Last Updated on October 2, 2023
Ready to change up your wardrobe for autumn 2023? I’ve got you covered with the best autumn dresses to shop now. Dressing for autumn is my absolute favourite. Think cosy knits, turtlenecks, moody florals and leather looks, without the need to wrap up warm for the freezing cold of winter.
That being said, with the weather being so unpredictable here in the UK, transitioning your wardrobe for the autumn is no easy task. One minute it could be a lovely sunny morning and then without any warning, rain showers set in to ruin just about any outfit. You just never know what you’re going to get.
This can unfortunately mean a hell of a lot of outfit planning in the mornings. Coat or jacket? Boots or pumps? Umbrella or no umbrella? And exactly how many layers are too many layers? One thing I know for sure as we approach a new season is that I’ll be wearing autumnal dresses on repeat.
Dresses just always seem to save the day when we can’t find anything else to wear, when you need to pull a look together in an instant, when we can no longer fit into our favourite jeans or when you just want to be cosy and pair them with some tights. They are our lifesavers.
The best thing about them is that they’re so versatile. Pair with strappy heels for an all-out party look for a night on the town, or just throw on a pair of sneakers or loafers and they miraculously turn into day wear. On top of all that, they’re so easy to wear. You don’t have to waste time mixing and matching pieces; literally throw it on and you’re good to go, saving you those precious minutes in bed each morning.
Keep scrolling for our top picks of the best autumn 2023 dress trends, whether you’re looking for a daytime staple sweater dress, maxi dress for work or show-stopping lace dress. I’ve found a selection of the best fall dresses in a variety of fabrics and shades, including autumnal oranges, reds, pinks and black.
Next, check out these great Zara basics for the new season, our edit of autumnal H&M dresses or the best ASOS boots to team your autumn dresses with.
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Moody Floral Dresses
Moody florals are trending for autumn winter 2023 and there are so many ways to wear them, but a dress is the easiest option. Warehouse’s long black dress with long sleeves is ideal for chillier days; team it with knee-high boots to keep warm. RIXO has a beautiful short-sleeved option with ruched sleeves that would work so well for a fall wedding too.
Castalia Dress, £298, Reformation – buy now
Evelyn Ruffled Midi Dress, £305, RIXO – buy now
Kara Rose Chiffon Diamante Detail Maxi Dress, £83, Warehouse – buy now
Annabelle Silk Dress, £448, Reformation – buy now
Peplum Dresses
Believe it or not, peplum dresses are back! Molly Goddard’s tulle dress offers a voluminous take on the trend, but for a daytime silhouette, Self-Portrait has a boulcé and chiffon midi dress that would be perfect for work.
Minerva Polka-Dot Tiered-Peplum Tulle Midi Dress, £875, Molly Goddard – buy now
Felda Dress, £298, Reformation – buy now
Crystal-Embellished Satin Peplum Top, £217, Shushu/Tong at Matches Fashion – buy now
Appliqué-Logo Double-Waist Shell Mini Skirt, £217, Shushu/Tong at Matches Fashion – buy now
Bouclé and Chiffon Midi Dress, £420, Self-Potrait at Coggles – buy now
Knit Dresses
If you get sick of oversized jumpers, knitted dresses are the next best thing. They’re always on trend, and they offer endless warmth while still looking feminine. Footwear is easy too; ankle boots, knee-high boots, heels, sneakers or loafers – anything goes. If you haven’t got one for your fall wardrobe yet, you’re about to discover a game changer.
Knit Long-Sleeve Ruched-Waist Pleated Midi Dress, £160, Anthropologie – buy now
Teresa Wavy Knit Maxi Dress, £265, Rixo – buy now
Power-Shoulder Merino Wool Maxi Dress, £115, COS – buy now
Fluted-Sleeve Midi Jumper Dress, £130, Anthropologie – buy now
Slip Dresses
Dressing up? Slip dresses are great wedding guest dresses or as everyday essentials. For a daytime look, team yours with a leather jacket and ankle boots, or throw on heels, a blazer and heels if you’re dressing up. River Island has hopped on the corsage trend with a beautiful pink slip dress, and Warehouse has a high-neck style in an autumnal orange that I just love.
Praia Lace Trim Midi Slip Dress, £59, All Saints – buy now
Pink Satin Corsage Bodycon Midi Dress, £55, River Island – buy now
Casette Silk Dress, £348, Reformation – buy now
Satin Strappy Back Slip Dress, £48, Warehouse – buy now
Red Dresses
You’re about to see red absolutely everywhere. It’s a known fact that women wearing red are seen as more attractive to the opposite sex, so it makes for a great party dress! Anthropologie has a gorgeous ruffled midi dress that is the perfect style for a special occasion, or opt for Joseph’s lurex style with long sleeves for a daytime look.
Maeve Ruffled-Neckline Pleated Dress, £170, Anthropologie – buy now
Lurex Dress, £178, Joseph – buy now
Lynn Strapless Ruffled Taffeta Midi Dress, £197, Kika Vargas – buy now
