43 Ways to Bring Your Summer Dress Into Fall, So No Look Gets Left Behind

Our summer dresses have gotten us through the past few months, and we couldn't bear to leave them in the dust just yet. Our breezy house dresses made for great selfies; our nap dresses made for great, well, naps. And really, it's pretty simple to transition these dresses into the cooler months, as long as you use the right accessories and add enough layers. Even though this fall looks plenty different when it comes to street style, if creating outfits is part of who you are, you'll still want to dress up for yourself — and of course to shield yourself from the cooler breeze.

So bring on the sweaters and start thinking of ways to fashion your button-down on top of your slips. And maybe stow away your slides and basket bag — just for now! You'll be able to come back to these staples later, and we're sure you'll want to (especially if you bought any of these pieces during lockdown). The silver lining is that you can still take your summer dresses outside when you pull from any of the 43 ideas we've gathered. Go ahead and find the look that speaks to your personal style, and give your dress the autumnal twist it deserves before saying goodbye for the colder months.

01

Wear a Thick Knit Over Your Lightweight Slip and Add Dark Sunglasses

02

Wear Pants Underneath and Finish With Heels

03

Add Layers to Your White Dress With a Silk Scarf and a Black Hat

04

Cinch Your Waist With a Dark Belt to Break Up the Floral Print

05

Wear Printed Tights to Cover Up Underneath a Leg Slit

06

Work in a Head Scarf With a Darker-Toned Print

08

Downplay the Breeziness With a Longer Jacket Instead of a Light Cardigan

09

Try Mixing in a Hint of Chocolate Suede

10

If Your Denim Dress Is Short, Just Wear a Thick Colored Sock With Your Sandals

11

Tie a Long-Sleeved Button-Down Over It

12

Pull Out Your Tights and Combat Boots

13

Put on an Oversize Blazer and Pearls

15

Throw on Your Trusty Denim Jacket

16

Pick Sporty Colorblock Sneakers With a Black Ribbed Sock — and Grab a Sweater

17

Minimize the Bare Leg With a Thigh-High Boot

18

Finish Your Cutout Dress With Snakeskin Boots That Feel Very Fall

19

Mix Prints by Adding Layers That Come to Varying Heights

20

Add Sophisticated Slingbacks

22

Add Croc-Effect Stiletto Boots and Plenty of Gold Jewelry

23

Wear Chunky Black Boots

24

Layer a Turtleneck Underneath

25

Try a Dark Chunky Loafer to Ground Out the Look

26

Cinch It With a Waist Bag and Try Out a New Pair of Brogues

27

Wear a Puffer Coat and Cognac Accessories

29

Debut Your Bag in an Autumnal Tone

30

Accent Your Whole Ensemble With Edgy Black Accessories

31

Go For Something Closed-Toe With a Leather Bootie

32

Wear Thick Socks and Cow-Print Loafers

33

Go For a Dark Waist Bag Instead of Your Standard Basket Tote

34

Add a Long, Fuzzy Cardigan

35

Throw a T-Shirt Under Your Slip Dress and Cap It Off With Chunky Sneakers

36

Stick to All-Black Tones and Layer With a Textured Long-Sleeve

37

Allow Your Knit Sweater to Double as a Shawl

38

Throw on a Raglan and a Long Bohemian Pendant

39

Throw on a Thick Turtleneck and Strappy Black Flats

40

Wear Biker Shorts Underneath, Plus a Chunky Knit Trainer

41

Wear Some Opulent Gold Jewelry and a Mule to Play Up the Glamour

43

Give Your Prairie Dress a Vintage, Victorian Twist With Brown Boots