26 Fall Dresses We Already Want to Wear

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Ask a fashion person what makes her excited for autumn, and fall dresses outrank foliage tours and pumpkin spice everything every time. Spring dresses may get more attention for their botanical prints and UV-beckoning cutouts, but fall dresses are more withholding and, therefore, more interesting. Maxi sweater dresses in cream yarn; minidresses in patchwork prints; denim midis in moody florals: These are dresses that invite you to play with layers and accessories to elegant results. (Your most-worn leather boots would agree.)

Even with fall's start more than a fashion month away, the season's best dresses are already sliding onto hangers. Naturally, we're asking which ones are worth shopping now. The first gems on our list come direct from the fall/winter 2022 runways, including Chloé's updated sweater dresses and Ulla Johnson's eternally covetable florals. Then there are dominant fall 2022 trends getting reinterpreted in dress form. Sarah Tam, chief merchant officer at Rent the Runway, tells BAZAAR.com variations on leather (and faux leather) dresses are about to be everywhere. And lest you thought fall would be full of gothic lace and wine-toned velvet, this season has some potential for color play. "Electric hues are stepping in in place of fall's traditionally moody color palette," Tam says. Highlighter shades from Self-Portrait to Valentino back her up.

It's never too early to indulge in a fall dress—and some demand your attention now. Shop 31 fall dresses so good, you'll want to wear them before the season officially starts.

Kasos Cashmere Dress

Meg Dress

Nappa Leather Strapless Dress

Lottie Dress

Checked Midi Dress

Ruched Round-Neck Midi Dress

Gray Althena Python Midi Dress

Gabrielle Dress

Mini Jacquard Dress

Red Cut Out Long Sleeve Maxi Dress

Bijou Dress

Tencel Cotton Shirtdress

Long-Sleeve Striped Sweater Mini Dress

Hans Ribbed-Knit Maxi Dress

Elodie Bias-Cut Burnout Velvet Maxi Dress

The Vivi Nap Dress

Draped Silk Maxi Dress

Frankie Silk Dress

Gina Dress

Amara Dress in Dark Denim

Off-White Courchevel Midi Dress

Twist Tank Slip Combo Maxi Dress

Catalina Dress Paisley

Sponge Sweat Hoodie Dress in Dark Beige

Shoko Sweater Dress

Brown Darted Midi Dress

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For more than 150 years, Harper’s BAZAAR has been the preeminent fashion, beauty, and lifestyle resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in fashion by working with the world’s leading authorities in ready-to-wear, footwear, accessories, and more. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of editors and industry experts.

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