Clothes vs. Outfits: A Uniqlo Sweater Dress

Dress: Uniqlo Heattech Dress ($40)

Upper Left, Vest: Land’s End Vest ($49) // Belt: Sofie D’Hoore Navy Belt ($180) // Bracelets: Calypso Teak Bangle ($39) and C. Wonder Enamel Bangle ($38)  // Tights: J.Crew Super-Opaque Tights ($25) // Boots: AEO Pull-On Riding Boot ($56)

Right, Scarf: Sole Society Infinity Scarf ($35) // Earrings: Claudia Lobao Squared Hoops ($60) // Tights: J.Crew Super-Opaque Tights ($25) // Boots: Ann Taylor Sienna Tall Leather Boots ($188) // Bag: Minkoff Amorous Satchel ($325) 

Bottom Left, Necklace: Zara Necklace with Chains ($60) // Tights: DKNY Opaque Tights ($20) // Boots: Zara Elastic Ankle Boot ($80) // Polish: Lippman Harem Silk Bombay Polish ($19) // Bag: Iris & Ink Hoxton Clutch ($198)

With the holidays fast approaching, I wanted to feature a sweater dress post because these dresses are what gets me through the winter season.  This Uniqlo dress has a wonderful weave to it, and it comes in several lovely colors, the taupe being my favorite.  It’s tough to tell in the photo if the dress is long enough for the office, given that models are usually taller than average.

If you’re looking for a similar sweater dress that is definitely long enough for work, try this Mossimo sweater dress ($30) or this stylish v-neck dress from Sierra Trading Post ($60).  Plus-size readers should look into this dress from Land’s End ($40).

Upper Left.  This outfit is casual and comfortable.  You could wear it to a relaxed holiday dinner or to go shopping with friends.  I paired an inexpensive pine green down vest with the dress for warmth.  Then, I added a simple navy belt to pull the look together.  If you’re not sure how to wear the belt, try it both under the vest and over it, it could work either way depending on your shape. Also, if you prefer J.Crew’s popular Excursion Vest, I would wear the navy one with a dark brown belt.

Since I used a navy belt, I chose a navy bangle and matched it with a teak, studded bangle to keep the relaxed organic quality going.  And a pair of inexpensive brown riding boots and tights complete the look.  If you have a bit more to spend on boots, I would have a look at these awesome and understated Ralph Lauren Jenny boots.

Right. I adore this scarf.  Can’t get enough of it.  With its mix of textures and the soft oatmeal color, I would wear it with every neutral and colored sweater in my closet, and I think it pairs perfectly with the taupe dress.

For this look, I wanted something a bit more casual Friday, so I added a high heel boot and a structured bag.  I chose red because I think brown and red is a color combination that just does not get its due.  Should you need a cheaper bag, this simple Fossil Erin Satchel or this inexpensive red satchel from Urban Expressions.

I also love these square hoops with rounded edges.  My small face makes large round hoops a challenge to pull off, but these square ones are right up my alley.  But if you prefer a smaller hoop, try these Kenneth Cole hoops with a hint of silver wire for a two-tone look.

Bottom Left. This outfit is what I would wear to a last-minute dinner with friends or a not-quite-cocktail, not-quite-casual holiday gathering.  I love the mix of shapes and textures in the necklace.  I think it would look ah-may-zing with a grey crewneck sweater.

I added these cool boots and black tights for a rich mix of brown and black shades.  I just love these boots.  I’ve stopped myself from buying them twice, and I think my self-control needs to relax about it.  I also love these peaked-front boots that I’ve shown before if you prefer something a bit more dressed up.

As for the bag, I desperately wanted to incorporate another texture into this outfit, so I chose this large, super-chic hair calf Iris & Ink bag.  It’s so.so.so cool.  But if you would prefer something with a strap, have a look at this Brian Atwood cross body.  And be sure to finish out the look with a cool dark nail polish like this rich purple shade from Deborah Lippmann.  I’m also partial to my old standby, NARS Tokaido Express.