The Fall Dresses on Every Fashion Editor’s Wishlist

While on my way to work this morning, I heard the comforting sound of crisp leaves crunching beneath my kitten heels. The familiar tune encouraged me to consider my fall essentials collection (namely my sturdy leather jackets, cozy cashmere cardigans, and sleek fall boots). However, amid my thoughts, I realized that I desperately lacked a trusty rotation of fall dresses.

So, I’ve embarked on a mission to discover the best dress styles of the season, and I’ve relied on the Fall 2024 runways and the latest street style trends to inform my search. I’ve found that leading labels like Isabel Marant, Max Mara, and Brandon Maxwell favored dresses cut from knit fabrics and fashioned with various turtleneck silhouettes. Other designers such as Chanel, Sandy Liang, and Tory Burch gave a not-so-subtle nod to the ladylike trend with sophisticated garbs tailored to perfection. Meanwhile, beyond the catwalks, leopard prints and shades of brown seem to be percolating among the fashion crowd.

With all that in mind, I carefully curated a wishlist of 30 fall dresses, and I’m giving you a sneak peek at every item I’ve added to my online shopping cart. Ahead, you’ll find a variety of season-appropriate pieces that you can effortlessly style with your favorite fall jackets and coats. Whether you’re in need of a casual slip-on to wear while apple picking or you’re looking for an elevated number that will make heads turn at your Thanksgiving dinner, you’ll find exactly what you need below.

Nice and Toasty

When the weather grows frigid, you’ll want to reach for a knit dress that makes you feel like you’ve been wrapped in a cozy blanket. The options below are stitched with soft fabrics like wool and cashmere, so you won’t have to stress about staying snug. Try cinched and sculpted styles from & Other Stories, Mango, Cult Gaia, and Reiss to sidestep the burlap sack look. For a layered look, opt for an oversized dress from 525 and Loulou Studio that offers ample room for tank tops and T-shirts.

Prints Aplenty

The fashion folks have spoken—leopard prints are poised to take over this season's trend cycle. Fall dresses from Ganni and Rixo play into this fierce pattern in such a way that demands attention. If you decide to go this route, stick with pared-down accessories that will allow your dress to do the talking.

Hesitant to join the wild side? I’ve also included a few alternatives below that are decorated with charming florals and woodland motifs.

Sky-High Necklines

If there’s one thing for certain, it’s that turtleneck dresses will make an appearance as soon as temperatures drop below 60 degrees. This style has demonstrated its perennial appeal over decades, and to the delight of turtleneck enthusiasts everywhere, the high-neck look is here to stay. Fitted options from COS, Lauren Ralph Lauren, and Vince provide head-to-toe coverage, whereas Naadam, Norma Kamali, and Retrofete showcase thigh-skimming hemlines that will prove to be useful if you need a bit of breathing room.

All Buttoned-Up

The fashion industry’s latest obsession with the ladylike trend encourages you to take a modest approach through dresses designed with A-line shapes, high necklines, tailored silhouettes, and pretty pleats. You’ll find that the pieces below—which flaunt a quiet luxury undertone—fit right into this refined category. Take style notes from celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Kendall Jenner, and Katie Holmes, who have teamed their feminine dresses with knee-high boots and ballet flats.

Hues of Autumn

The best way to welcome the change of seasons is to dress in harmony with fall’s quintessential color palette. Maje, Staud, and Nordstrom celebrate warm shades of cocoa and russet while Faithfull the Brand and ASTR the Label lean into the lighter end of the color spectrum with tints of desert sand and sesame (one of the leading fall 2024 color trends). If you simply cannot choose between these earthy hues, Mikael Aghal’s floral jacquard midi dress boasts an all-encompassing blend.