Are you searching for the biggest autumn winter 2023 dress trends? You’ve come to the right place. I’ve done my homework and assessed all the autumn winter 2023 dress trends to bring you the top six dress styles that are guaranteed to dominate this season. I’ll be sharing some the best runway looks this season and showing exactly where to find the high street versions.

Transitioning your wardrobe for autumn winter is no easy task, especially with the weather being so unpredictable here in the UK. But with the recent temperature drop, I think it’s time to put away the summer dresses and think about what your new autumn wardrobe will look like. 

I always find dresses the perfect autumn go-to as they’re so easy to wear, versatile and oh-so cosy paired with some tights. Whether you pair yours with a chunky heel for a dressy office look (that will see you through after work drinks nicely too), or just throw on a pair of sneakers or loafers, dresses really don’t take much thought. You don’t have to waste time mixing and matching pieces; literally throw it on and you’re good to go.

The dress offerings this season do not disappoint either. The main trends we’re seeing for AW23 include hourglass shapes, adornments, moody florals, gothic inspired looks, sheer silk, lingerie and metallics to name just a few. I’ve narrowed it down to my personal faves. Keep scrolling for the best autumn 2023 dress trends that I guarantee you’ll see everywhere this autumn winter.

Next, read about the biggest autumn winter 2023 bag trends, shoe trends, knitwear and boots trends to pair with your dress of choice. If you want even more dresses, check out my edit of the best dresses for the season too. Now, onto the dress trends…

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Dress Trend 1 – The New Peplum

Love it or hate it, peplum shapes are back! I was a big fan of it the first time round and this time it’s an even more sophisticated look today. It’s all about achieving the hourglass silhouette, and whether you have voluptuous hips or not, peplum will achieve this while allowing you to breathe (and eat dinner).

This time around, the peplum doesn’t have to be as obvious. I love how Caroline Herrera added a rosette and draped fabric to a yellow and white stripped dress to create an hourglass shape. Look for details like this when looking for your perfect peplum dress.

Felda Dress, £298, Reformation – buy now

Bouclé and Chiffon Midi Dress, £420, Self-Portrait at Coggles – buy now

Bandeau Tiered Peplum Mini Dress, now £53.40, Coast – buy now

Dress Trend 2 – The Red Dress

Red is without a doubt the colour of the season. Dare I say it, Christmas will be here before you know it so start thinking about that holiday party dress now. It doesn’t have to be a party look though; if you prefer a daytime look, throw on a knitted red dress. You’ll stand out while keeping warm too!

Relaxed Pleated Detail Wrap Dress, £120, & Other Stories – buy now

Red Guipure Cut Out Midi Dress, £365, Farm Rio – buy now

Valentina Keyhole-Front Silk-Duchesse Mini Dress, £345, Sasuphi – buy now

Asymmetric ruffled dress, £99.99, Mango – buy now

Dress Trend 3 – The Check Dress

Checks have their place in almost every person’s autumn winter wardrobe, and a chequered dress is the perfect form in which to wear it. The print pairs so well with tights and gives real cosy comfy vibes for the cooler months. Add a pair of cowboy boots and you’ll have a perfect autumn winter look.

Green and black panel front midi dress, £135, Glassworks London – buy now

Harlin Curve Sleeve Dress, £119, Aligne – buy now

Check Suiting Mini Dress, £345, Ganni – buy now

Check Organic Crinkle Poplin Shirt Dress, £165, Toast – buy now

Dress Trend 4 – The Moody Floral Dress

Florals? For autumn? Groundbreaking. I’m sure even Miranda Priestly would agree moody florals are trending for autumn winter 2023. There’s are so many great ways to wear them, but a dress is the easiest option that can take you from day to night and everything in between. This season go for something with a dark moody base colour – grey, black or brown, ideally – and let the floral pop on top.

Sarah Crepe Midi Dress, £145, Ghost – buy now

Jinx-C floral-print velvet dress, £575, Saloni – buy now

Pearl Silk-Devore Dress, £345, RIXO – buy now

Floral Midi Dress With Ladder Lace, £250, Ted Baker – buy now

Dress Trend 5 – The Naked Dress

What exactly is a naked dress, I hear you ask? Think sheer, silk, and lace dresses that look a whole lot like lingerie and don’t offer a lot in terms of coverage. The risqué dress trend took centre-stage at this year’s Oscars, when Olivia Wilde, Rihanna and Emily Ratajkowski wore a selection of see-through dresses and nearly bared all.

Designers keep pushing the boundaries when it comes to sheer dressing, proving this trend is here to stay. The trend is not for everyone but for those who dare to bare, pair a sheer dress with a pair of high-waisted briefs and bandeau top or lace bra for the ultimate cool girl look.

Semi Sheer Floral Dress, £450, St. Agni – buy now

Gathered Scalloped Lace Dress, £295, Jigsaw – buy now

Sheer Mesh Tiered Midi Dress, £80, Anthropologie – buy now

Mesh Midi Dress with Rhinestones, £69.99, Zara – buy now

Dress Trend 6 – The Metallic Dress

While it can be slightly daunting to wear a dress that is so out there and shiny, there’s no need to be scared of metallics. The key to wearing a silver or gold dress is to style it with clean neutrals and solid basics. Keep the remainder of your outfit grounded by pairing your metallic dress with heels and an oversized blazer for the ultra-cool girl look. 

Metallic Strapless Dress, £45.99, ZARA – buy now

Aydin Knit Dress, £228, Reformation – buy now

Prairie PVC Mini Dress, £94, Batsheva – buy now

The Somerset Maxi Dress: Metallic Edition, £148, Anthropologie – buy now