka sweater dress that had all the fashion girls drooling. I still dream of that dress.
Take a look at Rihanna in that dress! One thing you cannot deny, sweater dresses are sexy. I can hear you now shying away from the idea of a dress that hugs all of your curves. But that is precisely why a sweater dress is perfect for date night. It hugs your curves in just the right way. The curves your sweetheart loves even if you aren’t so fond of them.
I guarantee your partner will love putting his arms around you while you are wearing a sexy sweater dress. I understand the trepidation. I used to shy away from anything that showed off my square hips and not-so-flat stomach. But over time, and maybe as I have matured, I realized that we all are sexy in our own way. Thankfully, times are changing, and acceptance of all sizes is becoming more the norm. I applaud the inclusive sizing and models that grace web sites and magazines. I delight in the success of Ashley Graham and her body-positive message. And Lizzo! I mean, come on! Did you see her rock the Grammy stage?
If sporting a snug sweater dress makes you uncomfortable, you can always add Spanx. Spanx smoothes you out but still allow your curves to shine. If that still isn’t comfortable, consider a loose sweater dress. There are tons of sweater dress options that hang loosely over your hips. Stick to a dress above the knees and add your favorite boots — still a fabulous sexy look for your date.
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Sweater Dress Outfit Inspiration
Outfit #1
Sweater Dress + Tall Boots + Faux Fur Coat
Instantly up the glam on a sweater dress by adding a faux fur coat and tall boots. I love the unexpected pop of neon green on this leopard coat. I added light-colored boots to break up the dark line of the dress. My boots are The Knee High Boot by Everlane. I’ve wanted a cream-colored boot for a while, and these are perfect, and at $250 don’t break the bank.
Outfit #2
Sweater Dress + Leather Jacket + Animal Print Booties
I am obsessed with this Maxi from Free People. It is more of a cotton knit than an actual sweater dress, but it is perfect for CA winters. I love the slight A-line to the skirt, and the button front gives it a casual vibe that works for a night out or running errands during the day. Too up the glam, I am wearing with my J.Crew Sadie Leopard Booties. The dress is long, and I am considering hemming it a bit shorter. I am wearing a large. I tried the medium, but I wanted a little extra room. The medium was the right length, though. This dress comes in four colors, and when they restock, I am picking up the olive color.
I tossed on a leather jacket to fight the chill. Mine is the IRO Han Leather Jacket, but it would also look great with the Madewell Leather Jacket in Burnt Sienna or any of the fun colors in the BlankNYC Suede Moto Jackets.
Leopard Bootie Picks
Outfit #3
Sweater Dress + Long Cardigan + Tall Slouchy Boots
If your date night plans are casual, add a long cardigan to your sweater dress for a cozy and comfortable winter outfit. I love this Mother Seeing Stars Cardigan. I have been eyeing it for a while. Thanks to a generous gift certificate from my fabulous friend Malini, I finally added this comfy cardigan to my wardrobe. I find myself reaching for this cool sweater, time, and time again.
I wore this entire outfit out with my daughter to see Dear Evan Hansen. It was the inspiration for this post. The mock neck sweater dress is from Stateside at Anthropologie, but alas is no longer available. Don’t despair. I have linked a ton of fabulous sweater dresses below.
I would love it if you followed me on Instagram for my everyday outfits or on Pinterest for my fashion inspiration. StyleDahlia is for fashion-minded women in the prime of their life. We delight in the beauty of every day, and we hope you will join us on our journey. Happy Shopping Dahlias. xoxo
