Autumn dressing can be tricky, and it’s particularly hard this year as we’re only just extricating ourselves from the longest, sexiest summer fling most of us can remember. We’re all living in disbelief of this transitional weather: Is that…rain? Why is it bitingly cold when I leave the house but sweltering when I pop to Pret at lunchtime? The question on everyone’s lips is "Will I need a coat?" but before you trouble yourself with layers, introduce some autumn dresses into your wardrobe. Wear them bare-legged and with trainers now, then double up on the tights and socks and pop on a pair of boots once the frost sets in.
There was a proliferation of dresses in the AW18 collections, particularly the long, loose and languidly printed styles seen at Balenciaga and Gucci. Resist the urge to call it boho – this is not the early '00s Monsoon interpretation of Sienna Miller’s style apex. Yes, the lines are relaxed and the prints recall '70s upholstery, but we will not be pairing them with a low-slung coin belt. Feel free, however, to grab a pair of cowboy boots – see Ganni for reference.
If this '70s redux isn’t your cup of tea, there are numerous other ways to get your dress fix. Tailoring is a key trend for the season but if suits aren’t your thing, add some formality to your wardrobe with a fitted blazer dress, as seen at Stella McCartney and sustainable New Zealand designer Maggie Marilyn.
Denim is everywhere, of course; our preferred way to wear it is buttoned down the middle in a deep indigo. Alexachung shows us how to do it best, as usual.
Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best dress trends as worn by our favourite street style stars.
Printed midis and maxis
Just the right side of prissy, a printed ankle-length affair won’t feel like too much of a leap from your beachy summer dresses. Keep the print bold and flash an inch of bare leg; it’s not tights time just yet.
Photographed by Christian Vierig/Getty Images
& Other Stories Printed Long Sleeve Midi Dress, £79, available at & Other Stories
Gucci Illustrated Gucci Cities Silk Dress, £2,650, available at Gucci
Ganni Cameron Maxi Dress, £300, available at Ganni
Topshop Floral Chuck On Midi Dress, £36, available at Topshop
The Vampire’s Wife Cinderella Gypsy-Print Cotton Dress, £595, available at Matches Fashion
Leopard print
We can’t remember who first said "leopard is a neutral" but we know there is no greater truth. The animal print that never goes out of style, you can go full pelt (pun most definitely intended) or mix the print with a floral.
Photographed by Christian Vierig/Getty Images
Petar Petrov Leopard-Print Chiffon Dress, £1,240, available at Net-A-Porter
& Other Stories Leopard Print Dress, £59, available at & Other Stories
Whistles Animal Print Esme Dress, £189, available at Whistles
Kitri Maya Animal Print Dress, £145, available at Kitri
Rixo Noleen Panelled Printed Silk-Crepe Wrap Dress, £295, available at Net-A-Porter
The blazer dress
Infinitely chic, the blazer dress is exactly what you need to give structure to your autumn wardrobe. Taking a nod from the oversized blazer trend of last autumn, they’ve now grown into fully formed dresses. Great on their own; even better over a polo-neck jumper.
Photographed by Achim Aaron Harding/Getty Images
Tibi Lucas Checked Canvas Blazer Dress, £725, available at Matches Fashion
Stella McCartney Houndstooth Mini Dress, £1,180, available at Net-A-Porter
ASOS DESIGN Mini Wrap Blazer Dress, £35, available at ASOS
Kitri Minkus Tuxedo Dress, £115, available at Kitri
Denim
Forget jeans, we like our denim as a dress now. A nice new frock with all the comforting familiarity of our favourite pair of Levi's.
Photographed by Matthew Sperzel/Getty Images
Marques’ Almeida Ruffled Denim Mini Dress, £470, available at Net-A-Porter
Alexachung Zebra-Collar Denim Dress, £655, available at Matches Fashion
ASOS DESIGN Denim Utility Dress, £40, available at ASOS
Warehouse Button Belted Denim Dress, £59, available at Warehouse
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