10 Perfect Fall Dresses That Will Make You Thankful for Cooler Weather
When the temperature begins to drop and the air turns crisp and chilly, it’s time to start wearing our favorite fall dresses again. Because while we love pairing tights and cardigans with our summer sundresses to make the season last a little longer, what’s easier than pulling on a wrap dress, or cozying up in a sweater dress?
There are a few things we look for in fall dresses: pockets, for one. (Although to be fair, this is something we look for in dresses for all seasons.) Another is sleeves that can roll up or down, to accommodate fluctuating temperatures, and a muted color palette that says “autumn.” We love a seasonally-themed dress, as well (if Halloween candy is already on the store shelves in August, we say it’s acceptable to start wearing our witch and black-cat themed outfits.)
The best fall dresses can be styled up and down and worn to the office, on a night out, or just running errands, but sometimes you need a special dress — for example, if you’re invited to a fall wedding. To that end, we’ve rounded up a few picks that we think represent the best in fall dresses, at a variety of price points. Find your new favorite fall dress below! (And if you’re not quite ready to say goodbye to summer, check out our picks for the best sundresses, too!)
Halogen Long Sleeve Sweater Dress
best Fall sweater dress
Why we like it:
- Figure-hugging fit
- Comes in 4 rich colors for fall
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.
Torrid Button-Front Midi Shirt Dress
best Fall shirt dress
Buy on Torrid ($49.07, originally $75.50)
Why we like it:
- Available in plus sizes
- Stretchy fabric and drawstring waist for a comfortable fit
We love a shirt dress for fall, and this lightweight, rayon/spandex blend dress is covered in colorful blooms and comfortable enough to wear anywhere. Front pockets add a practical touch, short sleeves mean you can wear it in warmer fall weather or pull a cardigan over it on chillier days, and the drawstring waist makes it figure-flattering. Just be sure to wash this one in cold water, and don’t put it in the dryer, or it will shrink.
The Etsuko Dress
best fall work dress
Why we like it:
- Classic style
- Machine-washable
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). P.S. We’re in love with a few items from M.M. LaFleur’s new fall line — you can shop the whole collection here!
Luxe Cotton Seamed Tank Dress
best casual dress for fall
Why we like it:
- Can easily be dressed up or down
- Made of thick cotton that never looks rumpled
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!
Asos Floral Dress
Best plus size fall dress
Buy on Asos ($133.95, originally $141)
Why we like it:
- Pretty floral print
- High neckline
The orange floral pattern on this plus-sized dress feels like autumn to us, and the high neckline, pleated skirt, and subtly puffed sleeves are just formal enough to make it perfect for those days when you want to feel a little bit fancy. The fabric is machine-washable and doesn’t have any stretch, so this dress will hold its shape wear after wear.
Alicia Mixed Media Midi Dress
best cocktail dress for fall
Why we like it:
- Swingy chiffon skirt contrasts with fitted crepe bodice
- Available in three perfect fall colors
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.
Embroidered Dot Chambray Wrap Dress
best wrap dress for fall
Buy on Draper James ($83, originally $150)
Why we like it:
- Adjustable waist
- Works for all seasons
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.
MEROKEETY T-Shirt Dress
best fall dress with pockets
Why we like it:
- Comes in 15 different colors and styles!
- Hundreds of five-star Amazon reviews
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 who doesn’t love a dress with pockets? Choose from a wide variety of colors and patterns, including solids, short sleeves, and sleeveless (perfect for pairing with a sweater).
ModCloth Optimistic Effect Sleeveless Dress
best halloween dress
Why we like it:
- Spooky-yet-subtle skeleton cat pattern
- Flattering fit-and-flare silhouette
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 green jungle cat print, in case spooky isn’t your thing.
Anthropologie Hutch Biscayne Dress
best fall wedding guest dress
Why we like it:
- Flowing, feminine lines
- Plunging V-neck is sexy, yet still bra-friendly
We’re a little bit obsessed with this gorgeous wrap dress, which drapes like a dream and comes in an olive green perfect for autumn. 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 formal enough for a wedding or other black-tie occasion.
