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 autumn essentials collection (namely, my sturdy leather jackets, cozy cashmere cardigans, and sleek knee-high boots). But amid my thoughts, I realized that I'm desperately lacking a trusty rotation of fall dresses.
So, I’ve embarked on a mission to discover the best dresses of the season, relying on the Fall 2025 runways and the latest street style trends to inform my search. I’ve found that leading labels like Isabel Marant and Brandon Maxwell favored dresses cut from knit fabrics and fashioned in various turtleneck silhouettes. Other designers, such as Chanel and Prada, gave a not-so-subtle nod to the ladylike trend with sophisticated shirt dresses tailored to perfection. Meanwhile, beyond the runways, leopard prints and shades of chocolate brown are percolating across the fashion crowd, from New York City to Paris.
With all that in mind, I carefully curated a wish list 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 seasonally appropriate pieces you can wear with your favorite fall jackets and shoes. Whether you need a casual slip to wear while apple picking or you’re looking for an elevated maxi that will make heads turn as an outfit for Thanksgiving dinner, you’ll find all that and more.
Nice and Toasty
Bundle up in a soft sweater dress.
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, and Reformation to sidestep the burlap sack look. For a layered look, opt for oversized dresses from Everlane, Madewell, and Nordstrom that offer ample room for tank tops and T-shirts underneath.
Prints Aplenty
Stand apart from the crowd with a free-spirited dress covered in spots.
The fashion folks have spoken—leopard prints are poised to take over this season's trend cycle. Fall dresses from Zara and J.Crew play into the fierce pattern in a way that commands 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 florals, gingham, and plaid.
Sky-High Necklines
As we move into the fall season, you'll want to ditch your deep V-neck dresses for alternatives that provide more coverage.
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. Options from Eterne, ASTR the Label, and SNDYS provide head-to-toe coverage, whereas Quince, Aritzia, and Norma Kamali showcase thigh-skimming hemlines that will prove to be useful if you need a bit of breathing room.
All Buttoned-Up
A well-tailored dress will always convey a prim and proper attitude.
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, and tailored silhouettes. You’ll find that the pieces below—which have 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
A neutral dress will seamlessly compliment your fall capsule wardrobe.
The best way to welcome the change of seasons is to dress in harmony with fall’s quintessential color palette. Embrace warm shades of cocoa and russet or lean into the lighter end of the color spectrum with tints of desert sand and burnt orange (one of the leading fall 2025 color trends).
