I’m not sure how I’ve gone so many fall/winters without the ultimate cozy piece – the sweater dress – but I made it my job this season to try a few. On frigid mornings when I can’t bear to crawl out from under the covers, the thought of slipping into a soft knit dress does mitigate the pain a bit.
This cute sweater dress from Old Navy is a recent keeper, but needed alterations. I got petite XS online, and the fit of the torso (see original fit photo below) is roomy and straight cut with no waist definition. Normally I’d be tempted to throw it into a machine washer/dryer to shrink it down, but the sleeves were comfortably fitted in contrast to the torso, and I didn’t want them to get more snug. I thought the torso-slimming alteration was easy enough to do at home in about 15 minutes. Even factoring in professional alteration costs, I thought the adorable overall style + softness of this was a keep.
Here’s the original fit of size petite xs off the rack. For alterations, I turned this inside-out and put it on, then marked with fabric chalk on both sides how much to take in all the way down to the bottom leg opening. I did one stitch down each side and didn’t make the fit too snug, in order to layer tees underneath. I did leave the excess material on both sides untrimmed on the interior to keep it from fraying or unraveling (since I don’t have a serger machine).
Please note that the petite length on me hits about an inch above the knees, which was perfect for work. For casualwear I folded a little fabric over the belt (similar to what I did with this shift dress) which shortened the length, creating a more balanced look against tall boots.
With the current ON sale going on, I also ordered the dot print sweater dress to try but am fully expecting it to be similarly roomy in the torso. I also noticed that one is 100% cotton which may be a little thinner, given past experiences with the brand. Will report back on that once it arrives. I hope you guys have a fabulous weekend!
Hi!! Hi love this look!!! And your blog!!!! Cute dress!!! Follow me if you want!!! Kiss
http://inmybluesjeans.blogspot.it
Indtagram @mybluesjeans87_official
I was at Old Navy the other week and I did not see this dress there. I don't know if it's because the closest one near me is so small. I will have to keep my eyes peeled next time. I wish I knew how to alter things.
A sweater dress like this one is a life-saver in colder days, love the ways you styled it.
xx
Yvonne
http://tellmeyblog.com
Hi Jean, do you know how to shrink a sweater dress properly?
Hi Jean, may I ask you which camera was used to shoot this set of photos?
It almost transitions into an all new look, Love it!
http://www.stylefile.in
This sweater is so good…love it…its looks great on you…love the weekend style with that cozy scarf..you look so pretty…
xo
Hems
http://agoldentulip.blogspot.com/
Jean, did you buy the BP boots online? I tried them on in store and they were not as brown as pictured on your blog or on the Nordstrom website. They were lighter, more of an ashy gray — didn't like it. I don't want to buy online if it's going to be the same gray color rather than brown.
Um that scarf is SO perfect- no wonder it's already sold out! Really gorgeous!
xo
Kara
http://www.thebostonista.com
PS: BTW congrats on being in the October Top 10 on RewardStyle!
Just picked up this sweater dress today at the SF Old Navy store, love the soft feel of this piece. Would you consider the other black color of this dress too? ~Danielle
Hi there – it was a gift from a brand called Accessories Concierge but they sold out of it. I wasn't able to find a similar style, but will keep my eyes peeled.
Sure – I'll snap a pic the next time I'm at home. It's not bulky because I didn't make it too fitted but it's also not smooth due to the excess material. I was thinking of having my tailor serge the seams for me (which trims off the excess) next time I visit him for other stuff. Please note, as always, my sewing is not professional and oftentimes not the proper way of doing things – I didn't do a tutorial because I don't want to mis-instruct anyone.
Hi Scarlett – Thank you! I just used a 1" curling iron and curled outwards in 6 sections.
Hello – they were a pair of old sweater tights which I snipped the top and bottoms off to make legwarmers.
I remember that one, Jessy – looks amazing on you! Too bad so many ppl have had complaints about Sheinside.
Hi ladies – curved stitch, measuring more to be taken in at the waist when the dress was inside out. Yes I started at the armpit and wen't all the way down to the bottom opening. Am out of town today but will try to post a photo in response to anon below which will show it but please note it is not the proper way to alter knitwear!
Hi Janki and Anon below – I did not as I only have one needle, and my skills are very far from that of a professional or even a good sewer. I didn't show any "tutorial" here because I wouldn't want to mislead any readers into thinking this is the proper way to take in knit wear! I have never heard of a ball point needle and am curious about the benefits of using one!
I don't know if many tailors will do it actually because to do it completely properly (which I definitely did not), the tailor would need to have skills in knitwear.
Can I ask where you get your pearl necklace from? Thanks,
Looks great and yes, jersey dresses are so incredibly versatile.
XoXo One stiletto At A Time
Love both of the outfits! I purchased last year's Old Navy version of this sweater dress, and can attest that it does hold up well with washing (I just wash on gentle and lay it flat to dry).
I love the bow-ed belt and the scarf! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey's
I have been swooning over that ASOS scarf and love the way you paired it with the sweater dress.
Awesome post!! I love the first look 😀
allygong.com
-Ally Gong
I just bought the same dress based on your blog pics. Too cute to pass up and $25 after sale is also an amazing bargain. Ditto to JANKI and JANNYISMS questions on sewing. What SIZE of stitch and did you use a special needle. Also, did you start from the armpit seam and go straight down with more of a curve in the middle?
Can show you us a picture of the stitching that you did? I would imagine that without trimming the excess material, the sides would end up looking bulky, but yours doesn't.
A classic and lovely sweater dress that could be style for both work or play, perfect! Really like the look of this versatile piece with tall boots, so chic!
Prudence
http://www.prudencepetitestyle.wordpress.com
This dress was made for you and you've styled it perfectly!
Red Reticule
How did you do your hair! It looked so perfect!
May I ask- are you wearing dark socks with your boots or are they liners of some sort?
Love this on you! I can see it being worn in the spring or summer too. You might like this black & white striped one I posted earlier this year (http://www.jessydust.com/2014/05/contrast-leather-sleeves-striped-dress.html). Although it's short-sleeved, it's very thick and you can easily layer with a blazer or cardigan on top. It fit me perfectly without alterations, but I think I'm slightly bigger than you. You should check it out! It's one of my favourite (thick) dresses to date. : )
I adore this dress and I'm going to buy it and try to mimic your alterations because I love how you've transformed the fit! Also, pairing with the plaid scarf is brilliant!
– Amanda | The Chic Counsel
I have sweater dress like you have in this post..love the way you presented it here, thanks for the info again
I feel like I live in sweater dresses in the winter time, they're so easy to slip into and so warm! I adore this striped one and how you styled it for work and weekend! Your DIY alterations look great!!
Suzie Q
http://www.StyleCueBySuzieQ.com
The simple alteration you did makes such a great difference!– did you do a single straight stitch down each side of the dress, or is the stitch curved a little bit to follow the natural curves of your torso? I'm not much of a sewer, so simple alterations like this still just confuse me. Thanks! 🙂
Do you use a special needle when dealing with knits? In my beginning sewing classes, they talked about a ball point needle. I have yet to work on knits– I'm too afraid of stiches popping.
I love the fact that you aren't afraid to try budget friendly pieces from Old Navy/Target/etc…one main reasons you're one of my favorite blogs! I love a good bargain and it's so refreshing to see that you are too! Love this finished version of this dress on you Jean…perfectly styled in both photos!
xoxo,
Andrea
http://www.andreaeveryday.com
Lovely styling your new boots with high socks! The sweater dress/scarf/socks combo work so well together. Everything just says "comfy chic!"
Great outfit variations! I love sweater dresses because they are so versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. I have been thinking of updating my sweater dress collection this winter, so I may have to check out Old Navy.
You look great! Love these two outfits. I have been eyeing that sweater dress. Never knew it would look so lovely
Cute! Love the two ways<3
http://www.shallwesasa.com
I'm really loving that KS belt– and the different ways you styled this pretty sweater dress 🙂 So cute!
Daisy | Simplicity Relished
gosh i love that black coach bag you have! yours looks so much bigger than mine!
Very nice!
http://www.eyelikefashion.com
love all of it! Your working look is perfect, love the necklace, love the little belt, love the blazer and loveeeee coach! Your weekend look perfect scarf
Super cute dress!!
xo, Diana
http://www.TheNeonFactor.com
I prefer the outfit with the scarf!
Victoria | GlamFizz
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Awesome, I know nothing about alterations and didn't know you could take sweaters in. My wishlist just grew about 10x!
Perfect transformation! I adore both outfits and your style in general and I thank you that I learn so much from each post from you <3
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Sweater dresses are my jam in the winter–I've got way too many. You're right–they mitigate the pain of a cold winter (or fall, or spring) morning. I like Loft for my sweater dresses, but I also hit up Target for them and sometimes Victoria's Secret as well. I really like this one on you, though, so I may have to start looking at Old Navy as well!
Style by Joules