If you’re considering forcing your summer dresses to take the annual walk of shame into the depths of your wardrobe right about now, think again. Last season’s offering of midis and maxis ain’t going anywhere for autumn, and we’re already witnessing how fashion people are getting more milage out of their frocks, even in the face of the cold weather we’re currently experiencing.
Ultimately it’s all about being clever with layers. Whether it’s a strategic polo-neck, a throw-on-and-go blazer or a pair of trending boots, it’s the easiest way to make your warm-weather frock ready for the colder months ahead. There are also plenty of new-season styles available if you want to freshen up your wardrobe.
Scroll down to see our favourite autumn dress outfits, and to shop the pieces you need to re-create them.
Style Notes: Nothing looks quite as cool as a mini dress worn with knee boots—complete the autumnal aesthetic with a cotton coat.
This coat has a trench coat material, but a minimalist silhouette.
This will look just as good styled with patterned tights as it will bare legs.
These are sitting in my Zara basket.
Style Notes: Shearling jackets are all the rage right now; use yours to give all of your printed summer dresses a wintery spin.
The ultimate shearling coat option.
Such a cool print.
This bag continues to dominate fashion circles.
Zip fastenings present a cool update on last year’s hiker boot.
Style Notes: Tube dresses present one of the easiest autumn outfits of the season—just add a denim jacket and square-toe boots for cool-girl appeal.
This was part of COS’s recent catwalk show, so you know it’s going to sell out fast.
A chic take on the tube dress trend.
Square-toes are the detail fashion people are prioritising in the boots this season.
Style Notes: It might be the darker months but you needn’t stick to a muted colour palette. Instead, embrace a bright hue and give it a downtime spin with chunky trainers.
What a fabulous colour!
New Balance trainers never stay in stock for long.
Match the hue of your bag to that of your dress for a quick way to pull your look together.
Style Notes: Turn your minidresses into the perfect autumn outfit with the addition of a roll-neck top and knee boots.
A layering essential.
Warehouse has so many great staple dresses.
Elevated boots you’ll look forward to wearing every autumn.
Style Notes: As we approach party season, we know there will be an influx of slip dresses to choose from. Make them work for everyday with a belted cardigan and some printed boots.
Between the weave, the colour, and the silhouette, this cardigan is next-level good.
A new way to fasten your cardigans.
I’m bookmarking this for party season.
It’s only a matter of time before these are all over IG.
Style Notes: We all have a floral dress hanging in our wardrobes that we largely forget about in the autumn months, but there’s no need to pack it away until April; not when there’s a trench coat and boot solution waiting for you to try.
The back of this trench coat is beyond beautiful.
Ghost is my go-to for printed midis.
These will look just as sleek with your jeans tucked in.
Style Notes: Shirt dresses in thicker fabrics (hello, corduroy), loan themselves to lots of layering options. Here, Monikh showcases how something as simple as a cream high-neck top can make this midi feel the wintery part.
Dress this up with glitter or rhinestone heels.
Another white roll-neck to choose from.
These go above the ankle and will keep your feet all the more toasty.
