Not so fast! Don’t pack away those dresses just yet! Summer’s highest temps may be past us, but that sweet midi you’ve been living in doesn’t need be taken out of your rotation just yet. In fact, there are endless ways to re-envision your favorite summer dress for fall—all it takes is some clever layering and a few strategic accessory swaps to get the most style mileage out of a go-to floral midi, crisp shirtdress, or lace-trimmed slip. Below, we’re showing you how to nail the transitional look with seven foolproof outfit ideas.

Vogue’s Favorite Summer-to-Fall Dresses:

Featured in this article

The Prairie Inspired

Dôen Ischia floral-print midi dress

Jump to review

Masculin Féminin

We couldn’t get enough of lace-trimmed pieces this summer and our love affair continues straight into fall. The trick to transitioning a lightweight slip? By balancing its sultriness with a more masculine, structured blazer (we’re partial to tying it around the waist when it gets warm in the afternoon). Paired with an avant-garde heel and demure stud earrings, the dress-and-blazer combo is a perfect study in contrasts.

Prairie Goes Preppy

There’s a high likelihood you already own one (or two, or three) floaty floral dresses from this spring and summer—they’re essential to surviving summer’s hottest days. Bring its feminine charm into fall by embracing back-to-school nostalgia with a preppy sweater in stripes that compliment the print, then add texture by way of a suede tote and boat shoes—two excellent investments right now.

Layered Lengths

It’s a look beloved by many of fashion’s most influential street stylers—layering a dress over trousers is not only instantly cool, but a perfect way to turn a summer dress into a fall ’fit. Ground a romantic slip dress with a tailored pant and modern ballet flat to get the best of both worlds, and feel free to play with layers of textures and proportions. (A cashmere sweater would look great layered atop in the dress, if weather allows.)

The City-Chic Shirtdress

Believe it or not, your favorite beach coverup just might become your favorite office outfit this fall. If you invested in a crisp shirtdress for summer (and if not, consider this your sign—it makes for an effortless light layer over a swimsuit) all it takes is some strategic styling to take your look from sandy short to slick sidewalk. Swap swimwear and bright beach accessories for polished extras—a turtleneck and knee-high boot would be ideal here, while a simple pendant is the fall equivalent of summery strands of beads.

Short Story

To make a mini dress work for fall, it’s all about playing with proportions. We love how an oversized barn jacket hits right at the hem, leaving you with lots of leg to show off your favorite fall boot. Layer up with a cashmere wrap and pair of tights for a bit more warmth on chillier days.

Monochromatic Match

There’s something so modern about a drop-waisted dress, which means a modern approach to layering is key to making this favorite frock work all year round. Keep it monochromatic with a long-sleeved layer in the same hue as your dress (bonus points for going all out in bold red) with a touch of texture via woven flats and a sculptural silver cuff.

Mixed Materials

Sometimes the best way to build an outfit is from the outside in, and this fall we’ve been looking for any and every way to style a suede jacket. Cue the denim dress! Tailored but with western flair, denim and suede make for a refined Americana-inspired pairing. Add an embellished bohemian bag and sleek cowboy boots and your rodeo-ready look is equally suited for a stroll through the city as it is a frolic on the farm.