Fall has officially arrived, and although the weather is taking its sweet time to catch up (at least here in the Midwest!), I’m beginning my annual seasonal swap. In other words, switching out my summer staples for cozy knits, dark-wash denim, and light jackets. And dresses are no exception to this process! I’m storing my easy, breezy linen styles away until next spring, and bringing out some of my favorite dresses for fall. Curious about what those might be? Keep reading for a list of this season’s 9 must-have fall dress styles, and inspiration about how to style them.
1. Sweater Dress
gap factory
CashSoft Relaxed Turtleneck Sweater Mini Dress
A sweater dress might be one of the first styles that comes to mind when you think of fall dresses – and with good reason! If you’re as much of a fan as I am of classic knits, a sweater dress lets you have your cake and eat it, too. You get the cozy, warm comfort of a knit sweater, all while elevating your daily look and making it even easier to get ready in the morning. A sweater dress is grab and go – all it takes is a few accessories, and maybe a light jacket, to create a chic fall outfit.
Knee-high boots are a natural accompaniment to a sweater mini dress, but you have other options for fall, too! Loafers are a great alternative – they always remind me of quintessential, preppy fall fashion. Add a pair of cozy socks, a trench coat, a belt, gold jewelry, and a leather shoulder bag. Now you have the perfect look for a fall lunch date with friends.
shoes | socks | dress | bag | belt | coat | watch | earrings
2. Slip Dress
j.crew
Natasha Slip Dress
When it comes to your fall wardrobe, you should definitely have a slip dress in your closet if you love a classy, elegant style. It’s the perfect dress for cocktail attire at autumn weddings, date night, or a night out with friends. This is a layering staple that adds a bit of luxury to any outfit idea.
For date night, go for a monochromatic look for a little bit of drama and mystery. Plus, all black outfits give you a slimming effect! If you want to add a pattern, do so with your handbag – leopard print is my go-to choice. As for your layers, you could add a sheer lace long-sleeved shirt underneath, or maybe even a turtleneck. Want to add a layer on top of the dress? Try a v-neck sweater that still allows the detail on the dress neckline to show through, or go for a leather jacket if you like an edgier style.
dress | shoes | purse | sweater | earrings
3. Shirtdress
banana republic factory
Cuffed Tie-Front Midi Shirtdress
What dress do you add to your wardrobe when you need a piece that can work and play hard? A shirtdress! Especially in a midi length. This style of fall dress can be as professional as it is playful – it’s all in your styling. The right extras can elevate your look to business professional, or dress it down for a casual weekend look.
If you’re all about casual fall outfits that fit your on-the-go lifestyle, offset the sophisticated look of a button-down dress with sneakers and a baseball cap. You could even add a trench coat for a bit of a French influence. It’s the ideal look to make your busy Saturday running errands feel a little more luxurious and special.
On the flip side, this dress is also an office dress code superhero. It’s modest, comfortable, and easy to throw on in the morning. Elevate the look with loafers or mule slides, stud earrings, and a vintage-inspired leather watch. A shirtdress is the ideal piece to add to your workwear rotation, especially among your dresses for fall.
dress | bag | shoes | watch | earrings
4. Long-Sleeve Midi Dress
banana republic factory
Soft Luxe Shirred-Side Midi Dress
Next up: a long-sleeve midi dress. When it comes to versatile dresses for fall, midi dresses top the list. They’re not quite as formal as maxi dresses, but offer more modest coverage than mini dresses. They look great on everyone and are easy to dress up or down, depending on the occasion. For a fall-specific look, opt for this style in rich autumn shades like rust, burgundy, or olive.
When it comes to chic color combinations for the new season, try pairing one of the colors above with chocolate brown. The deep, warm tone will add dimension to any outfit and feels super cozy when the temperature starts to drop.
dress | coat | boots | bag | earrings | sunglasses
5. Wrap Dress
banana republic factory
Wrap Dress
It’s no secret that Parisians love a wrap dress. This style will always make their list of favorite dresses for fall! But why do they love it so much? Well, to start, it’s adjustable. The wrap at the waist gives it the ability to be altered by the wearer, and adjusted to fit every body. No trip to the tailor required! The wrap also serves another purpose visually. The tie at the waist draws attention to the narrowest part of your waist, just like adding a belt. The wrap dress is feminine, fun, and a great way to mix up your typical fall dress silhouettes.
boots | tights | dress | bag | earrings | necklace
6. Suede Dress
tuckernuck
Ganache Vegan Suede Marlowe Dress
Suede might be trending, but this fall fabric isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. This classic type of leather is luxurious and soft. It feels warmer than smooth leather pieces, and its natural colors vibe perfectly with autumn’s aesthetic.
A suede dress can fit a number of popular fall aesthetics – from Western wear to British countryside style to 60s and 70s-inspired vintage looks. For a polished take on a suede dress, layer it over a black turtleneck. Then, add tortoiseshell accessories and a smooth leather bag for contrast. Sleek leather boots complete the ensemble that would look right at home in a previous decade, but also still looks chic today.
boots | dress | turtleneck | bag | earrings
7. Denim Dress
banana republic factory
Denim Pocketed Mini Shirtdress
Speaking of Western wear, all-denim looks are everywhere this season – and a denim dress is the perfect way to ease your way into this trending aesthetic. Of course, all-denim looks are nothing new – but they have seen a resurgence in popular street style over the past few years.
If you’re not sure about going full Canadian Tuxedo, try a denim dress for fall instead. It’s a little less visually overwhelming, and you don’t have to worry about finding the right shades of blue to pair together. And if you love that Western-inspired vibe, it’s easy to accessorize with a paisley neck scarf and a suede bag with gold grommets. Your other accessories can prevent this from looking too much like a costume – tortoiseshell earrings, loafers, and crew socks add a preppy touch to your fall look.
loafers | socks | bag | dress | scarf | earrings
8. Little Black Dress
j.crew
Sleeveless Suit Dress in Bouclé
Would you describe your dream aesthetic as “modern Audrey Hepburn style“? If the answer is “yes,” a little black dress is an essential for your feminine, classy look. The great thing about the LBD is that it can be styled year-round – it doesn’t have to be put away when fall is over. A sleeveless version works for the warm spring and summer months on its own or with a light cardigan, while the winter months call for styling with a classic coat, like a trench, or a wool version when the temperature drops even lower.
Channel Audrey’s timeless energy with pearl stud earrings, black heels, and a top-handle shoulder bag. It’s the perfect look for a night out, a work event, or a fall holiday party.
dress | coat | bag | shoes | earrings
9. Floral Dress
madewell
Puff-Sleeve Empire Waist Maxi Dress
Although florals for spring might not be groundbreaking, they are a fun twist to your autumn outfits! The trick is to choose fall-appropriate florals in deeper colors. This will ensure that your dress doesn’t look out of place in the cooler months.
Your accessories and layers can also help to transition your favorite florals to colder weather. Think classic fall staples like a denim jacket, a trench coat, or a suede jacket. A pair of burgundy shoes, or a suede tote, accomplishes the same thing! To round out your look, opt for simple jewelry – your patterned dress is the statement piece here.
flats | dress | bag | jacket | earrings | necklace
The Best Dresses for Fall
The best dresses for fall are as beautiful as they are functional. Whether it’s thanks to their warm fabric or layering potential, autumn dresses should keep you cozy and comfortable through the chilly autumn season. A dress might just be one of the easiest ways to take your seasonal looks to the next level, especially if it’s one of these 9 styles!
These are the dresses that we’re wearing this fall… but how about Parisians? Up Next: 7 Parisian Dress Styles French Women Love
