How to Wear Dresses in the Fall

Dresses are easy to layer and dress up or down, making them the perfect fall wardrobe staple. Transition your dresses into the fall season by layering them with tops and outerwear such as sweaters, jackets, and coats. Add some cute cold-weather accessories, such as a scarf and a hat, and complete the look with a stylish pair of footwear. Rock your finished fall-weather look with confidence!

EditSteps

EditLayering with Tops

1. Wear a simple white T-shirt under a slip dress for a casual, stylish outfit. The T-shirt will keep your neck and shoulders warm, as well as balance out the chic slip dress with a casual element. Make sure to pair this outfit with a long, warm overcoat, since slip dresses are made of a thin material.^[1]
   
   • For example, you could pair a long, olive-colored slip dress with a white T-shirt and a blazer-style overcoat.
2. Wear a chunky sweater over a dress for a comfortable, chic look. Play with the length of the sweater and the dress for several different looks. For example, you could wear a longer sweater that lets a bit of dress peek out at the bottom, or you could pair a cropped sweater and a dress with a fuller skirt. You could also go for the classic dress and cardigan pairing.^[2]
   
   • For a playful, cute look, put a long red sweater over a shorter cream-colored dress and a pair of ankle boots. If it’s cold out, add some tights or tall socks.
3. Layer a fitted turtleneck under a sleeveless dress for a clean silhouette. A long-sleeved top will keep you warm and streamline your outfit. Choose a close-fitting turtleneck made of thinner material to pair underneath your dress, such as a thin cotton or rayon material. Avoid bulkier turtlenecks made from wool or with a chunky knit pattern, which will make the dress look lumpy and wrinkly.^[3]
   
   • For example, you could wear a simple cream turtleneck underneath a sleeveless mustard-colored dress.
4. Wear a shift dress over tailored trousers for a boxy, modern feel. Add a crisp button-down oxford and a pair of heels to complete the look. This style combines 60s-style tailoring, office-wear chic, and clean lines.^[4]
   
   • To try this style, wear a white button-down shirt, a pair of cream dress pants, and a structured, rust-colored shift dress. For footwear, opt for a pair of black heels.

EditAdding Outerwear

1. Wear a leather jacket over a floral summer dress for an edgy touch. The combination of a feminine floral pattern and a structured leather jacket can balance out a cute outfit with a tough, cool piece. ^[5] This look also works well for both daytime and nighttime.^[6]
   
   • For example, you could wear a black dress with a pink and white floral pattern beneath a simple black moto-style leather jacket.
2. Wear a fancier coat to make the outfit stylish and work-appropriate. Options such as a camel coat, a lightweight trench coat, and a thick blazer look especially good with a midi-length dress, which ends mid-calf, or a shift dress.^[7]
   
   • A camel coat combines the perfect color and thick, warm fabric for a fall outfit. Pair it with a fitted black midi-length dress for a simple, sophisticated outfit.
   • The combination of a boxy, masculine blazer and a flowy, feminine dress is a popular style, perfect for wearing around town or to the office.^[8]
   • Try wearing a blush trench coat over a navy shirtdress for a Parisian-inspired outfit.
3. Opt for a casual jacket to dress down the look. Pick a bomber jacket or denim jacket to layer over a dress if you want to keep things casual. This is a popular street style look, perfect for attending casual events, running errands, or going out for the night.
   
   • Try wearing a taupe slip dress with a simple white T-shirt under an olive green bomber jacket for an effortlessly cool look.
   • You could also pair a summer dress with a dark-wash denim jacket and a pair of tights for a casual but put-together outfit.

EditChoosing Accessories

1. Wear a pair of opaque tights under your dress for warmth and coverage. Tights are a perfect addition to make your outfit cold weather-ready. You could go for a pair of classic black tights, or try a more daring color like navy or burgundy. When the fall weather starts to turn even colder, switch your normal tights to a pair that’s fleece-lined.
   
   • For example, you could wear a pair of fleece-lined black tights underneath a burgundy sweater dress and a light grey coat for maximum warmth. Finish the look with some black leather riding boots.
2. Cinch the waist in with a belt to make a silhouette more flattering. Add a belt to a loose, baggy dress to emphasize your waist and add a point of interest to the outfit.^[9] You could choose a simple black belt with a metal buckle, or you could go for something with more detail, such as an embroidered, chain, or suede belt.
   
   • For example, you could cinch in a denim shirt dress with a black leather belt that features a vintage silver buckle. Add a pair of suede ankle boots and a patterned scarf to complete the look.
3. Add a long, soft blanket scarf for warmth and versatility. Wear your blanket scarf wrapped around the neck or as a wrap, depending on how cold it is outside. Choose a soft, lightweight fabric and a neutral color, such as black, gray, navy, taupe, or cream.^[10]
   
   • Pair an olive-colored shift dress with a cream-colored coat and arrange a taupe blanket scarf around your shoulders. Add a pair of tall brown suede boots.
4. Add a knit or felt hat to complete the outfit. Pretty knit hats are both cute and functional. Pair these with more casual outfits.^[11] Brimmed felt hats also add some stylishness to the outfit, particularly when paired with dressier outfits.
   
   • Pair a black-and-white striped T-shirt dress with a pink bomber jacket, then add a white beanie and white sneakers to create a casual cool-weather look.

EditPicking Footwear

1. Go with a pair of tall boots to stay warm and chic. Choose between a classic pair of knee-high riding boots or a daring pair of fitted over-the-knee suede boots.^[12] Wear some tights or add a pair of cozy knit socks to your riding boots for extra warmth.
   
   • Let the tops of the socks peek out above the boots for a cozy, layered look.
   • For example, you could pair some charcoal suede over-the-knee boots with a black fitted turtleneck and a burgundy sleeveless dress.
2. Opt for a classic pair of ankle boots for style and versatility. These shoes are a popular fall staple, perfect for pairing with any length of dress, from summer dresses to maxi dresses.^[13] Choose a sleek leather pair for instant class or a pair in suede for a soft, autumnal texture.^[14]
   
   • For example, you could wear a rust-colored T-shirt dress with a chunky cream-colored cardigan and some tan leather ankle boots.
3. Trade in your summer sandals for a pair of heels to wear with dresses. Pairing your summer dresses with pumps instead of sandals will help you stay warm, chic, and fall-appropriate. Go for a pair in a neutral shade, such as black, navy, or taupe, and choose a pair of opaque tights that matches.
   
   • For example, you could wear a patterned, burgundy summer dress with some black tights and a pair of black pumps. Add a warm gray blazer to finish off the look.

EditTips

• As a general rule, you should never wear more than 3 layers at a time.^[15]
• Choose clothes in autumnal colors to match the season. Colors like cream, red, orange, rust, and mustard are perfect for the fall weather.^[16]

EditSources and Citations

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