8 Easy Dress Outfits That Make Up My Autumn Wardrobe
If you're considering forcing your summer dresses to take the annual walk of shame into the depths of your wardrobe right about now, think again. Last season's offering of midis and maxis ain't going anywhere for autumn, and we're already witnessing how fashion people are getting more mileage out of their frocks, even in the face of the cold weather we're currently experiencing.
Ultimately it's all about being clever with layers. Whether it's a strategic polo-neck, a throw-on-and-go blazer or a pair of trending boots, it's the easiest way to make your warm-weather frock ready for the colder months ahead. There are also plenty of new-season styles available if you want to freshen up your wardrobe.
Scroll down to see our favourite autumn dress outfits, and to shop the pieces you need to re-create them.
1. Simple Coat + Knitted Mini + Knee Boots
Style Notes: Nothing looks quite as cool as a minidress worn with knee boots. Complete the autumnal aesthetic with a cotton coat.
Shop the Look:
This will look just as good styled with patterned tights as it will bare legs.
2. Shearling Jacket + Printed Midi + Zip-Front Boots
Style Notes: Shearling jackets are all the rage right now. Use yours to give all of your printed summer dresses a wintry spin.
Shop the Look:
3. Denim Jacket + Tube Dress + Square-Toe Boots
Style Notes: Tube dresses present one of the easiest autumn outfits of the season—just add a denim jacket and square-toe boots for cool-girl appeal.
Shop the Look:
This was part of COS's recent catwalk show, so you know it's going to sell out fast.
Square toes are the detail fashion people are prioritising in the boots this season.
4. Bright Dress + Crossbody Bag + Trainers
Style Notes: It might be the darker months, but you needn't stick to a muted colour palette. Instead, embrace a bright hue and give it a downtime spin with chunky trainers.
Shop the Look:
Match the hue of your bag to that of your dress for a quick way to pull your look together.
5. Minidress + Roll-Neck + Knee Boots
Style Notes: Turn your minidresses into the perfect autumn outfit with the addition of a roll-neck top and knee boots.
Shop the Look:
Warehouse has so many great staple dresses.
6. Cardigan + Slip Dress + Printed Boots
Style Notes: As we approach party season, we know there will be an influx of slip dresses to choose from. Make them work for everyday wear with a belted cardigan and some printed boots.
Shop the Look:
Between the weave, the colour and the silhouette, this cardigan is next-level good.
It's only a matter of time before these are all over IG.
7. Trench Coat + Floral Dress + Tan Boots
Style Notes: We all have a floral dress hanging in our wardrobes that we largely forget about in the autumn months, but there's no need to pack it away until April. (Not when there's a trench-coat–and-boots solution waiting for you to try.)
Shop the Look:
The back of this trench coat is beyond beautiful.
These will look just as sleek with your jeans tucked in.
8. Shirtdress + High-Neck Top + Lug-Sole Boots
Style Notes: Shirtdresses in thicker fabrics (hello, corduroy), loan themselves to lots of layering options. Here, Monikh showcases how something as simple as a cream high-neck top can make this midi feel the wintry part.
Shop the Look:
These go above the ankles and will keep your feet all the more toasty.
Next Up: I Think This Dress Length Is the Easiest to Wear With Boots
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically 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, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning 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 at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others. Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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