This Fall Fashion Trend Is Actually a Super Smart Packing Hack

By Monica Mendal
October 20, 2018
Christian Vierig/Getty Images

As the weather cools, you've likely already added cozy sweaters and comfy fall dresses to your packing list. And while a pullover is always a fit atop your favorite denim and dresses will generally require a jacket of some sort; why not try the two together?  

Layering dresses with knitwear, though, can sometimes read a little sloppy. The key to mastering this pairing is narrowing in on what you’re trying to achieve that day (or on that trip) and then, paying attention to proportions.

Related: 14 Chic Dress and Sneaker Pairings to Travel in This Fall

Planning to be out all day? You’ll want to be comfortable and not too constricted — loose-fitting dresses and oversized cardigans and pullovers with long lines are your best bet. Add a waist belt over top of both if you're more comfortable with that shape. Have an important meeting? Try a more put-together look like a fitted turtleneck under a no-frills, tailored dress. Attending a holiday party? Embellished knitwear and monochrome silhouettes are the perfect solutions to dressing up your dress and sweater combo.

Below, we show you our favorite dress and sweater pairings for fall.

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Vince Oversized Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater + Mango Floral-print Dress

Courtesy of Retailers

Pair fall’s favorite trend, a dark floral midi dress, with an oversized cashmere knit to achieve that effortless fall look. Pro tip: Toughen up the look with an edgy combat boot.

To buy: (sweater) net-a-porter.com, $395; (dress) shop.mango.com, $80

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J.Crew Mercantile V-neck Cardigan + Elizabeth + James ‘Malta’ Satin-crepe Maxi Dress

Courtesy of Retailers

A casual silk dress in a solid colorway topped off with a lightweight cotton cardigan is the ideal throw-on-and-go look for a day spent out and about. Add a pair of Supergas to finish it off for added ease and comfort.

To buy: (sweater) amazon.com, $55; (dress) net-a-porter.com, $495

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& Other Stories High-neck Sweater + Albus Lumen ‘Alma’ Silk-satin Maxi Dress

Courtesy of Retailers

In a season where holiday parties are in full swing, don’t get discouraged by the need to cover up. A monochrome look in the form of a dress and pullover knit combo is an easy solution to remain warm and elegant while party hopping during the colder months. Add festive earrings or embellished pumps to jazz up the look.

To buy: (sweater) stories.com, $69; (dress) matchesfashion.com, $550

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Everlane Pima Micro-rib Turtleneck + Silvia Tcherassi ‘Cedrine’ Dress

Courtesy of Retailers

A black turtleneck layered under a glen plaid dress is the corporate approach to sleek and tailored fall layering, a pairing that is traditionally chunky and casual.

To buy: (sweater) everlane.com, $35; (dress) silviatcherassi.com, $890

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Rejina Pyo ‘Ella’ Off-the-shoulder Cardigan + Madewell Wrap-effect ‘Georgette’ Maxi Dress

Courtesy of Retailers

Midi dresses and cropped cardigans make for the ultimate match. Stay cute and cozy with a pair of mid-heel booties and tights.

To buy: (sweater) net-a-porter.com, $440; (dress) net-a-porter.com, $170

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Mes Demoiselles ‘Chelsea’ Cable-knit Cardigan + Batsheva Floral-print Prairie Dress  

Courtesy of Retailers

Prairie dressing is the best way to welcome the crisp air of fall. A Batsheva dress in all its historically American glory with a cozy cable-knit cardigan with feminine floral detail is the perfect set for an autumnal weekend in the country.

To buy: (sweater) farfetch.com, $507; (dress) matchesfashion.com, $427

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Aritzia ‘Blossom’ Cardigan + Ganni ‘Cameron’ Floral-print Satin Midi Dress

Courtesy of Retailers

By now, you’ve likely realized an oversized cardigan can top any fall dress. We love this neutral pairing to keep things light and fresh during those darker days. For a more fitted look, try adding a skinny brown belt.

To buy: (sweater) aritzia.com, $188 ; (dress) net-a-porter.com, $395

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Zara Floral Sweater With Sequins + Raey V-neck Silk-satin Midi Slip Dress 

Courtesy of Retailers

To infuse a little glitz and holiday spirit, top a silk slipdress off with a festive, embellished sweater to add some shine.

To buy: (sweater) zara.com, $100; (dress) matchesfashion.com, $202

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