Sweater dressing

I've struggled a bit with the sweater dress trend for this season - so as not to look like a cheerleader with children - and I've finally relaxed a bit with this style. I've been wearing the Stella McCartney for Target sweater dress - lovely shape but not an investment piece - with skinny jeans or leggings and ballet flats. I also have a pair of black trousers which must be 10 years old, tapered and very flattering, which work well too.

The trick seems to be - if you are over 25 - to make sure the pants you layer these dresses with have a very sleek and tailored silhouette, otherwise you end up looking like kids at the athletics carnivals, all bulky layers of skirts, sweats and jackets.

Also, you don't necessarily need a belt, the long line sweater looks fine with just a scarf or jacket. Jeans tucked into boots with this look is great too, as long as the jeans are well fitted into the boots.

My latest find in this trend - with just a bit more 'trend" as opposed to classic - is from Tightrope ... a synthetic knit with long bell sleeves and roll neck, fitted to just below the bust and only slightly A-line. In black, this top is great with aforementioned accessories and is only $24.95. Great trend buy!

If you really like this look Witchery have similar knits for $99, as well as cable knit sweater dresses and bell-sleeved cardis.

(NB: Some of these shapes are getting a bit too smock-like for me - gathered under the yolk - but if you work with the leggings/boots idea, it IS a groovy look - at least for a fashion moment!)