If you're anything like me, dresses have become the backbone of your wardrobe over the last three months. Seriously, if you saw the current state of my closet, you'd understand just how much market share they've taken up. Between packing for trips and finding the easiest outfits to put together, my dress obsession is in full gear, but just because it tends to kick up in the summer months doesn't mean I'll be losing any interest come fall.
On the contrary, my brain has been filled with all the cool fall dresses that are hitting the market right now, so I think it's safe to say dresses will be a pillar of my next-season wardrobe, too. I've been doing a lot of online shopping in anticipation, so I thought I'd pull together my favorite affordable fall dresses that make a major impact but don't hit your wallet like one. After perusing the selections from H&M, Mango, Zara, and more, I realized that there are a few common themes—i.e. dress trends—that are already popping up in the market.
Ahead, shop my favorite 32 fall frocks that don't ring up for more than $300, organized by style.
Knit Dresses
Rarely is the most comfortable option also the coolest.
Editor and fashion girl approved.
I promise everything else you're about to see is more affordable than this, but it was way too good to exclude.
Still not over halter necklines.
Yes, you'll also need the knit shrug to complete this look.
This color combo, though.
The kind of dress you'll reach for over and over again.
Classic silhouette, trendy color.
Cutout Dresses
All I'll say is that there's a reason the black version of this dress sold out so quickly.
I'll admit that I added this to my cart before I could even finish this story.
Zara always gets it.
There are several ways to wear this stunning dress, so you know you're getting your money's worth.
Probably the most wearable cutouts I've seen.
Subtly sultry.
Pair this with knee-high boots for the perfect fall outfit.
Printed Dresses
A dress that basically styles itself.
If you hate compliments, just keep scrolling.
Past versions of this dress have been hugely popular with WWW readers, and I expect the same with this fall-ready print.
Come for the retro print—stay for the endless ways to wear this dress. (Hint: It doubles as a skirt.)
Keep the summer vibes going well into the fall by layering this under a leather jacket.
Leave it to Emily Ratajkowski to make the ultimate cool-girl dress.
Going-Out Dresses
Anyone with a wedding on their calendar this fall would be silly not to order this perfect slip.
Comfortable and flattering.
Where are my Y2K fans?
That Insta-famous dress is back in a new print. Go, go, go!
Simple but effective.
Voluminous Midi Dresses
I'd style this with chunky-heeled shoes for a cool contrast.
Cottagecore, but make it fall.
Hold on—this looks like it would be a designer find.
I'm into wearing this with cowboy boots like the model did.
Adding this to the list of dresses that should be styled with cowboy boots.
The kind of dress you can easily dress up or down.
Speaking of affordable shopping, see the 28 pieces under $200 that our senior market editor would recommend to anyone.
