8 Major Dress Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Autumn

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8 Major Dress Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Autumn

Given the perplexing forecast this year, we’re already hot on the heels of Autumn at Who What Wear. The change of seasons is afoot and autumnal dress trends have begun to dominate prematurely. An influx of our favourite ready-to-wear pieces from February’s catwalk have been landing on luxury retailers and inspired the high street, alike. Like the micro mini was for Spring/Summer 2022, dresses spearheaded  2023’s autumn/winter runway. As a dedicated lover of frocks, it’s cause for celebration and an invitation to carry pin-bearing styles forth, give or take some seasonal adjustments.

Dress offerings of autumn/winter 2023 were nothing short of inspirational. They were unapologetically baroque and a variety of styles were forecast. Designs showcased comprised jewelled tones, feather adornments, gauzy fabrications and fabric in excess (to name but a few). Styles of designers from Christopher Kane to Chanel ushered down the runway in elongated proportions, sheer fabrications and partywear-inspired looks to bookmark for (dare I say it) end-of-year celebrations.

Following the sentiment of ‘more is more’ dressing and the introduction of bulbous floral appliques last season, autumn dress trends have transitioned to styles of a similar ilk but with darker hues and autumn-appropriate fabrications. 

Main character dressing has inspired an influx of avant-garde and wonderfully lurid styles. Adornments have become the protagonist of dressing and an appreciation of flowers (we mustn’t forget Loewe or Ludovic de Saint Sernin’s anthurium tributes in the spring) has preserved and paved the way for myriad adornments. Florals have been joined by ‘20s style feather gowns, ruffles, peplum, and frothy tulle, courtesy of Zimmerman and Paul & Joe, to name but a few.

For years running, designers continue to revert to noughties heroes (read; the ‘90s slip dress), proving the longstanding appeal of Y2K-inspired fashion, though this year it boasts a mature and refined feel that lovers of classic styles can appreciate. I’ve assessed the autumn 2023s dress trends to bring you nine styles that are guaranteed to inspire this autumn. Keep reading to discover the dress trends that will be dominating fashion in the upcoming seasons.

It’s no secret that designers favour the effects of lustrous fibres. An adoration for silk, satin and sumptuously soft fabrications has infiltrated the seasons and autumn 2023 has inspired a wave of cocooned and swathed iterations of former bias cuts. The more fabric, the better.

Style Notes: Silk silhouettes have been lauded for many seasons and as we edge closer to fall, they become more prominent. I’ll be styling svelte silhouettes with ballerina shoes this autumn. 

A cocooned cut in this silken-like ecovero. It’s the epitome of autumn.

I’ve been patiently waiting for TOVEs A/W releases ever since I witnessed the breathtaking runway in February and the pieces do not disappoint. The column shape and high neckline are exquisite details on this fluid silhouette.

The boat neckline and dipped hem details are reminiscent of designer pieces.

Calvin Klein has mastered slip dresses since the noughties but it’s a brand that is overlooked. This iteration boasts a unique halterneck and metal adornment.

“I’ve always been a floral dress girl, but traditionally the print is—at least in my wardrobe—reserved for summer. This season, however, I will be introducing grungy, moodier iterations of my favourite pattern into my cold-weather repertoire. Whether that’s via a midi dress paired with black knee-high boots and leather details or a mini worn with barely-there heels. Some of the standout moments for the trend on the A/W23 runways include modest, roll-neck dresses in New York courtesy of Veronica Beard, and free-flowing gowns in London from Paul & Joe.” — Poppy Nash, Managing Editor

Style Notes: One thing is guaranteed in the fashion world and it’s the cyclical nature of moody florals, come autumn. Lean into the gothic look with a boxy leather jacket. 

An amalgamation of the deep floral and lingerie trend.

An update on the typical autumnal floral with a twist of romantic red.

Gothic florals come around like clockwork each fall season but that doesn’t negate the ingenuity of design features and contemporary elements.

Jacquard florals on a deep black background. This LBD will never be passé.

Make way for Grecian-inspired wrapped designs and cocooned shaping. Bandeau necklines were a hit this summer and its prevalence continues. Autumnal offerings come complete with longer sleeves and generous swathes of fabric.

“Ruching is the Y2K trend I never thought I’d see again, but low and behold for 2023 it’s suddenly everywhere once more… and I kind of love it. On dresses, it feels like a natural progression from the second-skin column dresses we saw everywhere last year, thanks to Loewe. The addition of draped details this year, though, feels much more flattering and, to be honest, interesting. I love how designers (and the high street) are getting imaginative with their ruched designs for autumn 2023, and I certainly plan on investing in this trend that feels both modern and classic.” — Emily Dawes, Shopping Editor

Style Notes: Mix and match textures when cooler seasons arrive. Why not pair bustier styles with an organza top underneath?

A cinched waist and deep v-neck will further accentuate the figure.

It may be a trend lead design but this is a piece I’d wear forever.

I’m in awe of this contemporary design, colourway and discounted price point.

The ruched elements are functional and allow you to style this dress in myriad ways. It looks unique on every figure.

Cold weather seasons call for design features that veer towards the exuberance of party season. Feather trims, corsages, sequins and taffeta are some of the details highlighted by designers, which all come under the adornments umbrella of adornments. Chanel, Zimmerman and Burberry showcased these styles of design on the Autumn Winter 2023 catwalk. We mustn’t forget Noir Kei Ninomiya’s offerings which evoke the entire ‘more is more’ sentiment.

Style Notes: This style calls for streamlined accessories, muted tones and pared-back beauty looks.

One to bookmark for the approaching party season.

Your occasionwear is sorted. Just add strappy sandals.

Darling rose buds on a figure-forming gown.

Magda Butrym masters blossom adornments, no matter the season.

Designers agree that lingerie is far too precious to be disguised. Behind closed doors lingerie has been transformed into floor-length gowns with the most delicate appliqué threadwork. Armani, Alexander Wang and Bally are a few of many that have backed this trend.

Style Notes: This season, many styles are exuberant enough that they don’t require much fuss. With lingerie dresses, nipple covers will be your best friend.

Make a grand entrance in this classic party gown.

A modern asymmetric silhouette with a peep of lace. 

Me+Em have released a floor-length gown that you could easily wear to a black tie event.

The lustre on a silken khaki is something truly special.

The season for organza, tulle and netted overlays is fast approaching and for autumn 2023, designers including Miu Miu, Gucci, and Christian Siriano are embracing sheer elements. 

“Okay, it might not be for everyone, but there is something about the risqué allure of the sheer dress that has been shaking up the runways for the last couple of years, and I’m wholeheartedly on board. Granted, it isn’t a dress for running errands, but you can’t beat the head-turning prowess of the barely-there evening dress, and everyone from brides to influencers are turning to see-through styles, for a look that stands out from the crowd. Whether you step into Nensi Dojaka-esque slips or pile on frothy layers of tulle a la Molly Goddard, the sheer dress is an expression of self-love and unashamed confidence. And who doesn’t want to subscribe to that?” — Remy Farrell, Shopping Editor

Style Notes: At first glance, this trend may seem hard to wear but it’s a style to be celebrated and a celebration of the body. Granted, it’s daring but for autumn and winter, pair transparent dresses with form-fitting underwear or a slip underlay.

The modest neckline with the sheer element is the perfect juxtaposition of styles.

The look and feel are that of an authentic ’90s slip dress.

A form-fitting knit in a sheer cupro fabrication. 

Incorporate sheer elements into your day-to-day with a fit and flare silhouette. The organza overlay will ease you into the sheer trend.

The ’50s babydoll dress has been thrust into the limelight, this time with a modern lilt. It’s now a reimagined style with a ‘grown-up’ appeal — part whimsical aesthetic, and part formal. We owe this to the longline bustiers with drop waist features. It’s a ballerina frock for the modern woman that oozes ‘joie de vivre’, and boasts a nostalgic appeal.

“Ever since I invested in a full-skirted dress style from Esse Studios last year, I haven’t wanted to wear anything but this silhouette! It works for my hourglass figure to have something that fits at the waist and is swishy around the hips and thighs. It’s romantic, but you can keep things minimalist and chic by opting in for block colours, elevated fabrics and styles with very few frills or adornments.” — Hannah Almassi, Editor in Chief

Style Notes: Compliment full-volume skirting with sleek hairstyles and streamlined footwear. This wide circumference does all of the talking, so you needn’t work too hard on the rest.

A sculpted bustier and flounced skirt makes for a wonderful occasion dress. When the temperature drops, incorporate a jumper into this look.

Make like a princess with an exaggerated ‘cloud-like’ silhouette, courtesy of Amy Lynn.

A firm favourite at Who What Wear.

Vivienne Westwood’s Sunday dress features a corset-inspired waist and a modern take on the cowl neckline.

Camel colourways are often associated with functionality (overcoats and knitwear, for example) but a number of 2023’s iterations boast an elevated and directional appeal — from peek-a-boo gapes to thigh-high splits, A/W 2023 catwalks demonstrated the myriad ways to elevate sepia-toned knits.

Style Notes: Pair caramel-hued frocks with brownish accessories for a contemporary tonal look.

Camel is a timeless colourway but this season it’s been pushed into the spotlight. Jacquemus’ Dao dress comprises a splice and sheer element, making it even more current.

Press pause on your wardrobe switchover as shirring has a place in the autumn. This frock will look equally chic paired with knee-high boots.

It’s a shame to leave asymmetric necklines in the summer. Come Autumn, upgrade these pieces to your eveningwear wardrobe.

This dress would be hard to pick out of a designer lineup. The drape and slashed neckline are reminiscent of pieces with five times its price point.

Next Up: Experts Agree: These Autumn/Winter 2023 Fashion Trends Really Count

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