8 Major Dress Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Autumn

Given the perplexing forecast this year, we’re already hot on the heels of Autumn at Who What Wear. The change of seasons is afoot and autumnal dress trends have begun to dominate prematurely. An influx of our favourite ready-to-wear pieces from February’s catwalk have been landing on luxury retailers and inspired the high street, alike. Like the micro mini was for Spring/Summer 2022, dresses spearheaded  2023’s autumn/winter runway. As a dedicated lover of frocks, it’s cause for celebration and an invitation to carry pin-bearing styles forth, give or take some seasonal adjustments.

Dress offerings of autumn/winter 2023 were nothing short of inspirational. They were unapologetically baroque and a variety of styles were forecast. Designs showcased comprised jewelled tones, feather adornments, gauzy fabrications and fabric in excess (to name but a few). Styles of designers from Christopher Kane to Chanel ushered down the runway in elongated proportions, sheer fabrications and partywear-inspired looks to bookmark for (dare I say it) end-of-year celebrations.

Following the sentiment of ‘more is more’ dressing and the introduction of bulbous floral appliques last season, autumn dress trends have transitioned to styles of a similar ilk but with darker hues and autumn-appropriate fabrications. 

Main character dressing has inspired an influx of avant-garde and wonderfully lurid styles. Adornments have become the protagonist of dressing and an appreciation of flowers (we mustn’t forget Loewe or Ludovic de Saint Sernin’s anthurium tributes in the spring) has preserved and paved the way for myriad adornments. Florals have been joined by ‘20s style feather gowns, ruffles, peplum, and frothy tulle, courtesy of Zimmerman and Paul & Joe, to name but a few.

For years running, designers continue to revert to noughties heroes (read; the ‘90s slip dress), proving the longstanding appeal of Y2K-inspired fashion, though this year it boasts a mature and refined feel that lovers of classic styles can appreciate. I’ve assessed the autumn 2023s dress trends to bring you nine styles that are guaranteed to inspire this autumn. Keep reading to discover the dress trends that will be dominating fashion in the upcoming seasons.