I have to admit I never thought I would become such a dress stan. Typically, I’m a pant girl through and through. My love for trousers and jeans runs deep, so when I do opt for a dress, the frock in question has to be extra cool. Yep, my bar for picking out dresses is pretty high. But after scouring the internet and testing out my favorite picks IRL, I’ve landed on a handful of styles that pass my test.
This fall is making me into somewhat of a dress person, and I can finally understand the draw. There’s something undeniably satisfying about opting for a dress in the morning and completing your look with the right accessories. It’s an efficient way to get dressed and feels effortless without looking it. While cosplaying as a dress person, I tried out everything from floor-length printed frocks and mod minis to snug sweaterdresses because the options are endless right now. So if you’re like me and are extra picky about dresses, then look no further than my short list of the best fall dresses of the season, tried and tested by yours truly.
I rarely wear dresses, and I wear prints even less frequently. But leave it to It girl–loved label Réalisation to change that. Its latest drop—a zebra-printed maxi dress with ’70s-style flared sleeves—is an absolute stunner. Not only does it fit like a dream, but it’s also proved to be surprisingly versatile (so far I’ve worn mine with loafers, boots, and heels) and a magnet for compliments. Yep, I’ll be wearing it nonstop this fall.
Picky as I may be, I’ll always make an exception for the dresses from SIR. The Australian label is the kind that just needs to be experienced to truly understand because the fit and quality of its pieces are unmatched. Being a fan of minimalist tailoring, I was drawn to the structured shape and cool topstitching of this corset-inspired minidress. It, of course, fit like a dream and unsurprisingly earned plenty of compliments, too.
It’s not a story on dresses if Reformation isn’t involved. While the retailer has hundreds to choose from right now, it’s the Toulon Knit Dress that has me swooning. First of all, the collarbone-framing neckline is absolutely stunning. Scroll up to see a closer shot of the knotted detail. Cut from a soft, stretchy jersey fabric, it looks like a fancier LBD, but it honestly feels as good as any yoga pants. I like that it could be easily dressed up or down depending on what kind of shoes you wear with it. It’s truly a valuable closet staple to buy now and wear forever.
Phew—she’s a stunner. If you’d told me this $80 Nordstrom dress was a designer find from the likes of Net-a-Porter, I would have believed you. It’s a simple slip dress with a sleek ankle-length hem that feels both ’90s and current, and the detail that really elevates it from basic to beautiful is the gathered halter neckline that ties in the back. It’s nothing crazy, but the shape and sophisticated burgundy hue are just right. It’s already a favorite among our editors, and I even wore it to a recent wedding.
With Jéan is my source for on-trend going-out pieces that are the opposite of boring. I’d seen a few people wear this corset minidress, and it always looked like it fit flawlessly. Spoiler: It did. The mesh fabric was also weirdly comfortable considering the bodice was lined with corset-style boning.
I heard that Abercrombie was making a comeback, so I obviously had to see what the hype was all about. I picked out this lace-trimmed slip dress—currently on sale for under $100—and was surprised by the fit and quality that could have rivaled a similar style for triple its price. ’90s-inspired slip dresses are proving to be an understated trend this fall, and I’m fully behind this affordable pick.
I said “ooh” to myself when I slipped into Reformation’s Rena set. It features a matching midi dress and shrunken cardigan that are made from the softest cashmere fabric. The dress is fitted and hits below the knee with a sweetheart neckline. Worn together, the set reminded me of an iconic ’90s-supermodel ensemble that Bella Hadid has recreated before.
Up next, 10 Fall Dress Outfits That Fashion People Are Wearing This Season
