I'm Not a Dress Person, But These 5 Fall Trends Are Calling My Name

Confession: I'm not really a dress person. I know, I know. I'm probably in the minority here. Dresses may not be my go-to item throughout most of the year, but there's no better time than the fall to reinvent myself sartorially speaking. So now that fall is really upcoming (35 days, people!), I've been noticing some gorgeous new dress trends from the F/W 20 runways, and I'm totally smitten.

Wearing dresses when it's warm out is a no-brainer, but we encourage you not to forget that it's an option when there's a chill in the air too. By simply adding tights and boots or even layering it over jeans or pants, a dress is suddenly one of the most appropriate things you can wear for fall. So with that, keep scrolling to see the five new fall dress trends I just know you’re going to love as much as I do. 

Ribbed Knit Dresses

Unlike those oversize sweater dresses that seem to swallow us whole, this season's crop of ribbed knit dresses are comfy, yes, but ultra-sleek and alluring, too. Keeping warm has never looked better if you ask me.

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Dion Lee F/W 20
(Image credit: Courtesy of Dion Lee)

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(Image credit: @greceghanem)

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Leather Dresses

Head-to-toe leather is a trend that everyone will wear this fall, so it makes sense that it applies to dresses too. Whether genuine or faux, a leather dress is a surefire way to earn more than a few compliments this season.

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Ganni F/W 20
(Image credit: Courtesy of Ganni)

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(Image credit: Style Stalker)

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Shirtdresses

While traditional shirtdresses are considered more of a staple item than a trend, new-and-improved versions are popping up this fall and they're fresher than ever. Take the stunning satin dresses at Nanushka, for instance, which play especially well with tall boots.

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Nanushka F/W 20
(Image credit: Courtesy of Nanushka)

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(Image credit: @soleneoj)

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Cutout Dresses

Cutout dresses were a big trend this summer as well, but according to the fall runways and designers like Proenza Schouler, Rejina Pyo, and Dion Lee, they're here to stay for this season as well. Contrary to popular belief, though, hard not to look cold weather-ready in this style, especially when it's paired with tights or boots.

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Rejina Pyo F/W 20
(Image credit: Courtesy of Rejina Pyo)

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(Image credit: @haileybieber)

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Sweetheart Necklines

Move over, square necklines—it's all about the sweetheart silhouette right now. The charming neckline is making its way into the spotlight for fall and the look couldn't be any more elegant. It pairs particularly well with a thick metal collar necklace (another big fall jewelry trend) and is a look we expect to see a lot of from fashion folks this season.

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Alexander McQueen F/W 20
(Image credit: Courtesy of Alexander McQueen)

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(Image credit: Style Stalker)

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Next up, 30 long-sleeve dresses you'll live in this fall.

Editor

Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.