Fall is well underway and if your closest isn't already flooded with staple pieces for your fall capsule wardrobe, it might be time to start shopping. That means stocking up on boots, jackets and — our favorite — cold-weather dresses.
According to New York-based celebrity stylist and author, Samantha Brown, a new type of dress is trending this fall. "We typically think of sweater dresses in the fall, but this year we're seeing a greater mix of styles," she says. These new designs feature 'billowing, flowy, ethereal chiffon dresses paired with over the knee boots,” shares Brown.
Lucky for you, we’ve stumbled upon the best fall dresses to help kickstart your wardrobe upgrade. Whether you’re ready for long-sleeves, fall wedding guest dresses or bohemian vibes, we have many good options for any budget.
Scroll down to find the best stylist-recommended and editor-tested dresses to help you look (and feel) like a million bucks this season.
Expert-recommended and editor-loved fall dresses | Are dressing trending for fall? | What to look for | How we chose | Meet the experts
The best dresses for fall, according to experts and tested by editors
Most budget-friendly: Old Navy Fit & Flare Ribbed Maxi Dress
- Very flattering
- Comfortable and soft
- Material may be heavy
Sizes: XS-4X | Colorways: 3 | Materials: Cotton, polyester
"I love this Old Navy ribbed maxi dress for a chic, monochromatic look, and it comes in cream and gray," says Lindsey Bernay, a leading fashion expert, stylist and author. "It’s perfect for running errands during the day or dressing up for a night out with friends and family. The fabric is comfortable, and the dress comes in various sizes and lengths, making it flattering for every body type," Bernay explains.
For the expectant mother: Lahilo V-Neck Maternity Sweater Dress
- Comfortable
- Stretchy
- May be see through
Sizes: S-XXL | Colorways: 11 | Materials: Viscose, polyester, spandex
Shop TODAY editorial director Adrianna Brach loves this maternity sweater dress that features elastic side ruching. This stretchy dress is great for your growing belly and is designed to adapt to your changing body shape, according to the brand. Complete the look with a cute fedora and a pair of ankle boots.
Affordable editor pick: Auselily Crewneck Long Sleeve Dress
- Comfortable
- Roomy pockets
- Fabric is not very thick
Sizes: XS-3X | Colorways: 34 | Materials: Polyester, spandex
Shop TODAY contributor Lindy Segal tested this long sleeve dress and said the first thing she noticed was how comfortable it is. "The jersey material feels like a slightly thicker T-shirt; it’s ultra-soft and cozy, but not too thin," she explains.
"The A-line silhouette and round neckline are flattering, and I love that it has fairly large pockets, which I use to hold my phone or lip balm during walks," Segal says.
Trendy and lightweight: Cupshe Women's Floral Print Chiffon Dress
- Flattering
- Lightweight, breathable fabric
- Material may be thin
Sizes: XS-XXL | Colorways: 16 | Materials: Polyester
I [Wise] keep eyeing this chiffon dress from Cupshe and have been so tempted to add to my cart. Available in over a dozen shades and patterns, this long-sleeved mini dress makes the perfect choice for a casual fall wedding or weekend dinner with friends. Satisfied Amazon shoppers speak to the flattering fit and breathability.
Cost-effective expert choice: Mango Asymmetrical Dress with Slit
- Slit detail
- Asymmetrical neckline
- Limited sizing
Sizes: 0-12 | Colorways: 1 | Materials: Cotton, elastane
Brown is a major fan of this asymmetrical slit dress from Mango. “This can be dressed up or down depending on the event. I’d add tall boots and a leather jacket for day and a strappy heel at night,” she suggests.
Take a twirl: Abyovrt Women's Floral Embroidered Maxi Dress
- Comfortable
- Flowy
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Very limited sizing
Sizes: S-L | Colorways: 19 | Materials: Polyester
I [Wise] recently purchased this embroidered maxi dress from Amazon and am super excited to wear it. As a lover of dresses, I am always looking for a style that is unique, and this one definitely fits the bill. I purchased the dark green color (as I thought it would go well with my olive skin tone) and I couldn't be happier with it. This flowy dress features a smocked bodice and has pockets for storing all your favorite fall essentials, like lip oil or your phone.
Safe for work: Banana Republic Factory Wrap Midi Sweater Dress
- Stylish
- Comes in multiple colors
- Only available up to size L
Sizes: XXS-XXL | Colorways: 3 | Materials: Acrylic, nylon
“I love a good sweater dress, but a wrap dress is a bonus!” says Christina Stein, a personal stylist and CEO of Style by Christina. “And the color is incredible for the season. Grab some brown leather boots and you’re good as gold,” she suggests.
This stunning wrap dress features long-sleeves and an adjustable wrap front for a more comfortable fit.
Perfect for a holiday soiree: Never Full Dressed Tilly Velvet Midi Dress
- Thick material
- Classy
- Runs big
Sizes: 00-16 | Colorways: 1 | Material: Velvet
"I get invited to a good amount of holiday events for work, but I’m always struggling to find the right look that’ll be comfortable yet impress the industry people I come across," shares senior editor Jess Bender. "I feel confident that this velvety midi dress checks the boxes of festive chic (the rhinestones! the off-shoulder moment!) and comfort (the pullover style! the extra roominess in case I eat too many hors d’oeurves!)," she raves.
Drop-waist pick: Nia Sera Dress
- Soft fabric
- Flowy skirt
- Breathable open back
- Runs small
Sizes: XS-L | Colorways: 1 | Materials: Polyester, spandex
"This dress has quickly become one of my favorites... especially for fall," shares commerce editor Amanda Fama. "The polyester-spandex knit fabric blend is incredibly smooth, and it has enough weight to it that provides some warmth on chillier days," she continues.
"I really like the way the ruched sides look on the upper portion of the dress, but my favorite thing about it is the open-back design. I plan on wearing this well into winter, as the long sleeves will surely keep me cozy," says Fama.
Show-stopping: Petal and Pup Betina Bow Front Maxi Dress
- Comfortable
- Elegant
- Versatile
- May run small in bust
Sizes: XS-XL | Colorways: 3 | Materials: Polyester
When it comes to my go-to wedding guest dress for fall, I [Wise] never have to stress with this stunning bow front maxi dress that comes in classic black, blue and dusty rose. Not only is it incredible comfortable and easy to move around in, but it is an absolute showstopper in photos. However, if you are busty like me, I would consider sizing up as it may run a bit tight in the chest area.
Splurge option: Vince Camuto Off-the-Shoulder Ruched Sheath Dress
Sizes: 0-14 | Colorways: 1 | Materials: Polyester, rayon, spandex
My [Wise] aunt, Traci, recently wore this classic off-the-shoulder Vince Camuto dress to a family wedding where she had to travel over an hour in a car to get there. She loves this sophisticated knee-length dress because it doesn't wrinkle and stayed pristine all evening long. All eyes will be on you at your next formal event!
Comfy as a nightgown: Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress
- Stylish
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- A bit pricey
Sizes: XXXS-4X | Colorways: 25 | Materials: Cotton
I [Wise] live in the Hill House Home nap dress during summer and fall. The size medium fits my body like a glove, and it is extremely comfortable. I'm in love with the navy equestrian toile print right now, and even have the matching Belle bow. This dress may be a splurge, but I promise it is worth the investment. It is, by far, the most comfortable dress I own.
If you're worried about being too chilly, opt for a cozy sherpa or classic denim jacket to wear over this darling dress.
Are dresses trending for fall?
Before you step into a silky little number this season, you may want to know, "are dresses even trending right now?" According to Bernay, the answer is a definite yes. "Dresses are trending for fall in rich tones like chocolate brown, camel and burgundy, and are must-haves in your wardrobe this season," she explains.
"Fall floral dresses make a statement and bring a fresh yet cozy vibe. Pair a dress with booties or studded flats and wear a leather jacket over your shoulders for that quintessential fall vibe," recommends Bernay. In a nutshell, she suggests looking for "timeless and trendy pieces that work for every occasion."
What to look for in a fall dress
Saying goodbye to your whimsical summer wardrobe can be rough, even in mid-October. The good news is you may not need to push all those flowy dresses to the back of your closet just yet. "Many dresses that feel summery can be transitioned into fall with strategic layering and accessorizing," shares Brown.
"Adding tights, boots, a leather jacket or cardigan or even a long sleeve layer underneath can help you carry your summer pieces into the cooler months," she continues. If shopping for something new, Brown recommends cozy fabrics with natural fibers for warmth.
Bernay adds that when choosing your perfect fall dress, look for fabrics like viscose or wool blends. "Skip cotton, it’s too light for the season,” she says. "Try pairing a tank top dress over a turtleneck, finished with a cropped leather bomber jacket for a chic layered look. Dresses with cropped sweaters or cardigans are also great options to keep you cozy and stylish!" she raves.
When fall comes around, "I start to get into sweater style and maxi dresses," says Stein. "There needs to be some sort of texture and coziness to it. I also love, love love jewel tones for this time of year. I guess I'm a sucker for the leaves changing and colder weather," she admits.
How we choose the best fall dresses
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products and sales out there. We use our own personal experiences with products and brands to make shopping easier for our readers. We also enlisted the recommendations of celebrity and personal stylists to help round out the list.
Meet the experts
- Samantha Brown is a New York-based celebrity stylist and author of Dressing Up: Pip’s Truly Fashionable Tale”
- Lindsey Bernay is a leading fashion expert, stylist and author of the book, “You Can’t Leave the House Naked.”
- Christina Stein is a personal stylist and CEO of Style by Christina.
