Shop the Best Fall Dresses for Every Occasion

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No matter the occasion or season, there are always plenty of opportunities to wear a dress and, of course, an overwhelming amount of options from which to pick. We’ve put together an edit of the best dresses you can shop this month. Check back every month for a new selection of styles, handpicked by Vogue.

Summer isn’t over just yet, but come September 22nd, fall will have officially arrived. We’re looking to start the new season with the best dresses of the month. There’s no better time to embrace transitional pieces that can be worn day and night, plus fresh details that elevate a classic silhouette. We’re talking short sleeves (if any at all!) and thicker fabrics, moodier hues, and textural touches that look just as good with minimalist loafers as they do with retro sneakers for a transitional moment. Shop the best dresses of September, below.

Vogue’s Best Dresses for September:

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The Scarf Dress

Fall wedding looming on the calendar? Look no further—Staud’s Camilla dress has all the markings of a special event stunner that won’t steal all the attention from the special couple.

The Draped Silk Dress

Easy, sleek, and elegantly draped, Loulou De Saison’s Roan dress was made with versatility in mind. Dress it up with kitten heels or a knee-high boot, or play it down with ballerina flats.

The Ruffled Maxi

The upcoming fall season means one thing and one thing only: it’s time for layering! Wear this ruffle-tiered dress below a heavy knit or a trench coat. Let the cascading flounce peek out, and don’t forget western boots!

The Transitional Turtleneck

Jacquemus sweetens this dress with a dramatic draped, turtleneck-style neckline—a clever take on proportions that makes it wearable in the summer and the fall. The best part? Its butter yellow crepe is easy breezy in between seasons, too.

The Merlot Midi

You can never go wrong with a Dôen dress. It doesn’t hurt either that it comes in a rich burgundy hue, one of the top color trends of the season.

The Patchwork Slip

Stripes and polka dots are a given, but here is a new fall print to consider: patchwork. Zara’s printed version will satisfy those looking to layer, adding a bohemian or vintage-inspired style into their wardrobe this season.

The Modern Event Dress

Simkhai’s Kenlie dress is back! This time, it’s designed with a long-sleeved ribbed-knit bodice to contrast the larger-than-life taffeta skirt. Wear it to a variety of lavish occasions, from black tie weddings to the ballet.

The Drop Waist Dress

Step into elegance with this pleated dress from Magda Butrym. Crafted from fluid stretch-crepe, it contours smoothly through the fitted bodice and subtly dips at the waist before cascading into a liquid-like skirt. Wear with drop earrings for all your special fetes.

The Night-Out-Lace Dress

From Louis Vuitton to Ralph Lauren and Chloé, lace trimmings are still making waves on the runway. The ideal evening-out dress, its floral lace adds a flair of romance to any nighttime ensemble.

The Silk Wrap Dress

No well-curated wardrobe is complete without a classic wrap dress. Instead of the usual black or oxblood jersey, opt for Tory Burch’s printed, silky silhouette.

The Wear-Everywhere Dress

Top half? Think slinky, sleek, stretchy cotton. Bottom half? A dramatic poplin skirt with tons of texture. Consider this to be early fall’s answer to the “what do I wear?” dilemma. Style with footwear of all kinds, from retro sneakers to loafers and minimalist sandals.

The Classic Turtleneck Dress

DVF is known for traditional, signature silhouettes—a notion Diane’s entire legacy is built on. Strong, smart, and classy, a black turtleneck dress will be one to live in for years to come.

The Fluid Drape

Leave it up to Khaite to redefine the classic silk dress. From its bold hue, to the fluidity and movement, bring the runway to real life with the Syd.

The Lace-Trimmed Gown

Nili Lotan’s Adelie gown is tasteful, inviting, and best of all, timeless. Made from liquid silk-charmeuse, it is unlined to ensure a lightweight, free-flowing fit. Dainty lace outlines the bust and V-neckline.

The Asymmetric Maxi

Isabel Marant’s western-leaning Galina dress is designed to make every woman feel beautiful. From the draped bodice and floaty skirt, to the allover print and gathered waist—in a continuously trending butter yellow and burgundy, no less.

The Dramatic Draping

Toteme is all about clean lines, ease, and versatility—and while this dress is a bit more high-impact, those traits still hold true. Wear this to a special event with strappy heels and dangling earrings.

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The Red Hot

Perfect for every occasion, Faithfull’s Suis dress is cut from textured linen with a swishy midi skirt and artfully draped, asymmetric neckline. Wear with dangling earrings to accentuate the neckline.

The Artful Silhouette

Tired of your classic white cotton dresses? Of course, Jacquemus is here to shake up what that category can look like. From the funnel neck to the sharp allover panels, the Triana is more sculptural than simple.

The Lace Trim Maxi

Designed as a tribute to the slip dress, Sir’s Aries style features panels of lace, a deep, plunging back, and a bias cut. Wear it now with flip-flops, and later beneath a lightweight trench coat.

The Evening-Ready

This rich, oxblood-colored dress is designed to be a timeless option for any special occasion—be it a wedding, baby shower, or gala event.

The ’90s-Inspired Slip

Can’t you picture a young Gwyneth Paltrow or Jennifer Aniston wearing this dress? Embrace that energy, and wear it with pared-back accessories. The vivid color is statement enough.

The Dramatic Print

Fashion-forward, unique, and figure-flattering, Dries Van Noten’s artfully draped maxidress is punctuated by argyle checks and oval motifs, a lustrous finish, and a loose bodice that nips in at the waist. Wear it like a cool girl, with ballet flats, or go elegant with a pair of strappy thong sandals.

The Powder Pink

Sometimes, less is more! Everlane’s soft, powder pink dress is proof of that. Wear it with everything from suede sandals, to ballerina flats, and white sneakers.

The Embroidered Slip

It may be the middle of August, but we’re not giving up all our summer favorites just yet. Before the warmth ceases, wear Zara’s effortless, long slip dress with basket bags and kitten heels.

The Multicolored Knit

When in doubt, a DVF dress is the right choice. As the weather gets cooler, look to the Bea sweater dress. Cast from cozy wool, it features color-blocked panels at the sleeve and hemline.

The Striped Midi

The classic polo dress gets a fashion girl upgrade thanks to Proenza Schouler’s Solana dress. Show off the figure-skimming silhouette and puffy sleeves by pairing with laidback accessories, like simple wrap sandals and a minimalist shoulder bag.

The Artful Drape

Have a lavish event on the calendar? One that goes well into the evening? Khaite knows how to do all-hours elegance without sacrificing comfort. Case in point: the Meryl dress.

The Scarf-Detailed Midi

Scarf dressing isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Back once more for fall, the best part about this Staud dress is that you can detach it to switch up the look.

The Bandana Dress

Minimalism doesn’t mean simplicity! Especially when it comes to this Ami dress. From the attached bandana to the Mother of Pearl buttons, this dress is maximalism for minimalists in every sense of the word.

The Fluid Maxi

Easy to style, and endlessly versatile, let Jean Paul Gaultier’s stretch satin maxidress become the item you lean on. It can be dressed up, or down, depending on the accessories.

The Abstract Motif

Workweek ensembles don’t have to lack character. If anything, it’s the perfect time to rely on punchy pieces that require little effort to look complete. Altuzarra’s Claudia dress is both office-appropriate and super chic.

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The Romantic Slip

Equal parts laidback and sultry, this modern stands out but doesn’t try too hard. Throw it on with a simple sandal for daytime, or wear it for date night with a strappy heel.

The Fringed Find

Looking to add a playful detail to your everyday ensembles? Fringe will do the trick! Transition this dress from The Elder Statesman into the new season by pairing it with knee-high boots, or a light layerable jacket.

The Embroidered Sundress

Made from breathable cotton, Sea’s Celia dress is designed with an allover broderie anglaise and sprinkled with embroidered flowers. Garden party, here we come!

The Vacation Dress

Preparing for a getaway this summer? You’ll need a plethora of easy, but statement-making, dresses that require little styling. Add this Johanna Ortiz dress to your lineup—it’s open back, cut-out sides, and airy cotton construction is perfect for beachside escapes.

The Crow-Favorite Mini

Dôen is known for their dresses, both maxi and mini, and this dress keeps selling out for a reason. Ideal for summertime, the design strikes all the right chords—lace trimmings, a relaxed silk-satin fabrication, and a scalloped hemline that’s both alluring and sweet.

The Sky Blue Maxi

Statement-making yet easy to style, Faithfull’s Aniela dress will carry you from summer event to summer event. Keep it simple with neutral-colored accessories, or add a bold pop with colorful extras.

The Runway Find

There’s no shortage of white dresses for summer—the categories span every style and occasion. For a runway-approved moment, pick up Miu Miu’s lace midi dress.

The Red Hot Collab

J.Crew and Rouje recently teamed up on a collection of pieces that bring a bit of New York to Paris, and a bit of Paris to New York! The Swoon dress captures both cities’ aesthetics perfectly, with flirty polka dots and a vintage-inspired slip silhouette.

The Paisley Midi

Rabanne’s shirtdress features panels of paisley motifs, crafted from stretch-jersey with an asymmetric hem, blouson sleeves for added volume, and a gathered bodice with silver-tone fastenings. Add silver jewelry to match the tones.

The Suede Halterneck

Softness meets structure in this halter for a tactical twist on classic cool. Wear it now with simple sandals, then straight into fall with tall boots.

The Flowing Dress

Ruffles bring movement, excitement, and a touch of whimsy. They also boast just enough detail for the minimalist. Add a basket bag, and you’re good to go.

The Checked Maxi Dress

Crafted from a neutral checked voile, this piece fits snugly through the body and then flares out into a billowy, asymmetric hem.

The Crinkled Maxi

Breezy, oversized, and full of texture, Zara’s dress will become your go-to for the next few weeks. Wear it in the city or take it on vacation—either way, you’ll fall in love with the crinkled effect.

The Reimagined Tulle

Soft and elegant, Toteme brings delicate tulle into the now with this oversized maxi dress. Its top semi-sheer layer is embroidered with the daintiest of florals.

The Printed Halterneck

For day parties, birthdays, and other special events, you can always count on Dries Van Noten to come through. Style this multicolored, printed halterneck with contrasting accessories.

The Embroidered Kaftan

This dress can be a coverup for bikinis and chic one-piece swimsuits, or worn as a dress for a summer-in-the-city feel. Either way, it looks good with raffia bags, sun hats, flip-flops, and the unexpected mesh flats.

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The Classic Black

To keep a black dress feeling fresh, pair it with colorful, summer-ready accessories like raffia bags, beaded sandals, and pendant necklaces.

The Embroidered Linen

For the print-curious, Agua by Agua Bendita’s embroidered linen midi is expressive without being overwhelming. Faux pearl embellishments add an extra special touch that’s best appreciated in real life.

The Strapless Midi

Matteau’s mididress is crafted from crisp organic cotton-poplin in a versatile chocolate hue. It has a few of our favorite things: a strapless gathered bodice, a flowy skirt, and pockets!

The Romantic Floral

From the strapless design to the bustier waist, wear this floral-printed sundress to weddings, parties, and baby showers.

The Modern Nightgown

The ultimate soft rebellion? Wearing a nightgown-adjacent dress. Slip out the door with a wink in Posse’s ethereal maxi, complete with lace trimmings, a plunging neckline, low back, and floaty skirt.

The Pintucked Midi

A two-toned mididress does the hard work of styling for you—graphic, sharp, and effortlessly put together, you’ve mastered colorblocking without even having to try. Liven it up with pops of red and orange, or go fully neutral with monochromatic extras.

The Red Shirred Style

Take on the summer with bold intent and go head-first into color with Dôen’s poplin mididress. The Marianne is cut from shirred cotton poplin, with wispy ruffle trims for a vintage feel.

The Striped T-Shirt Dress

The perfect weekend style, Rabanne’s gathered, striped T-shirt dress is the upgrade you need this season. It has an asymmetric hem and gathers with snaps along the side to highlight your shape. Wear yours with strappy sandals.

The Pleated Poplin

Staud’s Wells dress is the kind you’ll want to wear all summer long. Made from striped cotton, it’s designed with a flattered panneled corset bodice, a swishy hemline, and thick shoulder straps for support. Style with neutral-colored accessories, like flat sandals and a basket bag.

The Asymmetric Lace Dress

A lace dress is the sartorial equivalent of wearable air conditioning—lightweight, refreshing, and cool. Dress it up with a pair of platforms, or down with a flip-flop, depending on the occasion.

The Polka Dot Pick

The idea of Ciao Lucia is the girl on eternal vacation—doesn’t this dress just epitomize that? Throw it into your suitcase; you’ll be set for the entire stay.

The Fit-and-Flare Find

This dress from Erdem features a fitted bodice and a relaxed, tiered skirt, crafted from lightweight cotton poplin. It has feminine details, like tie-fastening shoulder straps, halterneck straps, and hidden side seam pockets.

The Disco Print

Swirly patterns, paisleys, and polka dots have made a full comeback. We’re obsessing over all things vintage-inspired, and that includes Etro’s collection of multicolored motifs. Ground the dress with modern accessories, like a structured top-handle bag, and sculptural earrings.

The Lace-Trimmed Slip

Take the essence of boudoir dressing onto the streets with a silky maxi dress. This one, from Loulou de Saison, is chic enough for special events. Think, birthday gatherings, anniversaries, or baby showers.

The Multicolored Floral

A floral dress a day makes summertime dressing easy. Why not add another to your rotation? Rixo’s Kendall dress is cut into a midi silhouette with poppy, floral prints throughout. Juxtapose with a retro sneaker for cool practicality.

The Tulle-Trimmed Poplin

Crafted from a lightweight cotton, Ulla Johnson’s Anela dress does sheer in a grown-up way. Tulle inserts and embroidery along the edges add a modern flair. Pair it with ballet flats or metallic sandals, either way, the results are chic.

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The New Boho

The idea of Ciao Lucia speaks to the girl on an eternal vacation—spending time by a pool, the ocean, or on the boardwalk. Keep the vibe beachy with beaded sandals and a raffia tote.

The Updated Poplin

A rounded neck with a pointed collar, cinched bodice, and allover polka-dot print invigorates the traditional cotton poplin dress.

The Classic Cotton Sundress

While we adore playful dresses and bold patterns, and prints, there’s also a need for everyday sundresses that blend function with fashion. Case in point, Kotn’s ruffled midi!

The Pleated Knit

Pleats, please! Mango’s knitted (yet lightweight!) dress can be dressed up or down. Wear it beneath a trench coat, or by itself with strappy kitten heels.

The Pajama Shirt Dress

Invite the outdoors in with Burberry’s silk twill shirtdress—the design, hand-drawn by British artist Helen Bullock, finds inspiration in the honeybees that surround Highgrove Gardens, the private residence of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The Darling Dots

Haven’t you heard? Polka dots of all sorts are taking over, from knitted dresses to draped tops and chic midiskirts. Let the print be the moment, and team with minimalist accessories.