I know several of you have been on the hunt for sweater dresses this season, which hasn’t been the easiest search since there seems to be two common extremes – very fitted options that show every lump and bump, or oversized knits in which it’s easy to lose a petite frame. I’m partnering with Banana Republic today to highlight a few options including this shorter, chunky knit dress as well as two lighter weight midi options (which are more sleek and chic, in my opinion, depending on what you’re looking for!).
Mock neck sweater dress (maternity friendly) – If you don’t mind something lightweight, I tried this on and thought it was simple yet understated and very versatile. It features a midi length with stylish side slits, and a stretchy, comfortable ribbed knit that’s more fitted (but not clingy). This dress worked well under the same camel moto jacket as well as blazers of almost any color or print. I also thought it would be great if you’re expecting and want an effortlessly chic yet comfortable piece to throw on – I pretty much lived in a black midi dress with slit throughout my pregnancy! The ribbing makes it super stretchy and the longer length won’t ride up too much as a belly grows.
Crew neck sweater dress (maternity friendly) – Another light-medium weight option in great colors (comes in camel, grey, or burgundy) that would make a great layering piece. It’s a tad thicker than the mock neck one above but still on the lighter side, and is also curve grazing but not clingy on me. I’m a big fan of longer midi lengths on knit dresses like this, especially paired with a belt or cropped jacket. Once again the very stretchy ribbing and length here also makes this maternity friendly, without having to specifically shop in the maternity section!
Chunky turtleneck sweater dress – the thickest of the bunch in a cotton blend knit and a generously sized turtleneck. The petites length hits 2 inches above my knees, and the overall silhouette is cut straight, but you can add a belt or a cropped jacket for some waist definition. I decided to go with chocolate brown tights for an earthy, almost monochromatic color palette, but with a different jacket I’d also style this dress with dark gray, black, or dark olive tights!
Faux suede jacket – this is still one of the BEST pieces released by the brand, in my opinion. As mentioned before, it’s thick for a moto jacket, great quality, and the perfect soft camel color. I wore it again today over a leopard maxi dress (seen at the bottom of this post) with black tights and ankle booties. The smallest petite size is gone online but this jacket is a snug fit on me over thicker sweaters, so potentially try a size up if you plan on layering with it.
Thank you to Banana Republic for partnering on this post.
This sweater dress looks sooo cozy <3 🙂 I love the way you styled it!
XO, Elizabeth T.
I love this outfit! Looks so comfortable and still polished! Can I ask where the sunglasses are from?? They look great!
THank you, Chris! Unfortunately they are a few years old from Thierry Lasry. Style name is “lively” – one of my all time favorites!
Darling outfit Jean. I love the sweater dress and moto jacket combination
Thanks so much, Val, hope you’ve been doing well!
Hi Jean,
Can you please provide links for the tights and Sam Edelman boots your wearing in this post? I adore your blog and how you provide insight on all the products you review. It helps me take the guess work out of shopping for clothes, beauty and baby; 1 have a 3 year old. You’re wonderful! Keep it up please 🙂
Hi Teri! Thanks so much for the kind words and feedback. My boots are a few years old unfortunately, but I found a similar, higher shafted ankle bootie in slightly different color options reviewed here: https://www.extrapetite.com/2019/09/petite-fall-capsule-wardrobe-pieces-narrow-ankle-boots.html
The tights are old from Talbots I believe but they do make similar year after year.
Looove the sweater dress you are wearing, that color palette is just gorgeous 😍
Xx Janine
Such a cute dress, I love the simplicity of it!
Anika
Simply perfect for fall!
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
I really like this outfit! Perfect for autumn!
Mireia from TGL