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
Corduroy Midi Dress
Corduroy is a quintessential fall fabric so any dress made in corduroy is instantly a fall appropriate dress! The color is an added bonus because it is the most gorgeous green.
Suede Mini Dress
Suede is another fall specific material and a suede mini dress is so chic for the cooler weather. This is a dress that is meant to be layered so the styling options are endless. I would definitely pair this with sheer tights and your favorite knee high boots.
Turtleneck Maxi Dress
There is nothing more classic and versatile than a black sweater dress. This one is a bit more unique because of the bell sleeves but the overall shape is timeless.
Super-Stretch Ruffle Sweater Dress
Everything about this dress is very simple and plain until you get to the ruffle hem. I absolutely LOVE that added detail which elevates it more than a basic sweater dress. The ruffle does make it a bit dressier so this would be great for any fall events or dinners on the calendar.
Knitted Turtleneck Sweater Dress
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.
Cable Knit Sweater Dress
If you already own a simple sweater dress and want to add another to your closet to have options, consider a cable knit sweater dress. The added texture and detail on the dress really create a more interesting look but the overall style is still simple and classic. It’s worth noting that cable knit sweater dresses are overall a bit bulkier in nature so that will be reflected in the silhouette but don’t let that deter you from trying one! It’s still such a gorgeous fall dress option.
Knitted Rib Shirt Dress
As someone that has quite a large collection of striped clothing, I had to include a striped dress for fall. This is a great option for the workplace but also easy to dress up with special heels and a clutch for a night out.
Turtleneck Sweater and Satin Slip Dress Set
Mixing textures is the best way to really create interest in an outfit. This set is actually two pieces which makes it the most versatile out of all these choices. I love the look of a silky fabric paired with a soft fuzzy fabric – it’s true styling in an effortless way.
Smocked Tank Midi Dress
Fall is still a tricky time weather-wise and many places still have warm temps for most of the season. This smocked tank dress is the best transition dress because it will easily work in summer and then into fall with the addition of a cardigan or blazer.
Tweed Mini Dress
Much like corduroy and suede, tweed is another classic fall fabric! This particular style is great for the office.
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.
Outfit details: Jacket (similar) | Dress (similar) | Boots (similar)
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.
Outfit details: Dress (similar) | Boots (similar) | Tights | Bag (similar) | Earrings (similar)
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.
Outfit details look 1: Dress (similar) | Boots (similar) | Bag
Outfit details: Dress (similar) | Boots (similar) | Bag | Sunglasses
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.
Outfit details: Dress (similar) | Jacket (similar) | Sneakers (similar)
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.
Outfit details: Dress (similar) | Wrap (similar) | Boots
Layer a Sweater Over Your Dress
This is actually a tank dress but the colors are perfect for fall so I added a simple crewneck sweater on top. To keep the crewneck sweater in place around the waist, I added a wrap belt and tucked the sweater into the belt. This gives the illusion that I am actually wearing a sweater and skirt!
Outfit details: Dress (similar) | Sweater | Belt | Boots | Sunglasses | Belt | Bag
There are so many denim styles to choose from that it can be incredibly confusing if you are trying to decide which style will work best for you. From bootcut to kick flare, baggy to barrel, the options seem endless. But when it comes to choosing a denim style that will instantly elevate your wardrobe, look modern, chic and yet still be timeless for years to come, there are only two styles that I would recommend. Wide leg and straight leg are the best options to add to your closet. They are the most versatile, the most classic and can be styled with anything you already own in your closet. 85% of my closet is a mix between both of these styles in different washes. This helps make shopping easier when I am looking for a new pair of jeans because it helps narrow down the options. There is nothing wrong with other fits and shapes as they offer a variety of options for different style preferences. But I do think that everyone should own at least one pair of wide leg denim and straight leg denim as part of your core wardrobe.
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