The Best Dress Colors to Wear this Fall

Fall might be our favorite season.

To us, it means cool, crisp walks in nature, cozy nights at home with scented candles lit, and the perfect excuse for a wardrobe update. Nothing says ‘ready for the new season’ like modest dresses in warm, transitional tones. Which has us thinking: what are the best dress colors to wear this fall? 

And the answer is pretty simple. Fall-ready tones are some of the most flattering of all, featuring a palette of burnt oranges, sage greens, mustard yellows – and more. Here, we’ve rounded up the best dress colors to take you through the cooler season, serving as inspiration for a closet refresh. Get ready to fall in love...

1. Soft Sage

Shop this dress color: Eyelet Knit Midi Dress, Smocked Tiered Midi Dress, Botanical Tiered Midi Dress

So soft it’s practically a neutral, sage green is a staple every fall, adding a little earthy color to your everyday wardrobe. Wear in floaty styles – from tiered maxis to modest smock dresses – for an effortless look you’ll feel confident and comfortable in. You can bring them back for next spring, too. 

If you’re wondering what tones to pair sage green with, look to cream or tan shoes and accessories. They set off the color of your dress beautifully, tying your look together from head to toe. 

2. Burnt Orange

Shop this dress color: Scallop Lace Midi Dress, Ruffle Flare Midi Dress, Floral Wrap Maxi Dress

Inspired by fallen leaves, burnt orange and terracotta tones are synonymous with the new season. Just looking at these hues makes you feel warm and cozy. 

Wear the color right through winter by dressing it up in dreamy lace or keeping casual in ruffles. You can even team burnt orange with fall-ready floral prints in a midi or maxi style. Then, when temperatures dip, add a sweater or cardigan in shades of navy, green or off-white. These muted colors will complement each other perfectly. 

3. Earthy Taupe

Shop this dress color: Smocked Ruffle Neck Midi Dress, V Neck Tiered Midi Dress, Woven Pleated Chiffon Midi Dress

Seeing a pattern? When it comes to fall dresses, we’re influenced by nature, and earthy taupe tones fit into that color palette perfectly. Look for prints and quality fabrics that give this neutral a feminine feel, like pleated chiffon, ruffly florals or classic, timeless stripes. 

Best of all, because taupe is so versatile, you’re able to style it with every color, from camel boots and a tan suede bag to green ballet flats with a matching belt. Simple and stylish. 

4. Mustard Yellow

Shop this dress color: Button Front Ruffle Maxi Dress, Button Front Floral Boho Maxi Dress, Leaf Printed Midi Dress

Worn in one block color or as part of a fall-ready print, mustard yellow is one of the warmest tones you can add to your new-season wardrobe. We love wearing this color with a cinched-in waist or frilled details for a boho effect. Add ankle boots, and you’ve thrown together the easiest autumn outfit. 

Want to add some more color? Jewel tones look great with mustard yellow, meaning emerald greens, sapphire blues and deep amethysts are your fail-safe go-to when choosing a sweater to wear over the top.  

5. Floral Prints

Shop this dress color: Ditsy Floral Print Midi Dress, Smocked Flutter Sleeve Floral Maxi Dress, Floral Puff Sleeve Maxi Dress

We know – prints aren’t a color. However, when exploring fall-ready tones, we can’t not talk about classic black dresses with delicate ditsy floral patterns. Long-sleeved, short-sleeved or flutter-sleeved, these designs can be worn from day to night, lending timeless elegance to your modest look.  

And, you know what they say: black goes with everything. That means you don’t even have to think about color-matching. Reach for your favorite boots or shoes, and you’ll be ready to go. 

Looking for more new-season ideas? Discover five fall items to keep you cozy, from a nourishing lip balm to a pillow that calms and soothes tired eyes.