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It’s time to swap out your light summer sundress for some 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 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, 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 either have earned a permanent spot in my wardrobe or I’m currently coveting.
So, you’re searching for the best fall dresses?
➼ Best fall slip dresses
➼ Best fall knit and sweaterdresses
➼ Best fall textured dresses
➼ Best fall midi dresses
➼ Best fall shirtdresses
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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.
Available in sizes 00–24.
Khaki is indeed a color, just as Real Housewives of New York star 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 with infinite layering possibilities. Style the best-selling dress under a sweater or over a turtleneck, throw it on with a blazer or a long trench — it’s a true transitional piece for any time of year.
Available in sizes XXS–XXL.
Channel your inner ’70s-rock goddess with this flowy, bell-sleeved maxi dress. A personal favorite of mine! You may have seen this popular Realisation Par style in the brown-and-white zebra print on the feeds of influencers and celebrities alike, but this red floral “Havana” pattern is another option to spice up your fall wardrobe palette.
Available in sizes XS–L.
Be sexy or demure in this black-and-white-contrast lace-appliqué slip dress. Style the delicate dress over a pair of tall black boots or slip on some edgy flats to round off the look.
Available in sizes XS–XL.
For a nontypical slip dress option, try this sweet sheer dress. While sheer, the lace pattern dress is soft, romantic, and makes for a great layering piece. Throw on a light jacket or a fuzzy sweater or wear the slip on its own for a sexier look.
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The Best Knit and Sweaterdresses
Knit dresses in the fall are more of a necessity than a want. Can you even do fall without a good knit dress? It would be hard (and chillier). From stylish sweaterdress looks to cozy-chic ribbed options, here are some of our top knit picks.
Available in sizes XS–L.
There’s nothing like a sweaterdress with a built-in accessory. This cobalt-blue wool maxi dress features a soft and stylish wrap scarf attached to the neckline of the dress. Throw on a warm wool coat and you’re set to take on the fall-weather elements!
Available in sizes XS–XXL.
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–XL.
The fall is one of the best seasons for mixing textures, which you can easily do with this dress. The Staud combination style features an A-line cotton-poplin collared top with a pleated knit-skirt bottom and is sure to be the instant-layer look of your dreams.
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 preppy-chic option, the fit-and-flare mini features an engineered texture rib-knit waist and sleeves.
Available in sizes XS–XL.
If you’re a fan of a cozy sweaterdress, why not try a chic oversize cardigan? This Hanifa staple comes in a variety bright colors as well as neutral shades and looks like fall perfection styled over a pair of knee-high boots.
Available in sizes XS–L.
Cozy up this season in this oversize cashmere dress from Soft Goat. The sustainably made crewneck maxi is the cozy-chic sweaterdress you’ve been looking for. With its relaxed, pullover-style silhouette, this is an easy classic staple for your fall-to-winter wardrobe.
If you’re looking for a dress that will go from the fall to the holidays to your Valentine’s Day date night, look no further than this red cashmere mini from the new Reformation x Kacey Musgraves collab. Between the soft cashmere and cozy fit, you’ll think this dress is too good to be true.
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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.
Available in sizes 0–12.
It may be too hot for full 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 XS–XL.
A feminine “prairie girl meets Bridgerton” option, this quilted jacquard dress is a unique pick. Featuring a smocked torso and cuffed puff sleeves, this is the romantic yet relaxed-fit gown you need this season.
Available in sizes 00–14.
This isn’t your average jersey dress. Made of beautifully draped sheer jersey that is soft and chic, this “Winter Sun” dress is a total showstopper for any fall event. (I have it high on my wish list and dream about wearing it with tall, brown leather boots).
Available in sizes 2–12.
It’s the season of faux fur and leather. And while it might not be cold enough for a fuzzy coat, you can certainly sport a faux leather mini. With its studlike silver snaps and sleek slouched shoulders — this is an edgy biker-style look that can easily go from day to night.
Available in sizes XS–XL.
If you’re looking to take the bubble-skirt trend into the fall season, do so with this combination dress featuring a fitted mock-neck top and voluminous silky bubble-hem bottom. We also love the slide slits on the sleeves as an added touch. Apart from the chocolate brown, the dress also comes in different colors including a chic black and white.
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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, which range from smock and mesh styles to puff-sleeved and sleeveless options.
Available in sizes 2XS–XL.
A favorite of The Cut’s senior shopping editor, Bianca Nieves, this Aritzia dress is a classic example of a simple sheath that can be worn a plethora of ways. The strapless style features a bias cut creating a flattering drape that looks good on all body types and is made of a soft Japanese crêpe. Having worn the dress “nonstop” in the summer months, Nieves also says she’s “looking forward to wearing this with boots” in the falls season.
Available in UK sizes XXS–3X.
The “Scarlet Heat” color of this flowy dress is the perfect summer-to-Halloween shade. Made of a light shimmery viscose, shine on the beach at your last summer party and later in the pumpkin patches (perhaps with a sweater boots). But if you can’t take the “Scarlet Heat,” the drop-waist smocked-style also comes in black and white.
Available in sizes XXS–3XL.
This charcoal dress from Meshki is sophisticated but with a bit of edge. The ruched waist and hip design is incredibly flattering — you’re sure to receive a slew of compliments. A current staple in my own closet, this dress is not only great for fall, but it also transitions easily to every season and any event. Wear it with a pair of pumps for a more formal occasion or style it with leather boots for a fall evening out.
Available in UK sizes XXS–XXL.
It’s no surprise that, for the fall, we’re loving red accents from merlot to cayenne, like this fiery gathered skirt dress. The silky-soft dress is made out of an organic cotton blend, so not only is it super-soft, you’ll be able to strut with a comfortable ease in the bold scoop-neck style.
Available in UK sizes 6–20.
Embrace your inner English countryside with this broderie detailed midi dress. Featuring short puff sleeves, gingham ties and a shirred back, this is a fun feminine frock to add to your cart this season. Plus navy is always a great alternative to black and gray looks.
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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 put a spin on a beloved classic.
Available in sizes XS–XL.
We love a simple-chic shirtdress that looks good with just about anything. This wine-colored Cindy dress isn’t just another boxy shirtdress style. It’s pintucked at the waist, which gives it a nice cinched silhouette and looks great with a pair of tall suede or leather boots.
Available in sizes XXS–XL.
While this isn’t exactly a shirtdress, this cotton poplin mini is reminiscent of a shirt-like shift with a feminine flare. The square-neck balloon-sleeve dress, which has sly side pockets, is one of those light, versatile pieces that can go from late summer into fall.
Available in sizes 2–22.
Often when you think of a shirtdress, you think boring. But this flouncy, swirl-filled frock is anything but. With a classic collar and button-down design, this Rixo dress is a fun, feminine take on the shirtdress that isn’t too conservative but is also pretty and pristine.
Available in sizes XS–XL.
For an edgier take on the classic shirtdress, this cap-sleeved Zara style is fitted and features a unique side ruching at waist. The material resembles dark denim but is actually textured cotton.
