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Free People Dahlia Embroidered Maxi Dress
The Best Flowy Fall Maxi
The Hype: 4.3 out of 5 stars; 249 reviews on FreePeople.com
Whether you have visiting a pumpkin patch at the top of your list for fall or you can’t wait for the first picnic at the park with the change of leaves, this flowy, long-sleeve maxi is the ideal outfit. The dress also comes in a variety of other warm autumn hues.
“A cozy, comfy dress! It has some weight, which I think is really nice. When you’re sitting down, you feel like you’re nice and covered, and when you walk around, there is some presence to it,” explains a reviewer. “The banded torso portion is nice and compressive, so you can wear it without a bra (I’m small-chested, though). I got an XL, and I am 5’10 and 190 lbs.”
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Jenni Kayne Drift Dress
The Best Transitional Fall Dress
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars; 128 reviews on JenniKayne.com
As humid days turn to cool nights, glide into Jenni Kayne’s floaty number. The cotton one-piece is breezy, and the modest halter neck makes it a no-fuss piece for transitional dressing. You can layer it with a cardigan or wear it on its own.
“This is one of the most comfortable dresses, great for wearing daily with a belt or letting it flow without. I love how versatile it is and can be dressed up or worn casually. It’s another great Jenni Kayne piece I know I’ll have for years to come,” writes a reviewer.
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The Somerset Maxi Dress
The Best Floral-Printed Fall Maxi Dress
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars; 1,039 reviews on Anthropologie.com
When it comes to Anthropologie, we’re a huge fan of the Somerset Collection: the linen maxi, the velvet version, you name it. The versatile and stylish dresses are a collector’s piece, and the floral motif ones are a must-have for fall with the multicolored hues and eye-catching prints.
“I purchased one of the original styles when this dress first came out, and this fits like an absolute dream. It is the most flattering dress. It makes the chest look amazing and hides any type of stomach that you might be concerned about,” shares a reviewer. “For reference, I’m 5’4 120 lbs., and the extra small maxi fits perfectly on me. It goes right about to my ankles, so you can get away with wearing it with a little bit of a wedge and flat sandals. Also, it has some weight for those who live in a hot climate.”
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Birdy Grey Devin Convertible Dress
The Best Fall Bridesmaid Dresses
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars; 466 reviews on BirdyGrey.com
As a bride whose bridesmaids wore dresses from Birdy Grey, the gowns are stunning, and the chiffon styles make the wearer look like a fairy. One of my bridesmaids actually wore the Devin Convertible Dress and loved how it came with detachable sleeves. While my bridesmaids wore sage green for my spring wedding, the warm spice color is perfect for fall nuptials. There are plenty of other shades to choose from, whether you’re looking for a gemstone hue or light pastels.
“This dress came as advertised — true to color and fit. I’ll have to alter the length, but that’s pretty typical for any bridesmaid dress you buy. The quality of the dress is also very nice, and the fabric feels comfortable, which is so important if you’re going to be in this all day and night,” raves a reviewer. “I feel beautiful and can’t wait to wear it to my friend’s wedding in October. I’ll definitely re-wear it for other events and return to Birdy Grey for future bridesmaids’ or wedding guests’ needs.”
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Tuckernuck Coco Tweed Bow Dress
The Best Sophisticated Fall Dress
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars; 106 reviews on TNuck.com
Feel like you’re dressed in Chanel in a luxe houndstooth tweed mini dress. The gold hammered buttons adds to the classy flair, while the bow delivers a feminine touch.
“It’s a very cute Chanel-like dress, and the tweed is thick, great for cold weather. The sizes are generous and can look a little boxy if you oversize,” writes a reviewer. Another reviewer shared styling tips saying, “This dress is the epitome of class. I have it in black and white also. Fun to wear boots with it or dress it up with stockings and heels.”
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J.Crew Relaxed-Fit Short-Sleeve Baird McNutt Irish Linen Shirtdress
The Best Fall Shirtdress To Layer With
The Hype: 4.3 out of 5 stars; 64 reviews on JCrew.com
Fun fall layering is right around the corner. Imagine wearing an oversized jean jacket or blazer on top of this shirtdress, cinching your waist with a statement belt, and stepping into some riding boots. There are countless styling capabilities when it comes to this versatile piece.
“This lovely linen dress is a classic piece. It’s perfect for throwing on sneakers for running errands or over a bathing suit, but you can also dress up with a belt and heels,” writes a reviewer. “I rarely write reviews, but I wanted to emphasize sizing to help others. I am 5’2″ 155 lbs. I usually wear a size 6. I purchased a small petite at first, and it was so short! So I tried a classic small, and it was huge and not flattering. The salesperson suggested I size down to a classic XS, and it fits perfectly and is so comfortable and very cute.”
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Everlane The Ribbed Wrap Midi Dress
The Best Fall Wrap Dress
The Hype: 4.8 out of 5 stars; 4 reviews on Everlane.com
Although Everlane’s Ribbed Wrap Midi Dress only has four reviews at the moment, we have a feeling it’ll be a fan-favorite piece once fall hits. Get ahead of the game in a polished yet comfy midi. The soft ribbed dress has an adjustable tie-waist, a deep V-neck, and flowy sleeves for details.
“This is super cute and well-made. The sleeves are very voluminous, so keep that in mind. I got this dress hemmed to be above the knee so I could show more leg but still feel covered,” writes a reviewer.
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8 of 15
Eloquii Knot Front Pleated Skirt Dress
The Best Fall Red Dress
The Hype: 4.2 out of 5 stars; 475 reviews on Eloquii.com
Fall 2023 runways proved that red would be the new It color. Brands like Valentino, Stella McCartney, and Prada have endorsed the radiant shade, and you should, too. If cherry red is too much for you, test the waters with this soft wine shade.
“This has become my favorite dress to wear. I love everything about this dress. I am seriously considering buying another color,” writes a reviewer. “The fabric is easy to maintain. The length is perfect for work or a night out, and it looks great with boots. I get compliments often when wearing this dress. You won’t be disappointed.”
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Lane Bryant Lena V-Neck High-Low Midi Dress
The Best Polished Midi Dress With Pockets
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars; 44 reviews on LaneBryant.com
The blend of a midi dress and pockets is the creation of maybe the best dress ever. The length is easy to style and move around in, and who doesn’t love pockets? Lane Bryant designed a timeless black dress with an unbelievable amount of stretch that you’ll feel comfortable wearing to any occasion.
“This is absolutely the perfect classic dress! The sleeves give perfect coverage, I’m 5’3, and it was not too long in the back; I wore 2-inch heels. The neckline was low enough to be in style but conservative — there was no worry of being inappropriate at a dress event,” shares a reviewer. “The dress fits snugly in your mid-drift area, making you look and feel great! Lane Bryant’s V-Neck High-Low Midi is the black dress to have in your closet for any occasion.”
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Lulus Floral Dressed Up Midi Dress
The Best Fall Evening Dress
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars; 1,076 reviews on Lulus.com
Feel uber-elegant at any evening event in this flowy, forest green midi dress. The little details like the darted bodice and tiered skirt are sure to turn heads.
“I loved this dress! The color is so beautiful and the fabric is so soft. It was very flattering. I am short so this came right about my ankles and I still liked the fit but it was not a “midi” dress on me,” writes a reviewer. “Wore this dress in green to a fall wedding and it worked perfectly! Love it and would buy again,” writes another reviewer.
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Quince Mongolian Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater Dress
The Best Fall Sweater Dress
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars; 437 reviews on OneQuince.com
There’s one word that immediately comes to mind when we hear the phrase “sweater weather”: cashmere. This turtleneck dress by the brand Quince — known for high-quality basics at radically low prices — is both flattering and comfortable, and it’s made from the softest grade-A cashmere.
“It’s so comfy and yet so lightweight! It’s a very nice length, great with knee-high boots or shorter boots with tights. I can’t wait to start wearing it! I have one in grey as well,” writes a reviewer.
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Abercrombie & Fitch Ruffle Tiered Maxi Dress
The Best Fall Wedding Guest Dress
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars; 33 reviews on Abercrombie.com
Twirl all night long at your next fall wedding in a ruffled maxi from Abercrombie & Fitch. The dress is not only part of the brand’s best-dressed guest collection, but the combination of the floral motif, sweetheart neckline, and tiered skirt exudes romance.
“It’s literally the most perfect fit I’ve ever had for a dress. The dress fits like a glove! I thought it would be tight around the tummy, but it does fall looser under the bust, which I love! I also needed to adjust the straps, so I love having that option,” raves a reviewer. “I’m 5’8”, and this dress is the perfect length with or without heels. I’m also 275 lbs., usually an 18-20 size for reference. I usually do a XXL at Abercrombie, so very true to size! I’m obsessed! The maxi is such a soft fabric, and the dress doesn’t feel heavy even though there is a lot of fabric at the bottom with the ruffles”
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Banana Republic Chambray Maxi Dress
The Best Fall Denim-Like Dress
The Hype: 4.25 out of 5 stars; 36 reviews on BananaRepublicFactory.com
Denim dresses are almost upon us once again. If you’re unprepared to step into rigid and structured silhouettes, opt for a lightweight chambray piece. Banana Republic has a sleeveless button-front maxi style with an adjustable tie belt and polished collar that you’ll love. It resembles a denim number, but instead, it’s soft, breathable, and thinner for when the weather is just getting a bit chillier.
“Banana Republic’s Chambray dress has become my closet’s most versatile dress. The style is a great multi-occasion, multi-season staple. I especially like how lightweight it is compared to similar-looking denim dresses,” writes a reviewer.
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Fraiche By J Long Sleeve Faux Wrap Dress
The Best Fall Barbie Dress
The Hype: 3.8 out of 5 stars; 21 reviews on Nordstrom.com
Don’t let go of Barbie just yet. Now hear us out. We know it doesn’t reach the 4-star rating we promised, but the gorgeous color and tulip hem with subtle puff sleeves is too good to pass up. Barbie’s fall dress? Count us in. The only minor issues people had were with the sizing, so make sure to carefully read the measurements before you order.
“Light and flowy, the dress feels very elegant. I can’t bear this combination for the price,” writes a reviewer. “I decided to go with the large. Even though the medium fit well in the waist area, the chest area gaped open (not horribly) on the medium, so I felt more comfortable with the large.”
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Skims Soft Lounge Long Sleeve Dress
The Comfy Lounge Dress
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars; 1,387 reviews on Skims.com
Glide around your apartment in this stretchy maxi dress with a cup of coffee in hand. It’s form-fitting yet incredibly comfortable and a definite upgrade from your go-to matching sweatsuits.
“Never in my life have I felt as sexy as when I wear this dress! I am so tempted to rebuy the same color just so that I have a chance for when I need to wash this! The quality is amazing, and it is super soft! And no, the black one is not transparent (I was afraid it would be in the hip area, where it stretches the most, but it is not),” exclaims a reviewer. “I wear it with black or neutral underwear (the fits everybody scoop bralette works well, but my normal balconette bras work just as well; for bottoms, I use the no-show kind of underwear ), and it does not show through.”
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