Although I may love my denim, dresses are still a favorite wardrobe staple. While I wear them mostly in the spring and summer, I’m making more of an effort to embrace them for fall and winter. They’re so versatile and can be worn dressed up with heels and tights, or dressed down with a Chelsea boot or sneaker.
Finding fall dresses that are flattering and comfortable on your body is key. And once you have a few in your wardrobe arsenal, you’ll be ready to get dressed with ease for fall.
One of the reasons why I do love a dress for fall is that they’re the ideal transition piece. They’re easy to layer with cardigans and light jackets which is key for fall styling.
Dresses are perfect for those warmer fall days so you can have your legs bare. And my favorite, you can really transition your spring and summer dresses into fall extending the life of your favorite pieces and closet.
To get you ready for styling dresses for fall, these are my favorite tips for all the outfit ideas with your favorite dresses. And my guess is, you likely have a lot of these pieces in your closet already!
How To Style A Dress For Fall
Add A Third Piece
A third piece is my go-to style trick and for fall dresses, this can be a leather or denim jacket, utility jacket, or even a long knit cardigan. I’m all about a leather or denim jacket with a fall dress.
I like a denim jacket for early fall, and a leather jacket for later in the season or if it’s cooler. For those of us in warmer climates, a denim jacket can take you well into fall. Just keep the wash in mind (medium or dark washes). Leave the light wash denim or white denim for summer only.
You can also add a cropped cardigan to your fall dresses. Or try a blazer from faux leather blazers to plaid and everything in-between.
The Right Fall Shoes
The shoes can make or break the outfit. Fall dresses should always be paired with, you guessed it, fall shoes. From ankle booties, to knee high boots, loafers, pumps and the like.
A clog is a great option, or chunky loafer with a little ankle sock. You can even do a western ankle bootie like I did here with this slip dress.
I also love a good sneaker with a fall dress. You all know I love my platform Converse, and while they do work for a fall dress, I try to embrace more of my leather sneakers for the season.
The leather better matches the fall weather. A canvas sneaker can work in warmer climates though and early fall. But as soon as it starts to really get cold, switch to leather sneakers like my classic Reeboks, Madewell Trainers and so on.
Create Long Lines And Shape
Try creating a long line with trenches, long cardigans and even longer blazers. Plus, when they’re cinched or tailored at the waist, it helps to create an hourglass shape.
A nice long trench is great for throwing over short dresses, and even midi dresses Trenches are essential for fall! Here are some of my favorites under $150. And a long cardigan can do the trick too.
Cinch Your Waist
Whether it’s a mini dress or a long flowy maxi dress, to an oversized sweater dress, cinching your waist can be an easy way to create a shape that’s flattering.
Adding a belt will not only create that beautiful hourglass shape and show off your curves, but it’ll also add more interest to your outfit and add that third piece for a more complete
Choose Fall Fabrics And Colors
Anytime we’re in a new season it’s important to reevaluate your pieces for fabric and color. It’s fall, so think of earthy tones, neutrals, and so on. If you’re going to go for bright colors, at least choose them in season-appropriate fabrics like knits.
A sweater dress in a bright color is perfect. But an eyelet dress in hot pink, not so much. Leave your spaghetti strap dresses in the closet, and bring out the short sleeved or long-sleeved dresses instead. It’s all about season-appropriate items to pull of fall dresses the right way.
My Favorite Fall Dresses To Shop
Outfit Ideas In Fall Dresses
Mini Dresses With Knee High Boots
I adore this fall outfit combination and think it’s so sexy and chic. It instantly feels fashion forward. I personally prefer a heeled knee high boot over a flat one (I’m anti-riding boot a la 2012, sorry) and also really like an over-the-knee boot when done right.
But for a more timeless boot that you’ll wear year after year and with lots of things in your closet, I say stick to a classic mid-heeled boot that’s knee high and not OTK. It’ll be more classic and will last you years.
Long Lines Done Right
Choose your own adventure here as there are so many options for long lines to add to fall mini dresses. I love my oversized long blazer. It’s tailored just right to give you a little shape.
And everyone loves a cozy cardigan. Personally, I prefer to style these only if the dress has some shape, or if I’m belting it. Shape is everything!
Wear With Ankle Boots
The no brainer instant addition to all my fall dresses is to just add ankle boots. It’s the easiest way to bring your dresses into the season and make them feel fall-appropriate. From Chelsea boots, to white combat boots, Dr Martens and pretty pointy-toed booties, there are so many options.
When deciding on how to style a dress for fall Whether you want to feel if you want to feel ediger, or more dressed up and polished, just choose the right type of boots.
Leather & Suede Jackets With Fall Dresses
I love my leather and suede jackets and each year I usually add a new one to the mix. Whether you go classic black leather, or try a fun color, these always work great with fall dresses. It can turn the simplest little dress into an edgy street-style looking ensemble.
Midi Dresses With Knee High Boots
Just as I would with mini dresses, midis work great with a knee high boot. I especially love this for a 9-5 office look. Great to pair with a midi shirt dress like this one from Sezane. And just like many of the above tips, I’ve added a belt to cinch the waist and make the dress feel a tad more interesting.
Layered Turtleneck & A Belt
When thinking about how to style a dress for fall, adding a third piece can also mean adding a layer under your dress. This is a great way to get more use out of your pieces too. I love doing this with slip dresses to extend the life of them in my closet and get more wear out of them.
Cinching my waist with a belt and adding a cute trendy boot completes this fall date night look for chilly evenings.
