I have to admit that I’m still getting used to the idea of getting dressed again. Being a freelancer who works from my home office, I’m always inclined to reach for my sweats, and when I do leave the house, I’m drawn to pieces with easy wearability. That said, I’ve been shopping for nothing but dresses as of late. There’s just something about throwing on a cute dress that makes you feel totally put-together with minimal effort.
While there are plenty of new dress trends to get excited over this fall, there are also a handful of essential styles that everyone should own. These silhouettes are considered timeless and surpass the trend cycle, earning a permanent spot in any capsule wardrobe.
Ahead, I rounded up the seven types of dresses that you’d be hard-pressed to not find in every cool girl’s wardrobe. From mini to maxi, body-con to A-line, your guide to fall’s staple dresses awaits.
Dress trends come and go, but the minidress is a true staple that will never not be a hit. Thankfully, there are plenty of long-sleeve styles to keep us warm year-round. Plus, they look great paired with tights and knee-high boots.
Quite possibly the most figure-flattering dress silhouette there is, the A-line dress doesn’t get enough credit. First made popular in the ’50s by Christian Dior, A-line silhouettes involve a fitted bodice that gradually flares out at the waistline toward the hem.
Like the mini, midi dresses are another staple I’ll never get tired of wearing. Falling somewhere between the knee and lower calf, they allow for just enough leg to show off those cute new ankle boots.
In the spirit of the Y2K fashion revival, the body-con dress has resurfaced both on and off the runway. Scared? Fear not. Today’s formfitting styles are a departure from the bandage dresses of the early aughts and are, in fact, really cute. Think stretchy, ruched mesh and curve-hugging ribbed knits galore. Body-con may be the only “trendy” dress on this list, but I predict we’ll be seeing it around for seasons to come.
A floor-length frock always adds a bit of drama to any look. This fall, I’m looking to sweeping knits and flouncy puff-sleeve styles I’ll wear well into the winter.
A strapless dress is always a surefire way to look sleek and polished. But just because it calls for bare arms and collarbones, there’s no need to save yours for warm weather. A strapless dress can serve as a great layering piece under blazers and cardigans or even over a long-sleeve tee.
In terms of fall dressing, long-sleeve dresses are always a good choice. They’ll keep you warm and eliminate the need for a jacket or sweater, depending on the material. From simple, fitted sleeves to something more dramatic like the above, the options are endless.
