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No matter the occasion or season, there are always plenty of opportunities to wear a dress and, of course, an overwhelming amount of options from which to pick. And since there really is no bad time of year to invest in one, we’ve put together an edit of our favorite dresses you can shop this month. Check back every month for a new selection of styles, handpicked by Vogue.
It’s September! And while summer isn’t technically over yet, the dressing mood has definitely shifted over into fall the moment we hit the first of the month. Whether you’re looking forward to cooler temps and cozier fabrics or still need an airy dress for a late-summer getaway, this month’s edit has everything you’ll need for whatever’s on the agenda. There are summery prints in autumnal colors, knit styles to simplify transitional dressing, plus a few affordable options to pick up before a last-minute jaunt or event. Each silhouette in this edit is a perfect match for your transitional footwear of choice, not to mention, there a handful of standout runway styles for those ready to jump on new-season trends. Shop all of the best transitional dresses September has to offer, below.
The Transitional Must-Have
Don’t know what to wear during these in-between days? You can’t go wrong with a sleeveless LBD. Altuzarra’s slightly gathered style with a touch of hardware make this option stylish and practical.
The Checkmate
In various shades of red, here’s a (literally) dressier way to do plaid for early fall.
The Standout Sleeves
Bring Pieter Mulier’s fall/winter collection for Alaïa to life in your own wardrobe with this grey knit dress that incorporates those iconic faux fur trims we first saw on the runway.
The Season’s Statement
Another runway find, Loewe cut-out, floral-printed maxidress includes a detachable half belt for a pleasant trompe l’oeil effect we’ve come to expect from Jonathan Anderson.
The Boho Chic
Take the bohemian trend into consideration for your evenings, getaways, or special occasions, with Chloe’s tiered ruffles that took the designer’s runway by storm.
The Reimagined Ruffle
Ulla Johnson takes idea of ruching up a notch by fashioning it in such a way that it looks like flowers vining up the seams. An elegant fall wedding guest dress that doesn’t appear demure—even in black.
The Printed Slip
While you could wear this with heels, we’d just as love to see this styled with a leather jacket—oversized, please!—and rugged moto boots.
The Elevated Essential
While Jil Sander’s tie-front shirt dress is an investment, you won’t grow tired of its twist on the classic silhouette, and will be a welcome addition your all-year-round wardrobe.
The New LBD
If you read “little black dress”—think again. Fall introduces us to us the little brown dress, a rich hue that nods to the runways and adds depth to your wardrobe.
The Fresh Prints
Debuted during Khaite’s fall 2024 runway show, this elegant high-neck silk dress offers an unexpected dose of print for the downtown cool minimalist brand.
The Scandi-Girl Midi
Ganni brings its playful sensibility to the drop-waist dress with this shiny gingham number. The fastening on the back ties in a sweet bowcore moment.
The Luxe Lace
Another fall runway trend we can’t get enough of? Lace and silk. Here, A.L.C. proves its appeal with a fluid, asymmetric design.
The Romantic Ruffles
We can easily see this worn at an engagement party. And with an open back, it’s the perfect opportunity to show off the last of your summer tan.
The Feels Like a Steal
Norma Kamali’s belted midi rings in under $300, a new-season no brainer!
The Draped Day Dress
Elevate your office-ready midi with a fresh-for-fall check print and an in-season draped neckline. Just add boots!
Shop our favorite styles from August 2024.
The Scarf Effect
Achieve an elegant look for weddings or special occasions in one fell swoop (literally) with an asymmetric neckline complete with a scarf-like sash.
The Draped Dress
Straight from Proenza Schouler’s fall 2024 runway comes this red-hot drapey jersey maxi. With long sleeves and a high neck, this dress is fall-ready.
The Checkmate
Dries Van Noten perfect prints season after season, and this oversized checked print is no exception. Consider it a stylish addition to any fall dress lineup.
The Two-Tone Midi
The half ’n half summer dress trend isn’t going anywhere for the new season. Simkhai’s minimal-cool faux leather top and white pleated skirt combination midi is proof.
The Autumn on the Mind
Leaf peepers will be sure to love Staud’s warm colored stripes in a luxuriously simple long-sleeve crewneck silhouette. Sweater dress season is calling!
The Ladylike Look
Complete with a pussy bow and voluminous sleeves, Self Portrait’s miniature polka dot dress provides an equally polished or professional look.
The Modern LBD
You can never have too many black dresses, Source Unknown’s easy tank dress will be a hero in your everyday wardrobe.
The Statement White
Made from a stretchy jersey, 16 Arlington’s chalk white mididress is probably the most comfortable way to make a stylish statement.
The Fresh Prints
Those looking for a refreshing dose of print and color for the end of summer will love Zara’s multi-print silk dress with florals on the front and an abstract shapes on the back.
The One-and-Done
Sometimes there’s nothing better than a dress that gives the styling assist. Imitating a polo knit and pleated skirt combo, Altuzarra’s Delorme dress is the ultimate luxury for the “throw-on-and-go” minded.
The Simply Sophisticated
Why complicate things? In a soft to touch jersey and full, flowing skirt, Banana Rebublic’s maxi might be understated, but it shouldn’t be overlooked.
The Workhorse Shirtdress
Whether you’re heading back to school or back to the office, you’ll need a dress that works as hard as you do. Enter: Sacai’s khaki utility shirt dress with an exposed striped poplin.
The Fall Forward
For autumn’s weddings, cocktail parties, or date nights, Copenhagen based label Remain offers a lovely sheer burgundy maxi over the same wine-colored slip.
The Transitional Turtleneck
For those in-between days ahead, Proenza Schouler White Label’s sleeveless turtleneck achieves summer and fall in one silhouette.
The Broach the Subject
Calling all minimalists! Adding brooches to your blazers or outerwear began popping up in street style earlier this year. Anna Quan’s Adeline dress nods to the personality accessory with her Adeline dress.
The Lace Slip
In a soft buttercream silk, J.Crew’s lace-trimmed slip offers a vintage-inspired yet modern aesthetic. Styling tip: Wear it with a crewneck knit come fall.
The Knit Reintroduction
While it’s far too early for sweater dressing, Khaite’s Elio midi eases us back into the idea.
The Autumnal-Hued Gown
For end-of-summer soirées, destination weddings, and any of fall’s occasions, Ulla Johnson’s pretty silk maxi features a bodice-hugging top and a flowing gown-like skirt.
The Boho Darling
Starlettes from Sienna Miller to Zoe Saldana to Daisy Edgar-Jones have stepped out in Chloé’s latest collection from Chemena Kamali—and now you can, too.
The Sequined Stripe
We’re always here daytime sequins. Case in point: Cos’s sparkling stripe shift.
The Hot-off-the-Runway Halter Neck
We’re off to the races! Altuzarra’s fall 2024 collection (staged in the designer’s HQ in downtown New York) gives us something to look forward to wearing this fall: a painterly horse print in rich autumnal hues.
The Perfect Polka Dots
For end-of-summer fêtes, weddings, or summer nights, pick Mango’s polka dot maxi.
The Draped Dress
Make an elegant statement with Zara’s monochrome print midi. Try it with knee-high leather boots.
The Fashion-Forward
Leave it to Maximilian Davis to create an utterly cool option for the season: a chocolate brown long-sleeve midi with gold hardware details. Just add heels.
The Last Call for a Summer Frock
It’s never too late to add a touch of tie-dye to your summer wardrobe. It’s only the first of August, after all! Wear on it repeat through Labor Day weekend.
The Go-Everywhere Maxi
In floor-skimming floral-print satin, Ganni’s long-sleeve maxi is surprisingly versatile. There’s something effortless about sporting one with leather sandals and a shoulder bag for casual appeal, meanwhile, heels and a clutch transform it into a whole new look.
The Subtly Detailed Dress
Leave it to Peter Do at Helmut Lang to bring excitement to the little black dress. This scarf hem intentionally exposes its white lining, an element any minimalist would appreciate.
The Printed Midi
Just in from Stella McCartney’s pre-fall 2024 collection, a wild animal print midi that roars fall.
The Modern Minimalist Tank
Add this black and white tank dress to your weekly rotation for an effortlessly chic update to your office or daily look.
The Fall-Ready Red
Yes, red is here to stay for another fall season. Jump on the trend early with Leset’s solid slinky style in the perfect shade.
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