The Best Summer-to-Fall Dresses ELLE Editors Wear Every Year

We’ve reached the point of summer where we editors switch our focus from eyeing the high summer trends to shopping for autumn. Deeply discounted, brightly patterned minidresses are certainly tempting, but come late October, we’ll thank ourselves for prioritizing versatile shirtdresses, slips, and midis that work across multiple seasons. To help you tackle tricky, in-between weather, we’ve highlighted seven types of dresses editors rely on during the transition from summer to fall.

Between seasons, we default to brown, black, and other neutrals that’ll work with a wide range of shoes, bags, and light layers. With smart styling choices, these transitional dresses from Cos, Veronica Beard, Tory Burch, Dôen, and other popular labels can be worn through Thanksgiving—and, just as importantly, enjoyed right now.

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Effortless Jersey-Knit Midis

Sleeveless jersey-knit dresses excel between seasons, as the stretchy material remains comfortable through shifting temperatures. Draped details turn an office-appropriate midi into a stand-alone piece you could rework for date night.

Cotton Sundresses

Rely on cotton poplin fabrics, and sundress season can last well into fall. Instead of pastels and florals, embrace tonal plaids and earth tones that don’t feel overly summery. Staud’s Taylor Swift-approved Wells midi would make a great vacation dress, because you can pair it with cardigans and light jackets long after you return home.

Polished Shirtdresses

If you value easy styling, consider adding a shirtdress to your transitional work wardrobe. All these versatile numbers need to become a full office outfit is a sleek leather flat (or boot) and shoulder bag.

Dark-Wash Denim Dresses

Dark-wash denim brings an effortless sense of refinement to an outfit. A shirtdress or sleeveless midi cut from the material can be styled with beach bags and sandals during the summer, then leather jackets and boots once the weather turns.

Painterly Prints

Swirls and speckles, abstract florals, and watercolor-inspired prints can feel seasonally neutral with the right styling. That means the flowy, A-line midi you pick up for a late-summer birthday party or early fall wedding will come in handy again for spring occasions.

Minimalist Black Dresses

With their understated ’90s appeal, black T-shirt and tank dresses rarely feel out of place. They’re one of the first items fashion editors pack when we travel in late summer and early fall.

Sophisticated Slips

If you don’t already have a slip dress that you rely on, it’s time to fill that lingering gap in your closet. Black satin reads as timeless, but then again, so would something in your signature shade.

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