The air feels cool and crisp and the calendar says its fall – finally! We love sweater weather as much as the next person. But what we really love right now are the abundance of designer day dresses that are perfect for the fall season. Just add cute boots and toss on a trench, and you’re ready for work, social outings – even date night. Find your perfect autumn day dress now with this expert advice.
explore the best of the new season’s designer day dresses
Our edit of the best designer day dresses of the fall season this year.
1. Staud Jersey Mini Dress.
Cut from stretch jersey for comfort and fit, this sporty “Backspin” mini dress from Staud features “a square-neck bodice that connects to the A-line skirt with corset-like paneling.”
BUY NOW: $245.
2. Silvia Tcherassi Floral-Jersey Midi Dress.
Bring the drama day or night with Silvia Tcherassi’s midi, the bestseller so far from her autumn/winter 2023 collection. Why? Because the fitted cut of the dress body is both flattering and comfortable. It’s made from “stretch-jersey that gathers along the hip, where it falls elegantly to a scarf-like hem.” The rosette is optional.
BUY NOW: $990.
3. Brandon Maxwell Silk Mini Dress.
Move effortlessly from summer to fall in this silk mini dress from Brandon Maxwell. It comes in an autumnal brown, but we love this ivory colorway best. On the runway. the designer paired it with pointy-toed pumps and crystal jewels to take it up a level.
BUY NOW: $
4. USISI SISTER Stretch Cotton Mini Dress.
The USISI SISTER brand was founded by former Moda Operandi buyer Millie Allsopp and her sister Kathryn. The aesthetic is “fashion-forward modern minimalist” – we think it exudes quiet luxury. “Made of cotton and spandex for an easy stretch, this orange button-down mini dress features a lapel collar and multiple flap pockets. Pair it with leather boots for a chic day look.”
BUY NOW: $458.
5. SIMKHAI Space-Dyed Knit Midi Polo Dress.
Sexy and sophisticated, this polo midi dress from the fall collection of SIMKHAI, Jonathan Simkhai’s new label, checks a lot of boxes. It’s fashioned from a ribbed stretch-knit with multi-dimensional autumnal color gradients and dip dye striping. Add a simple long-sleeved fine-gauge knit underneath as the weather gets colder.
BUY NOW: $495.
6. Johanna Ortiz Leopard-Pint Midi Dress.
Boasting a gradient leopard print, this midi dress from Columbian designer Johanna Ortiz is made from a knit silk-blend. Read: luxurious and languid. It features a “fitted, A-line silhouette detailed by a V-neck and lined keyhole cutout.” The fashion authorities at Moda Operandi suggest that you style yours with patent leather boots and a slouchy clutch.
BUY NOW: $1,150.
7. Altuzarra Cutout Cashmere Dress.
Altuzarra’s cashmere dress is a perfect day-to-night outfit for the fall season. The fitted silhouette is complemented by short sleeves and a cutout at the waist. Styled with chunky gold earrings and a powerful pump, it would be incredibly chic and stylish. Depending on where you’re going, we could even see this as a perfect look for Thanksgiving dinner.
BUY NOW: $1,395.
8. Etro Wool-Blend Midi Dress.
Etro is known for its deep archive of gorgeous prints, and this midi dress is the result of a deep dive into some of the brand’s earliest collections. The timeless print makes this really easy to style – all you need is a shoe with a kitten heel and black tights, and you’re on your way.
BUY NOW: $$2,590.
9. Favorite Daughter Knit Wool-Cashmere Mini Dress.
Cozy is paramount for some fall season occasions, and this navy blue mini sweater dress from Favorite Daughter is perfect for those times. Dress it up with “knee boots and a leather bag” and the style experts say you’re good to go.
BUY NOW: $350.
best of the fall season’s designer day dresses
That’s our edit of the best autumn season day dresses of the year, with an assist from our friends at Moda Operandi, including from favorite brands like Staud and Johanna Ortiz. Cozy, comfortable and chic, these are the kinds of looks that will go from day to night, office to outings with friends, and dinner parties to date night all season long. Which one’s your favorite, dear reader?
