14 of the Best Midi Dresses to Take Into the Fall

There’s a midi for every mood, whether you’re on the hunt for a casual staple or you’re looking for a fancy midi to show off your heels. As celebrity stylist and TV host Cindy Conroy puts it, “[Midi dresses] aren’t seasonal and shouldn’t be reserved solely for the spring and summer or evenings out. Rewrite your style story and make midi dresses a weekly bookmark. Even better, a daily one. That’s what I do ... it opens up a whole other realm of fun. From work to play.”

We chatted with experts and scoured the market—analyzing the offerings of brands such as Everlane, Reformation, and Madewell. We looked at their fit, size range, and materials to choose the best ones to take you from season to season.

Best Overall: Staud Wells Dress

It’s not easy to find the unicorn of midi dresses as they need to be versatile enough to transition between seasons, styles, and occasions, but the Staud Well dress is a triumph. Between the 11 colorways, flattering square neckline, and universal A-line silhouette, practically anyone can find an option, and an occasion, to zip on this dress. We even spotted Lola Tung wearing the blue shade in the second season of “The Summer I Turned Pretty.”

Back on the versatility front, the lightweight cotton fabric and sleeveless style open endless opportunities for layering, so you can wear it on its own in the summer and with a thin turtleneck in the fall, then with a shrug or cropped knit cardigan in the spring before summer hits again.

Price at time of publish: $285

Fabric: 95% cotton, 5% spandex | Sizes: 00–16| Colors: Island Blue, Black, Navy, Tan +more

Best Budget: Asos Design Flutter Sleeve Midi Tea Dress

If garden parties and tea-cup-sized sandwiches are in your future, or, if at least, you want them to be, this dress is a necessity. The flirty butterfly sleeves fall across the shoulders like a miniature cape and tie in the back to give the style a vintage ’40s appeal, which is pleasantly contrasted with the ’90s-style floral prints. Additionally, a line of buttons trails down the front of the dress which not only makes for convenient dressing but also adds an added layer of femininity to this already adorable dress.

Price at time of publish: $40

Fabric: 97% polyester, 3% elastane | Sizes: 0–14| Colors: Floral Print, Multi Floral Print, Ditsy Floral Print, Multicolored

Best Splurge: Alice + Olivia Miranda Tiered Vegan Leather Midi-Dress

Our eyes are glued to this admirably ambitious vegan leather dress from Alice + Olivia. The design touts a striking jewel-toned shade, takes inspiration from classic workwear elements with its dress shirt style top, and balances everything with a feminine tie belt and tiered circle skirt. The summation of these design choices encapsulates a bold, but streamlined look that we want to put on and immediately stand on a pedestal for everyone to admire. And, since it’s punky and girlish, you’ve got unlimited options for what footwear you can pair with it, including chunky motorcycle boots, dainty embellished kitten heels, and, for in-office days, sensible wedges.  

Price at time of publish: $550

Fabric: 94% polyester, 6% elastane | Sizes: 0–14| Colors: Sapphire

Best Floral: Free People Carmel Floral Mesh Dress

Lorelai Gilmore, is that you? We’d show up to a Friday night dinner any week if it meant we got to stun guests in this dress. The look borders an early aughts design with its silhouette-hugging fit, mesh fabric, and oversized print. We think even the floral averse could be converted to slip into this beauty simply based on the fact that there are ample opportunities and places you could wear it. It’s slinky, but the stretchy, lightweight fabric is more comfortable than pajamas. It’s sexy with a side slit that can easily show off a strappy heel during date nights, but still, the high neck keeps it appropriately modest for work.

Price at time of publish: $148

Fabric: 95% nylon, 5% elastane | Sizes: XS–XL | Colors: Midnight Combo, Blue Combo

Best on Amazon: Paige Women's Linh Dress

Filled with thousands of styles from our go-to brands, the Shopbop storefront on Amazon is the gift that keeps on giving. Case in point: this floral dotted midi dress from Paige, which, yes, looks stunningly sweet, but also features several sneaky side slits, an enduring sweetheart neckline, and an open back that levels it up to a flirty style fit for warm-weather happy hours and sunny vacations. It’s also constructed from a cotton-lined hybrid fabric, two of the most breathable materials, so you’ll feel completely comfortable in it all day. And, though its romantic tiered skirt initially inclines us to wear it with an equally charming short-heeled sandal, we’re similarly tempted to lace up our New Balances or buckle up our chunky oxfords to complete an edgier look. 

Price at time of publish: $177

Fabric: 55% cotton, 45% linen | Sizes: 0–14 | Colors: Black Multi

Best Formal: Amsale Plunge Pleated Midi Dress

As evidenced by this vibrant little number, black-tie attire doesn’t only equate to dark colors and high necks. Add some pizzazz to cocktails and caviar by showing up to your next formal event in this pleated party skirt, which is only made more memorable by the fabric’s dazzling, shiny finish. Additionally, we love that the two plunging V necklines make it a party in the front and in the back, but, not to worry because it hits just below the knee so it’s still plenty appropriate for weddings and fancy celebrations alike. 

Price at time of publish: $278

Fabric: 100% polyester | Sizes: 0–18 | Colors: Fuchsia

Best Casual: ASTR the label Ilana Women's Cotton Ruffled Puff Sleeve Midi Peasant Dress

Feel free to kick your feet up while wearing this ASTR midi dress as the linen-cotton blended fabric and roomy fit makes it feel like you’re trotting about town in a sleep set. However, it’s anything but frumpy thanks to the tiered skirt, which adds dimension to the silhouette, flattering square neckline, and charming puffed sleeves. We’re similarly fond of how the neutral colorways make it an all-purpose garment. For example, though it's an easy throw-and-go option by itself, can’t you also envision how easy it would be to dress it up if you say, threw on a pair of bright-colored wedges and carried a chic little shoulder bag in tow? 

Price time of publish: $31

Fabric: 100% cotton | Sizes: XS–L | Colors: Silver Sage, Cream

Best White: Ganni Poplin Midi Dress

Long white dresses inherently give off nuptial vibes, but no one will mistake you for a bride-to-be in this cool-girl cotton frock. With its sharp pointed collar and button-cuffed sleeves, the design takes inspiration from a traditional dress shirt and runs a mile with the idea by adding triangular box pleats in the front and back, pockets, and a fitted bustline. Assembled together, these thoughtful design details give us a head-turning piece that, somehow, still seems effortless. But, we’re not fooled, because with the addition of bold metallic accessories and an oversized saddle bag, this dress could easily put you on the map as having one of NYC’s best-dressed streetwear looks. 

Price at time of publish: $255

Fabric: 100% cotton | Sizes: 0–22 | Colors: Bright White, Black, Orchid Smoke, Forever Blue +more

Best Black: Good American Twist Front High Shine Jersey Sheath Dress

Allow us to introduce you to the MBD: Midi Black Dress. At this length, you can get away wearing it just about anywhere, but that said, we wouldn’t throw on this visually striking number if you aren’t game to be the center of attention. It’s just simply not true that classic, black dresses are a dime a dozen when you observe this sexy, body-skimming Good America number. Several design details, like the knotted gathered fabric under the bust and a high back slit, keep things interesting. Meanwhile, the fabric has a subtle, eye-catching sheen to it so this dress truly becomes a spectacle every time you move about in it. 

Price at time of publish: $149

Fabric: 82% nylon, 18% elastane | Sizes: XS–XXL | Colors: Black

Best Long Sleeve: Abercrombie Emerson Chiffon Long-Sleeve Midi Dress

Simply put, we’re more than thrilled to accept compliments year-round as we can see ourselves rocking this dress any time of year. Between the long sleeves and earthy, warm colorways this babydoll Abercombie dress is further proof that midi dresses deserve a life outside of your summer wardrobe. However, the sheer fabric nods to one of the most popular, and beloved, spring and summer trends, and we’re happy to see how the brand modified the style to fit any season by overlaying a wintery floral print atop the transparent fabric.

Price at time of publish: $120

Fabric: 100% polyester | Sizes: XXS–XXL | Colors: Black, Green Print, Navy Floral

Best Strapless: & Other Stories Voluminous Belted Midi Dress

The only things that would give this strapless dress even more bookish charm are a Jane Austen novel in hand and an ivy-covered ledge to sit atop. Seriously, the cinched, belted waist and princess-like voluminous skirt tie everything together into an effortlessly romantic garment. So, even if you opt for the solid black shade over the sweet floral print, we’re sure that if you’re not already in love, you’re bound to find a soulmate upon stepping out in it. To fully lean into our cottagecore reveries, consider wearing a white patent leather flat, straw bag, and accessorizing your hair with a bow.

Price at time of publish: $139

Fabric: 100% linen | Sizes: 0–12 | Colors: White/Blue Floral Print, Black

Best for Work: Mango Belt Shirt Dress

With its structured fabric and shirt collared top, the Mango Belt Shirt Dress draws inspiration from women’s original workwear uniforms, except it has some major, major upgrades from the 20th century style. For example, take the mid-thigh side slit that’s ideal for displaying your favorite four-inch pumps and a belted, figure-flattering waist to show off your silhouette. Yet, rest assured, with its higher neckline, straight fit, and midi length everything about the dress is totally work-appropriate—especially if you decide to throw a cropped jacket or blazer over it. 

Price at time of publish: $80

Fabric: 93% viscose, 7% polyester | Sizes: 0–12 | Colors: Black

Best Size Range: Never Fully Dressed Black Sheer Midaxi Vienna

Isn’t it tragic to think there was once a world where you didn’t know this alluring, sheer black midi existed? Like a sultry lingerie robe, it ties at the side in an elegant bow, revealing a high slit, and has a deep V neckline for spicing up your next night out. Thankfully, the slip underneath is included, leaving the only outfit detail for you to consider is whether you’ll fully lean into the siren call of dirty martinis and soft pianos by sporting a palm-sized beaded clutch and slicked-back ponytail. Or, you can attempt to keep things more casual with some low block heels and simple gold hoops. Either way, the dress is leaps and bounds above your average LBD.

Price at time of publish: $155

Fabric: 100% polyester | Sizes: 2–24 with additional petite sizing (2–12) | Colors: Black

Best Knit: Simon Miller Axon Dress

Just like a fresh coat of snow is a magical blanket for whatever it covers, throwing on this cozy Simon Miller sweater dress will instantly make you feel renewed and gorgeous. And, considering its lush green colorway and silhouette-hugging fit, why wouldn’t it? Although it’s a stunning garment on its own, there are so many ways to style it that we’re practically bouncing off the walls. Go for head-to-toe chrome and pile on metallic jewelry and knee-high boots and you’re set for a hard-earned dinner reservation. Or, try toning down the look for museum dates and park strolls with platform sneakers and a baseball cap. 

Price at time of publish: $325

Fabric: 62% acrylic, 7% wool, 28% polyester, and 3% LYCRA® | Sizes: XS–3X | Colors: Gummy Green Multi

Where We Stand

We have no doubt that the Staud Wells Dress’s timeless look and flattering panel construction will hold court in your closet for years to come and find a place in your wardrobe during every season. But, if you prefer something a little more casual, the Everlane Riviera Dress features the most comfortable cotton fabric and has a relaxed silhouette for easy layering.

What to Look for in Midi Dresses

• Material: Cotton isn’t only the most comfortable material you can choose for your midi dress, but it may also be the most versatile for transitioning the garment from warmer months to chilly temperatures, says Conroy. “Transport a cotton midi dress straight into fall with a thin long-sleeve t-shirt layered underneath,” she suggests, adding that it “locks in warmth and means you don’t have to pack away your favorite summer number.” The Paige Women's Linh Dress, for example, utilizes cotton and linen to make it a super lightweight garment that's open to four seasons of layering. However, if you want a more body-hugging fit, spandex is a great option because it accentuates silhouettes while still providing plenty of movement and breathability. When looking for a slip dress, silk will give you the ultimate luxe feel and is long-lasting, but satin is a wonderful economical alternative that will also feel smooth on your skin and give it the same effortless drape. 
• Fit: Generally, an A-line silhouette flatters a range of body types and wouldn’t look out of place at work or out to dinner. On the other hand, bodycon fits, like the  Good AmericanSheath Dress, will accentuate your figure, making the overall look a bit more elevated for dressier events. Still, you can wear this type of dress casually. Lopez suggests pairing it “with an oversized boyfriend blazer, jacket, or shacket to balance out the tightness of the dress.” 
• Color: It’s tempting to stick with blacks, beiges, and whites if you’re looking for a closet staple that you can wear all year long, but that doesn’t mean your look has to be boring. “Styling a classic black midi dress with bright saturated tights and leather boots brings a welcomed shot of fantasy to an everyday staple,” says Conroy. However, you’d be surprised what you can get away with when rocking a bolder shade like, say, the Madewell Ribbed Midi Sweater Dress which boasts a punchier colorway, but the two colors are muted enough to where they will match many items already in your wardrobe.
  

FAQ

• While you can wear a midi dress all year long, this garment is most commonly thought of as a transitional dress for fall, says Kassab. For an effortless cool-weather look, she suggests throwing on a long coat and tall boots. However, one of the best parts of a midi dress is how its versatile length allows you to jump from 60-degree mornings to 80-degree afternoons with some help from layering. A lightweight, sleeveless option like the Everlane Riviera Dress allows you to stay warm with an oversized denim jacket and easily shed it off to reveal a gorgeous garment when the day heats up.
  

• Naturally, how you style a midi dress depends on the fabric you choose and the occasion. For example, Kassab says that for a knit midi dress like the Simon Miller Axon Dress, “you can style it with any sort of mid-calf or tall leather boot”, and “lots of chunky gold jewelry like arm cuffs and hoops.” On the flipside, a silkier option looks best with a “strappy sandal, and dainty jewels like a thin necklace and rings,” she says.If your dress is accompanied by a slew of in-office meetings, Lopez says to “pair a blazer or cropped cardigan over the dress, or a turtleneck under the dress.” For a more casual look, we suggest opting for jackets with denim, leather, or canvas material and lacing up your favorite tennis shoes.
  

• A midi dress can be extremely versatile for shoe choices, says Lopez. However, she notes the one exception is when the top of the shoe hits the bottom of the dress or an inch below, which most commonly occurs with ankle and calf boots. “This can cut the leg in an awkward spot,” she explains and adds “If you want to elongate your legs, show your ankle with a flat, loafer, sneaker, strappy heel, or sandal.” And, if you’re looking for more height in the winter, she says to “style the dress with a taller boot that hits mid-calf, knee, or thigh—this will blend seamlessly under the dress.”
  

Why Trust Byrdie

Writer Irene Richardson did additional research for this piece and made updated product selections. Dagmara Cintron has covered fashion, local LA, and rising Latina women's stories in the fashion media space for over six years. For this roundup, she interviewed the following experts:

• Audree Lopez is an NYC-based fashion stylist and former magazine editor. She owns Audree Kate Studios, a creative and fashion studio specializing in styling, branded content, and creative direction.
• Elisabeth Kassab is a fashion stylist and personal shopper specializing in street-style looks, personal shopping, brand campaigns, and capsule wardrobes.
• Cindy Conroy is a New York and Toronto-based celebrity stylist and TV Host, on a mission to shake things up who has been featured in People, Forbes, WWD, and more.