16 Fall Dress Trends that will Leave You Yearning for Colder Weather

As a personal stylist for women based in Seattle, I know a thing or two about getting dressed for cooler weather. One benefit of living it the Pacific Northwest is our weather variation. We’ve had weeks of sunshine followed by a few days of cooler temperatures and rain then back to sun. This means that we never really put away our rain gear and that we have a love/hate relationship with the fall.

It’s beautiful and we love it. AND it means our sunshine is coming to a close. Fortunately, the 2024 fall dress trends are so magnificent that fall is getting more appealing everyday. Let’s get you started, shall we?

15 Must Have Dress Trends for Fall 2024

Cozy and Cool Sweater Dresses

Just right for those days when you want to stay in bed. These will always add bulk, so be kind to yourself and focus on balancing your frame to make sure that you look and feel your best. Not sure if you need a belt? Check out this blog post for tips.

Betty Draper and Co.

Just right for women who are excited to get dressed up and own it. This 60’s inspired vibe is a more sophisticated version of the Zoe Deschanel Twee Style. Less girly, more ladies who lunch.

Plaid

Just right for women who love a touch of masculinity or school girl vibes in their closet. Opt for prints that are proportional to your frame to make you look and feel your best.

Body Hugging Turtlenecks

Just right for those amongst us who run cold and still want to up their style game. High necks are also delightful for women who are less enthusiastic about their necks. Fitted pieces are great when they are clinging to areas you are jonesing to show off. If the idea of a full body con dress feels stressful, opt for a fitted top half with a flowy bottom or the opposite.

Red! Red! Red!

Just right for everyone. Believe it. I have been deep down this rabbit hole for some time now. This is about choosing the red that is most flattering for your skin tone and makes you feel amazing. Spring palettes can try poppy red. Summer color palettes will win with cranberry. Winters can try cool, dark, clear reds and women with Autumn color palettes will favor maroon. If a red dress is too bold to be authentic to your style, try red accessories.

Leopard Resurfaces

Just right for anyone who already has some leopard pieces hidden deep in their closet. It’s been a few years since leopard felt right. Rest assured, it’s coming back strong and can be as dominant as you like.

Here's Poplin client Isa in her leopard dress.

Soft Feminine Leather

Just right for every body type and age, depending on the silhouettes. Opt for real leather for a more sustainable choice that you’ll have for years. Go with vegan leather if you’d like something that is not too precious for inclement weather. (I use a vegan leather jacket as my raincoat.) Try sustainable vegan leathers that are made with plant based materials for a magical combination of both, but recognize that some, like cactus leather, are especially still and not likely to work for this trend.

Super Cute

Just right for women who love a great Zooey Deschanel outfit. Proceed with caution here as you want to be sure that your style feels authentic to you and communicates who you are. If girly style seems not quite in your wheel house, walk away. If you are loving this throwback to the 90’s, this is your time to shine.

Channeling Your Inner Greek Goddess with Draping

Just right for strategic minimizing. Ruching and draping are both game changers when it comes to balancing your frame and minimizing areas that make you feel less confident. Remember that you don’t need to hide your body under a giant piece of draped fabric. Think strategically about what you’d like to highlight and draw the eye there with bright colors, light colors, texture, print, skin or volume. Then, minimize other areas with draping.

The new version of Poplin client Ashley's dress! SO good for nearly every body type.

Poplin client Ashley in a previous iteration of this dress!

Ruching for the Win

Just right for women who want to show off their curves and those that would like to give the impression that they are curvier. Ruching can minimize areas (like the stomach) or maximize areas (like the hips) depending on placement. Be thoughtful with placement and ready to celebrate your figure.

Green! Green! Green!

Just right for everyone, depending on the green. Remember, green is a neutral. When I bought my first pair of Docs in the early 90’s, they were green. When my mom commented that the color was impractical, I said, “the stem never clashes with the flower. Green goes with everything.” All these years later and I stand by it. Choose the green that’s right for you and go. If kelly green is appealing, we’ve got a classic blog post with tips for styling.

BIPOC maker. Independent Female Designer. Check out the photo of Poplin client Bridget in her dress!

Here's a candid of Poplin client Bridget in her version of this dress!

Functionality + Femininity: One Shoulder Designs

Just right for nearly every body type. If you aren’t exactly loving your arms, this trend is still an option. Choose one shoulder options with a sheer sleeve to make you feel more confident without sacrificing sex appeal.

Bubble Skirts are Back

Just right for women with an Inverted Triangle body type. Sure! You can rock this trend with a different body type, but you’ll want to be thoughtful about balancing your frame. For years bubble skirts have been listed on the Poplin client profiles for women of specific body types. Each password protected profile is intended to guide her whenever she’s shopping so she knows that to pick and what to skip. And for all of these years, clients giggled at the thought of a bubble skirt… until now. They are finally back and they are super fun.

Super Sexy

Just right for women of every age. Opt for pieces that flatter your shape and highlight the areas that make you feel most confident. Find your comfort level and don’t be afraid to push yourself a bit.

Modern Lace

Just right for women who love a feminine style. Past seasons had more of a historical lace vibe. Things are changing with sexier pieces that show your shape and feel more fresh, less vintage.

Sheer Fabrics Continue to Deliver

Just right for women who are confident in their bodies and like to embrace trends. If you are feeling intrigued but a little nervous, don’t be. Sheer fabrics are delightful additions to your wardrobe. Mix and match with prints and solids and layer over something more modest (like a full coverage tank) or something racier (like a bra or bralette).

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