The sweater dress is everywhere this Fall, and is a lot more forgiving than its past skin-tight versions. Trend staples Nordstrom, H&M, and Urban Outfitters have a range of styles that go from thin knit body-conscious to cozy, chunky, and playful. Here are a few tips on how to make this long sweater craze wearable fashion.

What I love most about the sweater dress is its versatility. You can take one sweater dress and make it look demure and crisp with pumps or throw on leggings and boots to make it uber-hip. You know what I'm talking about -- the whole "I threw this together and THEN I rolled out of bed" look that Serena van der Woodsen pulls off so well. In fact, I would say Blair and Serena could share one sweater dress and put each of their own signature styles on it. Of course, sharing one dress would probably result in said dress being ripped to shreds, but I digress.

Left to Right: Rubbish, Nordstrom, $58; Frenchi, Nordstrom, $52; Play by C. Ronson, Urban Outfitters, $118.

Options, Options, Options

Point is, you can create many looks with a sweater dress and get a lot of mileage from your Fall wardrobe. (Plus, H&M has a bunch under $30.)

DO:

- Use a belt -- skinny or wide -- to accentuate your waist.

- Combine a neutral color with bright leggings or tights.

- Wear with boots (tall and ankle both work), pumps like a classic Mary Jane, or stylish flats.

- Watch out for seams. If wearing your sweater dress over jeans, make sure the pockets and waistband aren't showing through.

- Accessorize with a big, slouchy bag.

DON'T:

- Wear with sandals. The sweater/sandal thing is just too...not working.

- Choose the one that is so tight that it makes you look like you're wearing sausage casing. At the same time, don't pick one that is so loose it makes you look like a box.

- Wear a sweater over your sweater dress. It's redundant and probably very bulky. Instead, put a simple scoop neck, long-sleeve tee underneath a sleavless dress for a smart, jumper look. Pair sleeved dresses with denim, leather, blazers, or cropped bomber jackets.

- Choose flare or boot leg jeans. Only the skinny jean will do to prevent legs from looking shorter with these dresses. Elongating your legs is a fashion DO 24/7. It improves your stature and makes clothes hang nicer.

Sweater Dress Alternative: Long Cardigans

The line between sweater and sweater dress is blurring more. Cardigans are playing the "how low can you go" game with their lengths. The result is ultra-coziness for the cool season ahead. If you're not totally feeling the sweater dress thing but like the overall look of it, throw a long cardigan over your outfit. Same principles apply, and this is another way to pull off the trend with less commitment.

Left to Right: BDG, $54; Coincidence and Chance, $58. Both from Urban Outfitters.

Photo Sources: Nordstrom.com, UrbanOutfitters.com