When in doubt, wear a fabulous dress. (Or that's my most trusted fashion mantra, anyway.) On those days where everything else feels like too much effort (sometimes styling separates is a truly disastrous exercise in being punctual), I always turn to my edit of safety-net frocks. In my experience, a well-cut, timeless midi never lets you down and will work hard through the summer with sandals and well on into the winter with boots and layers. Certain dresses go the distance—and although I'd always encourage you to buy less and buy better—this is one area I continue to spend money on because of the frequency at which I wear all of my chosen dresses.
So I clearly don't need persuading to peruse this department, but right now there are enough new autumn dress trends to lure you away from jeans, trousers, skirts or jumpsuits if you're that way inclined. I'm here for every single one of the new season's lineup: Whether loose-fitting, smock-like and poufy (like a giant princess dress, only to be worn with flats and a glare) or slim-fitting and snug for a body-con moment (we're talking top-quality knits, not clingy jersey here), there's a dress for every mood and budget. Keep scrolling to see the five new autumn dress trends I'm investing in for 2019.
1. DARK DITSY FLORALS
Bohemian feels abound for autumn 2019, and no more so than in the dress department. That's why prairie styles are continuing and anything with a dark ditsy floral print is bubbling up to the surface.
You can keep things on the cuter end of the spectrum with puff sleeves and short hemlines.
2. KNITTED TUBE DRESSES
Body-con is back, but perhaps not as you know it. Now it's all about ribbed knitted dresses that fit your form but also feel incredibly comfortable and easy to wear.
They can be sassy for the evening too—just look out for something with a more alluring neckline.
3. CHECKS AND PLAIDS
Picking up right where we left off for summer, grids, checks, plaids and tartans are still 100% on trend for the new season.
This classic pattern works well in many dress silhouettes from cheeky minis to billowing maxis.
4. PUFF-BALL SMOCKS
The most daring of perhaps all the dress trends, these supersized smocks are both beyond comfortable and the perfect way to make a statement without trying too hard.
They're at their most "London" when worn with flats, but you can easily jazz one up for the evening with a pair of heels and a headband.
5. BABY BLUE
From the streets of NYC to the Insta posts of the Scandinavian crew, I keep noticing these cute baby blues cropping up in dress form. Ideal for keeping some colour in your autumn/winter wardrobe.
Particularly sumptuous when in jumper-dress form, you could easily wear a knitted style with sandals this month.
Next up, the best high-street boots to wear with your new favourite dress.
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