Summer Is Back! 16 Chic Dresses That You Can Wear Now And Well Into Autumn
The warm weather is, unexpectedly, back and with it a rather large wardrobe conundrum. At the end of a pretty miserable and gloomy august, I packed away my linens and sandals and reintroduced boots and blazers into my capsule wardrobe. Now some may say I was a tad too hasty with the switch, but it always pays to be prepared, right? Little did I know the UK would be blessed with a heatwave in the first week of September and most of my wardrobe, in all its cosy knit, denim and leather glory, would be rendered redundant.
But what does one wear when they've stashed away all the shorts and mini skirts in the loft and is suddenly in desperate need of a weather (and work) appropriate 'fit that still looks and feels good? Enter, the dress. A great dress is possibly one of the most versatile items in your wardrobe, and will work hard for you all year round, no matter the weather. In fact, yesterday morning when the Who What Wear team Slack channel was buzzing with questions on what to wear to the office this week, it seemed there was only one solution. A dress would have to do!
And where can you find a pick of the best dresses out there? Right here, of course. Not only have we done our research in terms of key trends for 2023, but we’ve also found styles you’ll be wearing way beyond this season. These are frocks you’ll be able to pull out in 2025 and still be smug about how great they are. And the best bit is that they can be worn now, in this spectacular warm weather, and well into autumn too with a quick change of footwear (swap the sandals for knee-high boots) and by adding a few layers like a blazer or cashmere knit. So you really get your bang for your buck.
Scroll on to discover the 16 that made the cut.
Shop my dress edit:
This Scandi-esque style will look just as good with sandals as it does with flat, chunky boots.
A slip dress will work so hard for you. Add tights, boots and a cashmere knit in winter but wear with flip flops now.
Silky, floaty fabrics are a great option in the heat, but are also fantastic for layering in autumn. Wear this with a trench and trainers when it gets cooler.
One of our favourite dress brands, and for good reason. Dôen's dresses look fab no matter the season.
The most versatile (and loved) dress of 2023?
I love navy instead of black as we change seasons. Add tan boots and a cashmere knit worn around your shoulders for later in the year.
I have this and can confirm just how comfy it is. I've been wearing mine with chunky flip flops in summer, but am planning on adding riding boots come autumn.
Such a staple, and great for any end-of-summer weddings.
A shirt dress is a great choice when you want to look polished but still feel cool.
This Massimo Dutti dress has really caught my eye. I'd style it as above for right now but then would add a relaxed blazer and loafers when the temperatures cool down.
Perfect for those days when you don't want to think about your outfit.
What a gorgeous colour! This amazing blue hue will go with so many other shades, including black, white, brown, gold and other brights.
Next Up: The Autumn/Winter 2023 Fashion Trends That Really Matter
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over twelve years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories, and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, works closely with influencer talent on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media. Previously, Maxine appeared on TV in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship, she was offered a position on the Look magazine fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. She went on to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine works remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh.
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