5 Elegant Autumn Dress Trends Everyone Will Be Wearing This Time Next Month
If, like me, you've survived the UK's run of heatwaves by wearing dresses all summer long, I have good news: you can continue your frock affair into autumn. The AW25 runways saw a vast spectrum of dress styles vying for attention, making the coming season a veritable feast for those who love a one-and-done outfit.
Because dresses don't just help you look elegant and put-together; they're also low-effort. All that's left to do is choose some sleek accessories, a layering piece (or two, come winter), and you're ready. Of course, this effortless formula hinges on you deciding on a dress type, first and foremost, which is easier said than done with such a diverse selection to choose from.
At one end of the spectrum sit ultra-romantic, lace-adorned designs in soft shades of pink and off-white. At the other, bold-shouldered silhouettes storm in with unapologetic ’80s abandon. In between, familiar fabrications and fresh hem lengths provide wearable options for the everyday. Fashion houses are experimenting, yet staying true to the shapes, details and textures that have proved timeless season after season.
To cut through the noise, I've picked out the only five autumn 2025 dress trends I think are worth knowing about. For defining styles from Chloé, Saint Laurent, Issey Miyake and more, simply scroll ahead to see my edit.
The Autumn 2025 Dress Trends to Take Note of: 1. Laced Up
Style Notes: Ethereal dresses adorned with lace are set to bring a lightness to autumn style, whether through an intricate overlay or a delicate trim. Chloé is an unsurprising advocate of this textural trend, joined by modern iterations from Saint Laurent and Isabel Marant.
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Style Notes: Power shoulders, structured waists and a touch of drama: ’80s tailoring has confidently re-entered the dress scene. Set to sharpen up your autumn wardrobe—and your 9-5—think of these sleek styles as a versatile update on the power suit.
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Style Notes: In a playful contrast to power dresses, bows are the detail du jour. Whether daintily scattered across the body or featured oversized and theatrical at the neckline, designers including Chanel and Jil Sander are leaning into this whimsical flourish.
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Style Notes: Sumptuous velvet dresses are spot-on for the coming season, their rich texture and soft sheen perfectly in step with the moodier months. And there’s no need to save them for party season—Carolina Herrera and Alex Rivière are backing understated versions that look just as good at Friday night drinks.
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Style Notes: If summer was the time for mini hems and breezy maxis, autumn has found its sweet spot with the knee-skimming cut. Striking the perfect balance between practicality and polish, this hemline is as wearable for a Monday morning meeting as it is for a Sunday brunch outing.
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