8 Fall Dress Trends You're About to See Everywhere, According to Stylists

 Dresses are easily one of the easiest garments to style. Toss on a singular garment, accessorize accordingly, and perhaps add a jacket before heading out the door. As we venture into the chillier months, a new class of fall dress trends is definitely emerging. We spoke with fashion pros about the most popular dresses that define the new autumn season, and their insights reveal a lineup of silhouettes, fabrics, and details you’ll want in your wardrobe right now. 

Tailored Shirt Dresses

Shirt dresses are officially making a comeback in our wardrobes. “I think they are perfect for between seasons and are very versatile,” says Teresa Marco, fashion stylist and head of design at Sumissura. “They look great with heels, sandals, boots, or trainers. And if they're tailor-made, they're a dream.”  She says this fall dress trend works well in lighter fabrics like cotton or a thin wool, and looks great with trench coats and fitted blazers. 

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‘70s Boho

The 1970s are an overarching trend, and dresses definitely fall into the lineup. “The themes of romance and femininity are dominating fall trends in many ways this year. We’re seeing lace details, animal prints, and flowing silhouettes that give that feminine, breezy effect reminiscent of the ‘70s,” says Renee Lara, personal stylist. “Celebrities like Zoë Kravitz and Amal Clooney have rocked this trend a lot. “This trend is also super versatile; it can suit a variety of personal styles, allowing individuals to make it uniquely their own. 

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Layered Lace Dresses

One of autumn’s most creative trends is the layered lace look, which places a strong emphasis on dynamic texture. “I'm seeing fashion-forward women take delicate, often sheer lace dresses and style them asymmetrically over tailored trousers or even straight-leg jeans,” says Celeste Routh, a capsule wardrobe stylist.

She adds, “This styling trick de-formalizes a precious fabric, turning what could be a ‘special occasion’ piece into a versatile and edgy wardrobe player.” The key is to pair the delicate lace with a more structured bottom for high contrast.

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Gothic Vibes

While frilly feminine lacy is trending, so is the complete opposite via gothic-inspired looks. “This summer, a micro-trend emerged on TikTok, known as Goth Girl Summer, and now it is transforming into a more profound trend. The days are getting darker and gothic is taking over,” Marco notes. “It is sophisticated, full of romanticism and sensuality. Dresses always love black in all its possible textures: lace, velvet, leather, and thick knitwear coexist in dramatic, enveloping or lingerie-style silhouettes.”

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Min-Max Dresses

Can’t choose between minimalism or a more is more look this season? You can have both. “The fusion of maximalism and minimalism is dominating the runways this fall,” Lara says. “From Hermes to The Row, we're witnessing luxury fabrics combined with classic lines. The look features classic styles with an 'edge' via structure and construction, luxury fabrics, and added extras.” 

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Statement Sleeves

Another fun way to spice up your wardrobe this fall is via a dress with a bold statement sleeve. “The tops of dresses are getting bolder with exaggerated puff sleeves, draped bishop sleeves, and sculptural bell shapes that look almost like wearable art,” Routh notes. “Ho

uses like Loewe played in this space, but so did more romantic labels, making it an easy runway look for real life. These are dresses you put on when you want to feel striking without resorting to sparkle.” 

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Hyper Feminine

Chic, feminine silhouettes are making a strong comeback this autumn. “We've seen them a lot on the catwalk—a la Yves Saint Laurent and Chloe—and in unexpected color combinations,” Marco notes. “I think the feminine dress is in fashion because it's a change from the hyper-casual styles of recent seasons. It's elegant without being overdone. It’s a return to elegance, but with a fresh twist.”

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Frontier-Inspired

The West is enjoying a nice moment in the fashion spotlight, and frontier-style dresses play to the aesthetic. “This season, the heritage and frontier vibe is prevalent. Think flowing, folkloric silhouettes cinched at the waist, layered textures, and little pendant details that feel like keepsakes from far-off places,” Routh tells us.

She adds, “Designers like Chloé and Bode are leaning into romantic travel wear-clothes that feel lived-in but still modern. I love this trend because it’s the kind of dress that looks almost like an heirloom piece with its own story.”