In the fall, the key to choosing the right dress is finding something that balances style with practicality, keeping you warm and comfortable as temperatures start to drop. Below, you’ll discover dresses for the fall that will have you wishing for autumnal weather.
What do you wear under a dress in the fall?
Well, that depends on the dress. To layer up, you may want tights or leggings to keep your legs warm. Depending on the dress style, you could also layer a t-shirt, shirt or polo neck underneath when the weather really starts to cool.
What kind of dress to wear in the fall?
There are so many beautiful dress choices this summer. The key is to choose a dress that will work for fall, but also suits your style personality and body shape.
Karen @styledbykaren above looks fabulous in her tiered, boho style dress.
Recreate her outfit with this similar dress (another option here), boots, belt and sunglasses.
How to wear summer dresses for fall?
While the best time to choose a new dress is at the start of the season, you don’t have to rush out and buy a dress specifically for fall. You can style your summer dresses for fall by adding a jacket and boots rather than wearing them with your sandals.
Can you wear dresses in October?
Of course, you can wear a dress any month of the year. Layering is key to making your dress work for transitional weather.
What to look out for when choosing a dress for fall
When treating yourself to a new dress for the fall season, you’ll want to look out for…
Sleeves
Dresses with sleeves not only look more appropriate for fall but also keep you warmer. Another option is to choose a pinafore-style dress but wear a shirt or sweater underneath.
Fabric
Your thin, floaty summer dresses may not be suitable for fall. Instead, look for warmer, ‘tougher’ fabric choices like wool and cashmere blends, denim, leather, and corduroy.
Length
Great lengths for fall are knee and midi styles that you can wear with your tights and boots, as shown by Dawn Lucy @fashionshouldbefun above (read her style interview here).
Check out this similar dress (another option here), jacket, tights, boots, handbag and earrings.
What kind of dress to wear in the Fall?
There are so many choices of fall dresses that you could make. Below, are some of the best…
Sweater dress
Style: A sweater dress is cozy and stylish. Choose natural materials like wool. Or, for extra luxury, opt for cashmere. That way, you’ll be both warm and comfortable.
How to wear: Pair with tights and ankle boots for a casual look, or dress up with heeled boots and a belt. When it gets even cooler, layer it with a trench coat or a long wool or cashmere coat. Don’t be afraid to choose a coat in a color choice that you wouldn’t necessarily expect for fall.
Sam Edelman Belted Double Breasted Coat – Tanya Taylor Flint Rib Knit Midi Dress – AllSaints Tori Boots – HOBO Cambel Crossbody Bag – Mignonne Gavigan Madeline Mixed Media Mini Wing Earrings
Shirt dress
Style: A shirt dress is ideal for dressing up or down. You can wear it as it is, with a belt, or you can wear it open like a duster jacket.
How to wear: Wear loose or belt at the waist to create a different silhouette. Wear with sneakers, ankle boots of knee-high boots. You could also wear a sleeveless or chunky knit sweater on top to stay cozy. You can add a camisole underneath if you need more warmth.
Diane von Furstenberg Tori Tie Belt Long Sleeve Shirtdress – Sam Edelman Sylvia Knee High Boots – Rebecca Minkoff Darren Leather Shoulder Bag – Lele Sadoughi Small Dome Teardrop Earrings
Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion above (read her style interview here) chooses a beautiful yellow dress that would brighten up full fall days. You could easily style with sneakers or boots for a different look.
Get her look with this similar dress (another option here), pumps, handbag and necklace.
Wrap dress
Style: We love wrap dresses because they are so flattering on all body types. In fall, choose one in a heavier fabric like jersey or a wool or cashmere blend, or add layers to a lighter fabric.
How to wear: Style your wrap dress with a moto jacket and ankle or knee-high booties or wear with a blazer for a smarter look.
Chelsea28 Long Sleeve Faux Wrap Dress – Franco Sarto Anna Booties – Madewell Medium Essentials Leather East/West Tote – Amber Sceats Zagora Vessie Hoop Earrings
Midi dress
Style: Midi dresses are perfect for fall because they hit around mid-calf, offer more coverage than shorter dresses, and are versatile enough to be styled in lots of different ways.
How to wear: You can wear your summer midi dress by layering. When it starts to get really chilly, look for heavier fabrics like denim or jersey. Wear with sandals if it’s still warm, or pair with booties or tall boots. Add a leather moto jacket or denim jacket for layering.
ASTR The Label Emery Cropped Stretch Wool Jacket – Alice + Olivia Delora Cityscape Print Midi Dress – AllSaints Tori Boots – Madewell Medium Essentials Leather East/West Tote – Mignonne Gavigan Madeline Mixed Media Mini Wing Earrings
Maxi dress
Style: Your maxi dress can easily be transitioned to fall. Choose darker shades, and don’t be afraid to opt for a print. Just be careful that your maxi dress doesn’t skim the floor in wet weather.
How to wear: Wear with a leather jacket and ankle boots for a boho-style look or opt for a denim jacket and sneakers for a more ‘urban’ feel.
J.Crew Pleated Denim Lady Jacket – Norma Kamali Jersey Slit T-Shirt Maxi Dress – Vionic Winny Sneakers – Tory Burch McGraw Leather Tote – Chan Luu Beaded Chain Necklace
Nicola @40notfrumpy above shows how you could wear your sneakers with a longer dress.
Steal her look with this similar dress (another option here), sneakers and tote.
Pinafore dress
Style: A sleeveless pinafore dress is perfect for layering over lots of tops for fall.
How to wear: Style your pinafore dress by layering over a turtleneck or shirt. Add tights, and booties or long boots.
Cinq à Sept Photoreal Denim Mesh Turtleneck Top – Nicholas the Label Shea Denim Button-Front Midi Dress – Franco Sarto Anna Booties – Rebecca Minkoff Darren Leather Shoulder Bag – Mignonne Gavigan Madeline Mixed Media Mini Wing Earrings
Plaid dress
Style: Plain or checks are a quintessential pattern for fall, so a plaid dress can be the perfect way to embrace fall’s aesthetic.
How to wear: A plaid dress has the same sort of look as a plaid shirt with jeans, so think about styling it the same way. Wear with sneakers or ankle boots. Add a leather jacket or a long coat to finish your look. Wear tights for extra warmth if you need to.
Rails Everest Longline Coat – NIC+ZOE Painted Plaid Bianca Dress – Vionic Winny Sneakers – Tory Burch McGraw Leather Tote – Lele Sadoughi Small Dome Teardrop Earrings
Denim dress
Style: A denim dress is very on trend right now. It’s sturdy and stylish, making it a great choice for fall.
How to wear: Depending on the style you choose, you can dress up your denim dress for an evening out. Wear it with ankle boots or sneakers for casual days or heels for dinner. You can layer a long coat, cardigan, or blazer over the top. Add a scarf that matches the formality of your outfit.
Madewell Western Long Sleeve Denim Shirtdress – Sam Edelman Sylvia Knee High Boots – HOBO Cambel Crossbody Bag – Amber Sceats Zagora Vessie Hoop Earrings
Jamie @moreturquoise above (read her style interview here) opts for boots with her denim dress. If you choose a sleeveless style, you could add a turtleneck underneath when it gets really cold.
Recreate her outfit with this similar denim dress, boots, earrings and sunglasses.
A-line dress
Style: An a-line dress is flattering, particularly for pear shapes. And, with a bit of a retro shape, it’s a fantastic style for fall.
How to wear: Think about A-line dresses from the 60s, and wear with tights and either ballet flats or boots.
Varley Maple Drawstring Dress – L’AGENCE Scottie High-Rise Wide Leg Jeans – Sam Edelman Cass Ballet Flats – Tory Burch McGraw Leather Tote – Chan Luu Beaded Chain Necklace
Your dresses for the fall outfits together in one capsule
Below, you can see all of the outfits from above together in one capsule. You could easily mix and match the outerwear, shoes, and accessories to create different looks.
shop the items above here:
Continue reading:
- Fall winter 2024 fashion trends – and how to wear them
- Denim jacket for dresses ideas: 9 outfits featuring denim jackets with dresses
- The best dresses to hide your tummy
Like this article on dresses for the fall? Share it on Pinterest
Feature image by Dawn Lucy @fashionshouldbefun
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
Want to get more articles from 40+style in your inbox, subscribe here.
You can also connect with 40+style on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Support 40+style by using the links in our articles to shop. As an associate for Amazon and many other brands, we receive a small commission (at no cost to you) on qualifying purchases which enables us to keep creating amazing free content for you. Thanks!