8 Perfect Fall Dresses That Will Make You Thankful for Cooler Weather

Where to buy: $139, Nordstrom

Nothing says “fall” like a cozy sweater dress. But some can be too boxy, covering up our curves when we’d rather show them off. That’s just one of the reasons we like this sexy sweater dress, which skims your figure without being too tight. The bold red version here is eye-popping and perfect for a pre-holiday gathering (or any occasion where you want to stand out and make an impression), while the navy, gray, and black versions feature contrasting trim at the neck and wrists.

Where to buy: $58, Everlane

We love a cotton tank dress, but finding one that looks polished isn’t easy — they tend to stretch out, wrinkle, and droop after being worn for a few hours. Not so with this Everlane dress, however! The smooth, sturdy cotton holds its shape while still feeling soft and comfortable. A square neckline and princess seams flatter your figure, and the mid-calf length is perfect for cooler days. Dress it up for the boardroom or wear it with sandals on those unseasonably hot autumn days. Comes in black, white, moss green, or the amber hue pictured here — and is affordable enough to pick up a couple of colors!

Where to buy: $135 (Originally $195), M.M. LaFleur

There are so many things to love about this dress (which comes in eight rich fall hues, including an ivory and blue geometric print, deep claret, and classic black), but what really sells us on it is that it’s made of a machine-washable, wrinkle-resistant, stretchy material called WonderTex — which is as wonderful as it sounds. It’s also treated with an anti-odor finish, so it needs to be washed less often (even if you find yourself breaking out in a cold sweat at work now and then). M.M. LaFleur rarely puts their dresses on sale, so snap this one up now!

Where to buy: $198, Nordstrom

There’s more to this simple cocktail dress than meets the eye: Contrasting fabrics on the top and bottom offer visual interest that’s both fun and flattering. Choose from the burgundy shade pictured, a bright classic red, or a deep midnight blue, and be the best-dressed at your next party, drinks date, or any special occasion. Planning on dancing? You’ll love the way the chiffon skirt swirls! The deep V-neck means you might have to get a little creative with your undergarments, and on chilly nights, you’ll want a throw to keep you warm — but all-in-all, we’re in love with this pretty party dress.

Where to buy: $83 (Originally $150), Draper James

Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James line of clothing features classic American style with a touch of Southern charm, and this chambray wrap dress exemplifies her breezy yet tailored style. The belted waist makes it easy to adjust. Cinch it up on your “skinny” days, and let it out a little when you’ve indulged in a few too many fun-size Halloween candy bars. Speaking of sweets, the embroidered dot print is a sweet touch, and the three-quarter length sleeves and midi-length hem work equally well for spring as for fall.

Where to buy: From $19.99, Amazon

This simple fall dress works equally well for school drop-off as it does for a dinner date, given the right accessories. Its stripes, round neck, and 3/4-length sleeves lend it a classic look we love — and so do hundreds of Amazon reviewers who rave about it! The polyester blend has a touch of spandex, so it’s got just enough stretch be be comfortable, but still holds shape beautifully. And, obviously — pockets! Choose from a wide variety of colors and patterns, including solids, short sleeves, and sleeveless (perfect for pairing with a sweater).

Where to buy: $59, ModCloth

Who says you can only wear a Halloween dress one day out of the year? We think this twist on the little black dress works well throughout September and October, with its subtle skeleton cat pattern and classic fit-and-flare cut. Princess seams, pockets, and a back panel with some stretch to it make for a practical and flattering fit, and the lack of sleeves means you can throw your favorite cardigan over the top, or go without on those fall days that are still hotter than they’re supposed to be. (Or are we just having hot flashes?) It also comes in a Halloween-themed print with a light purple background (hurry, that one’s selling out fast!), a blue wave pattern, and a green jungle cat print, in case spooky isn’t your thing.

Where to buy: $275, Anthropologie

We’re a little bit obsessed with this gorgeous wrap dress, which drapes like a dream and comes in an olive green that feels like autumn to us. A ruffle skirt adds a touch of feminine charm without looking too “girly” and the abstract pattern is reminiscent of camouflage (right on trend for fall), but somehow still fancy enough for a wedding or other black-tie occasion.