Fall weather ushers in the return of cozy cardigans and sweaters, but comfy can also mean sleek and stylish—we're thinking of knit sweater dresses and billowing long-sleeve maxi dresses. The crisp and cool season lends itself beautifully to an array of maxi dresses, from flowy, floaty dresses perfect for weddings to neutral and work-appropriate maxis. It's hard to know where to begin, but we'll get you started with our favorite 20+ fall maxi dresses to suit your ever-growing social calendar. From brunch to apple picking to the office, you'll find your next favorite maxi on this list.
Free People Edie Dress
Everyone needs a practical check-print shirtdress in their closet. This one has easy button fastening and a roomy fit, so you can style it, partially unbuttoned, alongside jeans.
Aje Linen Blend Dress
Brides of 2021 (and 2022), this ruffle skirt maxi can serve as your unfussy fall wedding dress. Best of all, this dress can easily and practically be re-worn for other formal events.
HVN Floral Print Maxi Dress
This bold floral dress is sophisticated enough to wear for your most buttoned-up occasions, but laid-back enough to pack for a trip to the countryside.
Norma Kamali Kamali Kulture Go Turtleneck Maxi Dress
The Turtleneck Dress
This simple, slinky black jersey turtleneck dress is begging for your favorite accessories.
Taibo Bacar Mandevo Shirt Dress
The Feather Shirt Dress
The silk sateen dress is made by local communities in Mozambique. This is a one-of-a-kind piece you won't find at your nearest retailer.
H&M Long Chiffon Dress
Chiffon dresses are warm yet lightweight. This one—with its billowy balloon sleeves and an adjustable back tie—comes in at under $50.
Lost + Wander Madison Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
The Square Neckline Dress
Not ready to give up your bright florals quite yet? This subdued printed version has sleeves that feel fall-appropriate.
GANNI Leopard-Print Satin Dress
Pounce on this animal print maxi dress. Pair it with a denim or a black leather moto jacket for an edgier vibe.
Thierry Colson Floral Cotton Dress
This romantic empire waist dress will gather compliments at late summer weddings and will look ultra-cozy layered with a cardigan come fall.
Frederick Anderson Striped Angora Maxi Dress
Sport this hand-crocheted angora maxi dress for your day-to-day endeavors, or at your next special event.
CO Patch Pocket Dress in Denim
The heavier denim makeup of this dress can easily be incorporated into your autumn wardrobe. Mix and match it with your go-to separates, like blazers and loafers.
MAJE Zebra Print Maxi Dress
Break up your all-black uniform with a zebra print stripe. Pair this dress with your favorite black booties for a statement-making ensemble.
Cos Tiered Maxi Dress
When you're ready to stash away your summer florals, this neutral maxi dress can still stand up to fall weather. Crafted from a mid-weight cotton, it'll be suitable for unpredictable weather in between seasons.
Alexis Vicenta Printed Twill Maxi Dress
This breezy printed maxi dress is ideal vacation-wear, but will also look great with a grandpa-style cardigan and cozy shearling lined slides.
Hope for Flowers Multi Striped Tiered Maxi Slip
The Stripe Dress
This maxi will come in handy for mornings when you're already running 10 minutes behind schedule. To stay warm once the crisp air rolls in, layer a tee or turtleneck underneath.
Diarrablu Awa Kimono Joal
The Vacation Dress
This dress is handmade in Dakar, Senegal. The length can be customized according to your height.
SWF Drop-Waist Tiered Maxi Dress
This dress will come to the rescue for any and all fall wedding affairs. Blend into the fall foliage with this autumnal gold hue.
H&M Oversized Shirt Dress
This ultra versatile shirt dress is the answer to your wardrobe dilemmas—weekend or weekday.
Rixo Floral Print Maxi Dress
Wear this floral print silk dress with heels on Saturday and flats for work on Monday morning. The piece has a pretty twisted front detail and fluttery sleeves that were inspired by the '30s.
Silk Laundry Black Silk Dress
The Maxi Slip
If you're feeling nostalgic for the '90s, scoop up this long, slinky dress. Slip on a casual sandal and top with an extra-long cardigan for those late summer/early fall beachside bonfires.
Sara Holzman is the Fashion Editor at Marie Claire covering runway trends and tracking down the latest finds to buy and wear. When she’s not writing about fashion, she pens about the best places to jet-off to.
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