Fall Dresses I’m Loving

Fall is always thought of as a time for cozy sweaters, jeans, leggings, trousers – most fall outfits seem to center around staying all cozy and bundled up.  One of my favorite things about living in NYC for so many years was all the fall street style I would see. So many layers, textures, colors – it was fashion heaven! LOL

But not all fall outfits have to center around pants or jeans – I personally love fall dresses (maybe even more than summer dresses). The thicker materials, the various styles and they are so easy to dress up or down. You don’t necessarily have to put away your slip dresses from summer though, as you can easily add a chunky knit over top to transition it into fall. There are so many flattering fall dress styles that I’m loving right now so I thought I would dedicate a post to all the fall dresses I’m loving right now as well as some tips on how to style them.

Fall Dresses I’m Loving

1. Colorblock Cardigan Dress

I love the idea of a cardigan dress and this colorblock one is absolutely gorgeous! It’s perfect for fall but also lightweight enough to wear again in spring and summer. There are so many accessories options that would work with this dress as well because of the varied color palette.

2. Leopard Print Dress

As a long time lover of all things animal print (especially leopard), I couldn’t help but include one in this roundup. The print is nice and small on this one so it’s still quite subtle and would easily work with neutral shoes and bags.

3. Wrap Dress

Since the holiday season is beginning soon, I wanted to include a fancier dress option. This isn’t too formal but a great option for family photos or a even a fall wedding.

4. V-Neck Midi Dress

I always gravitate towards a v-neck style because it tends to look the most flattering on a larger bust (I am a 32DD). This green is so vibrant yet still a great neutral that would work with almost any shoe/bag combo. Button it up and wear as a dress or leave it unbuttoned and wear it as a duster cardigan.

5. Turtleneck Midi Dress

Absolutely stunning. The houndstooth print, the fishtail hemline, the turtleneck neckline – I love everything about this dress. This would work for the workplace with some low pumps and a large tote, but you could easily dress this up for evening with statement sandals and a bejeweled bag.

6. Black Sweater Dress

There is nothing more classic and versatile than a black sweater dress. This one is a mini style so it would look great worn with over the knee or knee high boots. You could also wear some patterned tights and chunky loafers to make the look a bit more trendy.

7. Long Sleeve Fall Print Dress

I think most people think of prints for spring and summer, but I personally love printed pieces in fall. The colors in this dress make it great for autumn, while the shorter length and shirt dress style could easily transition into spring.

8. Printed Mini Dress

This dress is the same brand as the previous printed dress and just as beautiful. I definitely think the higher neckline and blousy sleeves make it easy to dress up for evening, though a moto jacket and boots would make it perfect for an afternoon brunch or even a business casual office.

9. Turtleneck Dress

I have this dress in black and can confirm it is one of the best sweater dresses I own. A classic fit that will never go out of style – a turtleneck sweater dress is a great staple to add to your fall wardrobe. Dress it up for evening, wear it to the office or even throw on a denim jacket and sneakers to keep it casual. There are a million different styling options for a sweater dress outfit and it will be a piece that you wear year after year.

10. Striped Dress

As someone that has quite a large collection of striped clothing, I had to include a striped mini dress for fall. A great comfy option for the workplace but also easy to dress down with a denim jacket and sneakers for the weekend. This dress would also easily transition into spring and summer because of the timeless striped print.

11. Black Velvet Dress

If you need a holiday dress that you can wear year after year and know it will always look festive and timeless, a black velvet dress is the perfect option. The wrap style and v-neckline makes it a great canvas for a statement necklace or festive earrings. Opt for some printed tights when it gets cold or pair with strappy sandals if you live in a warmer climate that stays temperate through the fall and winter.

How To Style a Dress For Fall

Add a Moto Jacket

I especially love styling a slightly more feminine dress with a moto jacket as it combines both soft and hard elements in one outfit. A moto jacket is also great for the in between weather of fall when it’s necessary to wear a jacket but not cold enough to warrant a large winter wool coat.

Sheer Tights + Dressy Accessories

Make your fall dress appropriate for a night out or festive function but adding some sheer tights and dressier accessories. I personally think that sheer tights look a bit more dressy so I opt for them over opaque tights when an event calls for a more elevated look. And if your dress is a solid color, adding some bold accessories can help to add some interest and make it more appropriate for a fancier function.

Knee High Boots

There is no fall outfit more classic than a cozy sweater dress and knee high boots. It manages to straddle the line between dressy and casual easily and can be worn to a variety of places and occasions. Add some tights if it’s chilly but I personally love to wear bare legs while the weather still permits.

Keep it Casual with a Denim Jacket and Sneakers

Jeans and athleisure are not the only looks that have to be styled with sneakers. I regularly wear my cozy fall dresses with a simple white sneaker and denim jacket. I also tie my jacket around my waist because it helps to define the waist but also so I can throw it on if I get too cold. Keep the sneaker choice more subtle and less athletic so that it creates a more casual vibe rather than too sporty.

Ruana, Cape or Poncho

I have quite a few wraps/ruanas/capes for fall and often opt for them with a fall dress instead of grabbing a jacket or coat. It’s cozy, lightweight and adds more movement to an outfit. This colorblock wrap contains all the fall colors and easily works with a simple black turtleneck dress. I would wear this look to the office or a dinner with friends. Ponchos are another outerwear option that gives the same vibe but you don’t have to worry about keeping it fastened or draped over your shoulders.

For options on what to wear with a fall dress, check out the widgets below. I rounded up suggestions from each styling idea and chose a variety of price points and retailers.