21 Cute Fall Dresses to Buy Now and Wear Later (Starting at Just $18)

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Published Jul 26, 2021

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It may not feel like fall just yet, but trust us, crisp autumn mornings and weekends filled with pumpkin spice everything are swiftly approaching. And although we’re still enjoying beautiful beach weather, we’re prepping for the upcoming season by filling our shopping carts with denim, boots and, our personal fave, fall dresses. This year is all about flowy silhouettes and tiered midi dresses (a continuation on the tent and nap dress trends of last year), as well as lots of color and pattern. Dainty florals in both moody hues and more vibrant reds and oranges replace the oversized blooms of 2019 and 2020, but animal prints are still going strong, especially those with a more abstract vibe or unnatural color combos.

So, without further ado, here are 21 fabulous fall dresses to buy now before they sell out.

Anthropologie

1. anthropologie Contrast Midi Shirtdress

Yes, you could pair this beauty with classic brown western boots but we think it would look even better with some gold metallic ankle booties for a fun switch.

Buy it ($170)

^{Available in sizes XXS to 3X, also Petite}

Nordstrom

2. ulla Johnson Tie Dye Cotton Blend Woven Dress

Half tie-dye, half animal print, this ruffled midi is sure to bring in all the compliments.

Buy it ($445)

^{Available in sizes 0 to 10}

Madewell

3. madewell Pintuck Puff-sleeve Mini Dress

Follow the model’s lead and wear this floaty mini with clogs to help ground those ditsy blooms.

Buy it ($128)

^{Available in sizes XXS to XXL}

Anthropologie

4. mare Mare Ruffled Maxi Dress

This two tone midi can be easily dressed up—with bold gold jewelry and some pointy-toe pumps—for an event, or down—with a denim jacket and ballet flats—for work or lunch with friends.

Buy it ($228)

^{Available in sizes XS to 3X, also Petite}

Nordstrom

5. french Connection Babysoft Mock-neck Sweater Dress

This super soft sweater dress is surprisingly sexy for days when you want to spice things up without sacrificing comfort.

Buy it ($98; $60)

^{Available in sizes XS to L}

Nordstrom

6. standards & Practices Short-sleeve Wrap Maxi Dress

You can never go wrong with a classic wrap dress. Especially if that dress is machine washable (hallelujah!).

Buy it ($108)

^{Available in sizes 1X to 3X}

Nordstrom

7. ganni Abstract Print Stretch Organic Cotton Denim Swing Dress

This seemingly basic T-shirt dress has a gorgeous scalloped open back that’s made it a major hit with fashion influencers. While temps are still warm, keep things simple and wear it with a pair of black or brown knee-high boots, then later slip it over a black turtleneck for a little extra warmth.

Buy it ($325)

^{Available in sizes 0 to 12}

ASOS

8. stradivarius Shirred Midi Poplin Dress

This is one fall frock you can start wearing right now—layer on the camp-inspired jewelry and some simple strappy sandals through the end of the summer, then try white ankle boots and wavy gold hoops come September.

Buy it ($50)

^{Available in sizes XS to XL}

Nordstrom

9. rebecca Taylor Tie Front Long-sleeve Cotton Shirtdress

We’re kind of obsessed with this fun new take on the classic shirtdress. Plus, right now it’s 40 percent off.

Buy it ($285; $171)

^{Available in sizes XS to XL}

J.Crew

10. j.crew Midi T-shirt Dress

Perfect for those days when you just can’t be bothered with zippers, buttons or even belts. All you need to dress up this comfy T-shirt dress is some platform kicks and a structured jacket.

Buy it ($60)

^{Available in sizes XXS to 3X}

ASOS

11. Asos Curve Button-through Mini Smock Dress

Yes, you can wear a mini dress in autumn. Just be sure to give your legs some extra coverage with a taller pair of boots.

Buy it ($43)

^{Available in sizes 12 to 26}

Nordstrom

12. Samsøe Samsøe Lucy Polo Midi Dress

This cozy sweater dress will look gorgeous under a blazer for a day at the office.

Buy it ($270)

^{Available in sizes XXS to XL}

Anthropologie

13. Anthropologie Smocked Ruffle Maxi Dress

Patchwork and quilting are trending for fall 2021, but we love how subtly this multi-colored pattern plays on the trend for those who want to invest in something a little more timeless.

Buy it ($160)

^{Available in sizes 1X to 3X}

J.Crew

14. J.crew Classic-fit Chambray Shirtdress

A chambray shirtdress can be made to work for just about any season, but we particularly love them worn over high boots with a leather moto jacket come autumn.

Buy it ($118)

^{Available in sizes 00 to 24, also Petite and Tall}

Nordstrom

15. Reformation Dunes Long-sleeve Smocked Dress

Another super versatile dress, this one works well for brunches, baby showers and date nights with your partner.

Buy it ($278)

^{Available in sizes 0 to 12}

ASOS

16. New Look Curve Button-front Plaid Smock Mini Dress

Your go-to summer tent dress just got a gorgeous autumnal makeover thanks to this beautiful black-and-blue plaid.

Buy it ($39; $18)

^{Available in sizes 14 to 24}

ASOS

17. Asos Curve Shirred Tiered Maxi Dress

Add a vibrant splash of color to your collection of moody fall staples with this stunning puff-sleeve maxi.

Buy it ($50)

^{Available in sizes 12 to 26}

Revolve

18. Jonathan Simkhai Evalynn Wool-cashmere Blend Dress

Who knew a sweater dress could look so sexy? Can we mention how to ruching and drape of this dress make it sexy?

Buy it ($395)

^{Available in sizes XS to L}

H&M

19. H&m Mini Wrap Dress

This reverse color animal print is much more subdued than classic black-on-brown, making it feel less overtly sexy or attention grabbing.

Buy it ($20)

^{Available in sizes XS to XXL}

Eloquii

20. Eloquii Puff-sleeve Faux-leather Dress

We love an unexpected leather moment, and this gorgeous midi really takes the cake. Keep your accessories on the simple side to give this beauty the full attention it deserves.

Buy it ($140)

^{Available in sizes 14 to 28}

ASOS

21. Ghospell Subject Checked Midi Dress

Fall just isn’t really fall without a plethora of plaid, now is it?

Buy it ($135)

^{Available in sizes S to XL}

Abby Hepworth

Editor

Covers fashion, trends and all things running
Received certification as an RRCA run coach
Has worked in fashion for over a decade

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