It’s Time To Invest In These Fall Dress Trends

As Labor Day looms, the season of linen seersucker outfits is coming to a close. The silver lining here is that it simultaneously brings the excitement of cozy autumn fashion, including sleek seasonal looks that’ll make returning to the office and your regularly scheduled programming a bit easier. In fact, the new wave of fall 2024 dresses is reason enough to celebrate pumpkin spice season, as they’re all about standing out and letting your hair down.

Take, for instance, the animal print craze. From leopard and cheetah to zebra and python, wild patterns are running rampant in the dress sector, making for interesting takes on slip dresses and classic shifts. And, if you loved your sheer frocks from the spring and summer, don’t worry, they’re still en vogue for the foreseeable future — although some strategic layering is required as temps start to drop. Oh, and the tennis aesthetic that has dominated TikTok and IG feeds all year is also still in play, but with some prep-inspired, academia edge to it. Think pleated plaid minis and collared drop-waist silhouettes.

If you’re ready to get a jump start on your fall fashion roster, try starting with dresses. Ahead, the top trends that are dominating in the months ahead.

Punchy Pleats

With the rise of the sporty-sweet tennis core aesthetic, pleated dresses have become a welcome extension of the trend. “This year, tailored and fitted designs are making a statement in the fashion world, alongside the trend of mini pleated tennis outfits,” says Derev Clara, founder and creative director of Turkish based brand Declara. “Dresses featuring intricate details, oversized collars, tailored fits, and cut-out elements are all the rage.”

Celeb Stylist Micaela Erlanger seconds this, noting her love for a more structured silhouette. “We’ve seen this trend blossom over the summer and expect it to really take off this fall,” she says. “I’m particularly excited about the pleated dresses and utility dresses that are hitting the shelves at TJ Maxx and I can’t wait to see how they’re styled this season.” Erlanger recently teamed up with TJ Maxx’s Styled By Runway program, which is is dedicated to giving emerging stylists hands-on mentorship, access to Runway’s high-end designer fashion to build their portfolios, funds to build their styling closet with premium fashion, and exclusive opportunities to expand their skills and further their fashion careers.

So Sheer

The sheer dress look that’s dominated all year is only picking up steam in the fall, cold weather be damned. The key to styling the look when the temps drop boils down to one word: layers. “Wear a fitted slip or a high-neck bodysuit underneath for coverage,” says stylist Cynthia Kennedy. “Over-the-knee boots or heeled ankle boots add height and balance to the delicate fabric. For outerwear, choose a textured coat like tweed or wool that complements the dress without overshadowing it.”

Animal Kingdom

This fall, everyone seems to be tapping in to their wild side, with brands from The Attico and Ganni to Reformation embracing all manner of animal prints. The beauty of this trend is that you can literally let the dress do all the work. “For a bold, autumn-ready look, I'd pair animal print dress with knee-high leather boots in a rich brown or black,” says Kennedy. “Add a structured leather jacket, camel coat or a wool blazer to tone down the wild print, making it more suitable for both the office and casual outings. Accessories like gold hoop earrings and a sleek belt can cinch the waist and pull the entire look together.”

Luxe Leather

Yes, leather is to fall what linen is to summer, but this season sees the material reimagined a bit. “I think we’ll see people embracing feminine, sexy, statement-making pieces with more minimalist designs losing their luster this season,” says Erlanger. “I’m loving the chic leather minis I’ve been seeing at TJ Maxx.” Indeed, lightweight, liquid-like leathers are being designed as elegant gowns and set against vibrant shades like mint green and warm yellows. “This edgy material speaks for itself, so keep the rest of your outfit simple,” advises Kennedy. “Pair the dress with sleek, pointed-toe boots or strappy heels. Opt for minimal accessories — like a single statement ring or a pair of small hoop earrings — and a structured bag. To soften the look for daytime, consider layering with a chunky knit cardigan or a long blazer.”

On The Fringe

Move over cutesy ruffles, fringe is the finish du jour of the season, with everyone from Simon Miller to Diotima jumping on board. While cold-weather dressing typically involves stiff, heavy fabrics, this swishy material is a breath of fresh air in that it allows for movement and a free-spirited feel. “Pair the dress with heeled ankle boots and minimal jewelry,” says Kennedy. “If it's chilly, drape a long trench coat over your shoulders for a dramatic, yet refined, look. Finish with a clutch bag to keep the focus on the dress’s playful texture.”