Many of my clients have a new found love of frocks because they are a fast “pull on and go” and generally very comfortable. Sweater dresses are a fab Fall and Winter version of crisply woven Spring and Summer dresses. If you can find a style that works, here’s an easy, practical and on-trend way to update the sweater dress look this season. 

Sweater Dress: Finding the right sweater dress can be tricky so refresh your memory about these tips. Personally, I like the option of a chunkier knit because it’s less clingy and more substantial. The length and style is to your taste. 

Opaque Tights: I like a tonal look with this outfit combination. For example, a grey sweater dress looks amazing with grey opaque tights. You could also wear sheer or patterned tonal tights, but opaques provide excellent coverage for sweater dresses with exposure.

Scarf: An optional extra and an effective colour vehicle. Some sweater dresses have collars that are more scarf-friendly like V-nceks, scoops or crew-necks. Cowls are less easy to wear with a scarf, but it can be done.

Heeled Desert Booties: Super comfy low heeled versions in casual suedes and distressed leathers like Clarks’ Water Row Bootie and Report’s Judith Ankle Bootie refresh the sweater dress vibe. Heeled haute hiking boots are another option. 

Faux Fur Coat: A  faux fur coat is fun, retro and cozy. It’s also pretty stain and lint friendly. Several of my clients are wearing faux fur coats because they add instant drama to an outfit. Add a checked coat if animal print is not your thing. The idea here is to add a non-solid topper that contrasts with the rest of the low contrast items. 

Handbag: Crossbody or shoulder bags are nice handsfree options. I chose a rich orange bag because I love this type of bright with an animal print. If you want to keep the outfit casual, choose a less structured bag in suede or distressed leather.

I’ve left out the jewelry, but by all means add a necklace instead of a scarf, or rings, bracelets and earrings. The point of these formulas is to plant the seed of an idea, the next step is to personalize the formula, silhouettes and colours to make it about YOU.

I like the distressed and cozy attitude of this little uber casual, “cold weather” crossbody bag. It’s vegan, fairly well made, practical, and guaranteed to add texture to your outfit. It lies fairly flat against the body and is super lightweight. Not bad for $62. I prefer the camel but it’s also available in brown. Great for gals on the go.

I call this vibe the tribal trend, but ShopBop refers to it as “Native Citizen”. With its geometric aztec-type patterns and often neutral colours, it is easy to spot. The items are bold, high contrast, and make quite a statement. 

I am not drawn to it because it’s a little too earthy, bohemian and casual for my style. But I can appreciate the the tribal trend on others, especially when the colours are brighter or black & white, and the fabrications are luxurious. I have an aztec patterned scarf in black, white, cobalt and neon pink, which makes it feel less earthy and more my style. 

I feel the same way about the tribal trend as I used to feel about animal print. Wear one tribal item at a time and make a statement with it. Fashion and style has moved on from then, and these days, it’s totally fab to wear a few harmonious animal print items at a time. I don’t feel that way about tribal items. Yet. 

To my eye, tribal items look best worn with a very modern, somewhat dressy, and polished edge. Think leather skinnies and pencil skirts, sheer hosiery and blouses, wedged booties, faux fur, crisp tailored jackets and even pearls. I have bad, bad ’80s memories of casual, oversized aztec “blanket jackets” worn with faded jeans and hiking boots or sneakers. I like sleek and fun ’80s fashion in general, but that particular look left a lot to be desired.   

Below are some tribal outfits that resonate with me. Some are more lady-like and dressy, while others are casual. But they all scream “modern edge”, which I think is the key.

Most of us have a routine when we get dressed in the morning. Some fix their hair and make-up before they put on their outfit, whereas others do the opposite. And some pop on their outfit between doing hair and make-up. There is no right and wrong order. It’s all about what works best for you.

I first pull on my outfit, then I fix my hair and finally finish things off with a light polish of make-up. Things happen in this order because I don’t want clothing to touch my hair or face after they’ve been fixed. On the other hand, I have clients and friends who do their hair and make-up first because it allows them to judge the success of outfits more accurately when everything else is in place.

What is your “hair-face-outfit” order, and tell us why it works best for you. Also let us know if you don’t have a set order at all.