Back to cool: autumn’s most stylish dresses

As we stand on the precipice of autumn, it’s those dresses with the superpowers needed to straddle the changing seasons that are igniting our imaginations. Certainly, they’re making the shift away from summer into a happier proposition. Here’s a guide to the best around.

Breaking up with your WFH wardrobe can be hard to do, which is why the jersey dress is your new failsafe. A go-to piece for days when only extreme comfort will do but you still have a life to be getting on with, a slouchy jersey dress presents a whole host of wardrobe opportunities.

Where smart early autumn purchases are concerned, the shirt dress is hard to beat. As a style, it’s got that slightly formal, put-together edge many of us look for at this time of year. It’s versatile too, which means whatever the weather – late-summer sun or October deluge – you’ll be ready. Wear yours with everything from heavy-duty boots to chunky sandals, and experiment with layering. 

The floral dress is a seasonal staple, but a more modern approach sees oversized prints, maxi lengths and pattern clashes, which add an element of surprise. Team yours with a pair of trainers and a denim jacket, then warm it up with a coat and ankle boots when the weather turns. 

To fully comprehend the joy a good slip dress can bring to your wardrobe, you need to invite one into your life. You might not think to look at it, but this slinky little number, with its bias cut and skinny straps, is the most versatile dress of all. Wear over a long-sleeved T-shirt or a ribbed roll-neck knit and you’ve got a look for all manner of occasions. Dress it up with a heel and a chunky gold necklace and you’re a beacon for glamour with an effortless edge.