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It’s time to swap out your light summer sundress for some festive fall frocks. And while most wait for the Labor Day sales as the signal for the unofficial start to the fall shopping season, get ahead of the game with stylish and transitional garments from pre-fall and fall-winter collections that you can shop now, you know, before the post-holiday rush.
Fall dresses are essential to your seasonal wardrobe. We love the convenience of a super stylish one-piece outfit that immediately solves the problem of creating a full look with separate pieces. As I prepare for the cool-weather months ahead, I’ve not only scoured the internet for the best fall dresses, but I’ve included the brands I wear year over year. From silky slips and modern shirtdresses to seasonal knits and a selection of midi dresses, you’ll find the best of the best fall dresses that have either earned a permanent spot in my wardrobe or I’m currently coveting.
The Best Slip Dresses
Not only are slip dresses transitional, but the often simple design concept exudes an easy elegance that always looks great, any time of year.
Khaki is indeed a color, just as Real Housewives of New York newbie Jenna Lyons stated. If you’re looking to add some khaki styles to your fall wardrobe, this crêpe slip dress is an easy yet elegant option you can style with tall leather boots for the cooler season ahead, or strappy heels for a more formal occasion.
Available in sizes 00–24.
If you’re looking to add some color to your fall wardrobe this season, try this cobalt-blue silk dress. While the Solene Midi makes for a great summer-vacation dress, if you swap out light sandals for boots, add a chunky waist belt, and throw on a blazer, you’ll have yourself a colorful fall look.
Available in sizes XS–XXL.
When it comes to fall colors, you can’t escape shades like cinnamon, burnt orange, chocolate brown (which they say is the new black), and anything with a name like “Rust.” This beautiful silk option from Rixo, with lace detailing on the collar and cuffs, not only is the perfect fall color, it also can be worn in the office or for a date night. Versatility!
Available in sizes 2–20.
Channel your inner Daisy Jones ’70s-rock goddess with this flowy, bell-sleeved maxi dress. You may have seen this popular Realisation Par style in the brown-and-white zebra print on your favorite influencers and celebrities alike, but this red floral “Havana” pattern is another option you can’t go wrong with.
Available in sizes XXS–XXL.
The Best Knit Dresses
Knit dresses in the fall are more of a necessity than a need. Can you even do fall without a good knit dress? It would be hard (and chillier). From stylish sweater-dress looks to cozy-chic ribbed options, here are some of our top knit picks.
A stretch-rib dress like this one is a fall-wardrobe must-have. Not only is it comfortable, it can be easily layered with items like a tweed blazer or a faux-fur coat for days when the temperature drops below, well, whatever you personally consider no longer warm.
Available in sizes XS–XXL.
Despite cooler temperatures, a minidress in the fall can still be worn — with the right set of accessories, of course. This knit mini is a great throw-on option that comes in black and a mineral-blue color, but we’re a fan of the gossamer white.
Available in sizes XS–XL.
If you are big on the tennis-dress trend and trying to figure out how to transition those summer looks into the fall, look no further than this tech-knit polo dress by Tory Burch. A preppier option than the Reformation above, the fit-and-flare mini features an engineered texture rib-knit waist and sleeves.
Available in sizes XS–XL.
The fall is one of the best seasons for mixing textures, which you can easily do with Staud’s Corey Dress. The sleeveless ensemble features a knit sweater top and A-line cotton-poplin skirt, great for those pre-fall transitional weather days.
Available in sizes XS–XL.
For those who add sparkle to their fits, like myself, you’ll love this embellished ribbed midi dress featuring a crystal chain along the cutouts. The dress also makes for a great casual cocktail choice for evening events.
Available in sizes XS–L.
This isn’t your average knit dress. Make a statement in this delicate, wine-colored maxi made of merino wool knitted in open pointelle switches and finished with fluttering with asymmetrical ruffles.
Available in sizes 0–12.
Best Textured Dresses
We love a textured look for the cool-weather season, so don’t be afraid to have fun with fall fabrics like faux fur, leather, velvet, and even some denim.
It may be too hot to rock denim on those sweltering summer days, but that’s even more reason why denim looks are ideal for fall. Whether you want to rock a denim midi, like this sexy Reformation style, a mini, or a full A-line style, denim dresses are certainly a seasonal staple.
Available in sizes 0–12.
If you’re a fan of the mod shift dress, this leather minidress is a great option for an edgier take on the iconic design. The dress can be easily layered and paired with everything from tall boots and chunky loafers to everyone’s favorite fall accessory: tights.
Available in sizes 2–14.
This stretch-knit pullover dress is anything but boring. The garment’s gray shade lusters with silver sequins and is a great transitional look for day-to-night wear.
Available in sizes XS–L.
Velvet leaves for fall: groundbreaking? No. Beautiful? Yes. Embrace the fringe-dress trend with this ornate, golden-brown one-shoulder dress by Farm Rio.
Available in sizes XXS–XL.
The Best Shirtdresses
Sure, some shirtdresses can be pretty basic and are often a popular choice for a casual-chic day in the office. You don’t have to settle for boring, though. The options below are a spin to a beloved classic.
For a more modern take on the typical shirtdress, we love this corseted Simkhai style with a flirty flared skirt. A stylish shirtdress option for a day in the office or out on the town with heels or boots.
Available in sizes XS–L.
Try this sharp-shoulder style from Banana Republic for a more elevated shirtdress look. While most people may gravitate toward black, try the olive-green option as an alternative.
Available in sizes 0–20.
Digress from the typical shirtdress with this zip-up denim ensemble. Not only does this look double as a great denim dress for your closet, the modern shirtdress also features puffy raglan sleeves, a sharp, pointed collar, and the main event: a silver-tone front zipper.
Available in sizes 2–14.
The Best Midi Dresses
In addition to slip dresses, the other 90 percent of my wardrobe consists of transitional midi dresses. Some are indeed silk slip sheaths, but below are some of my favorite midi looks that range from smock and mesh styles to puff-sleeved and sleeveless options.
For all the Nap Dress lovers, trade in your favorite sleeveless Hill House style for this off-the-shoulder, long-sleeve look. You can never go wrong with a smock dress.
Available in sizes XXS–L.
If you’re a fan of orange and ultrafeminine, Regency Era–like fashions (like myself), then you’ll love this “pumpkin spice meets Daphne Bridgerton” pick from Boden. Pair the look with black or brown boots and a camel coat, and you’re set for a fall day.
Available in sizes 2–22.
For another “prairie girl meets Bridgerton” option, this engaging striped dress is a unique pick. Featuring a gathered bodice and halter-neck tie-front, this is the romantic, relaxed-fit gown you need this season.
Available in sizes 2–12.
Sure, we love a summer mesh style, but why not a mesh fall look? Bring the summer’s sheer trend into the fall with this mesh-paneled ensemble featuring a bold Expressionist print in a beautiful fall-toned color scheme.
Available in sizes OP–4.
Channel your inner Sanders Sister with this long-sleeve smock dress featuring a semi-sheer ruffled skirt. The Free People top seller is also a great option for those 60-degree fall days and for those who want a more subtle alternative to the sheer trend.
Available in sizes XS–XL.
An off-the-shoulder dress is always an elegant style. Made from soft and sustainable TENCEL™ fabric, this dress features gathered detailing and falls mid-calf, perfect for a pair of tall boots or statement heels.
Available in sizes XXS–XXL.
Make a statement in this bleeding-heart patterned dress by Brooklyn-based brand Alix of Bohemia. The midi dress features a cool artistic design, and for an added extra something, the bodice of the dress is embellished with silver studs.
Available in sizes XS–XL.
