By That Girl Whitney Team
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Just because summer is over doesn’t mean your dresses have to go into storage. Fall dresses are some of the prettiest of the year, with rich colors, cozy fabrics, and longer sleeves that make them perfect for cool weather. Add tights and boots, and a dress becomes the easiest outfit in your closet.
For plus size women, the right fall dress keeps you warm without adding bulk and feels as comfortable as your favorite jeans. You just need to know which fabrics and styles work best when the temperature drops.
This guide covers the fabrics that work for fall, the dress styles to try, how to layer for cool weather, and the colors and prints of the season. Your dress collection is about to work twice as hard.
Fabrics That Work for Fall
Fall dresses need a little more weight than summer styles.
Knit jersey is soft and comfortable. Medium-weight jersey drapes without clinging.
Ponte is a thick, stable knit that holds its shape and smooths over curves. It’s perfect for work and church.
Corduroy brings cozy texture and works well for casual shirt dresses and pinafores.
Sweater knits are the warmest option. Our guide to plus size sweater dresses covers them in detail.
Woven fabrics with long sleeves like crepe and rayon still work in early fall when layered.
Choose fabrics with enough weight to drape smoothly. Very thin fabrics show every line and won’t keep you warm.
Fabric weight is easier to judge online than you might think. Product photos that show the fabric draping smoothly, without clinging, usually mean a medium weight. Reviews that mention “see-through” or “thin” are a sign to keep looking.
Dress Styles to Try
These styles are easy to wear and work for many occasions.
Long-sleeve wrap dresses define your waist and adjust to your shape. A wrap dress in a fall print looks polished for work and dinner.
Shirt dresses with a belt look crisp and casual. Wear them with ankle boots and a cardigan.
Tiered midi dresses with long sleeves are flowy and comfortable. They look great with knee-high boots.
Fit-and-flare knit dresses have a fitted top and a flared skirt, which creates a feminine shape.
Pinafore and overall dresses layer over a tee or turtleneck for a fun, casual look.
Midi slip dresses layered over a fitted turtleneck carry a summer favorite into fall, especially in velvet or satin.
Think about your plans when you shop. A ponte wrap dress can go from the office to dinner, while a corduroy pinafore is better for weekends and casual events.
Shop Whitney’s storefront: plus size long sleeve wrap dress or plus size long sleeve tiered midi dress
Layering for Cool Weather
Layers turn any dress into a fall outfit.
Tights. Opaque tights keep your legs warm and make a dress feel seasonal. Look for plus size tights with a wide, comfortable waistband.
Boots. Ankle boots work with midi and knee-length dresses, and knee-high boots look polished with midi dresses. Our wide calf boots guide covers boots that zip.
Cardigans and jackets. A long cardigan or a leather-look jacket adds warmth and style. Our plus size cardigans guide has options for every season.
A turtleneck underneath. Wear a thin turtleneck under a sleeveless or short-sleeve dress for extra warmth.
Leggings. Fleece-lined leggings under a dress keep you warm on the coldest days.
A belt over a cardigan. Belting a long cardigan over a dress defines your waist and keeps the layers from looking bulky.
Tights are the piece most likely to cause trouble, so size up if you’re between sizes and look for a wide, soft waistband. A pair that rolls or digs in will make even the cutest dress uncomfortable.
Shop Whitney’s storefront: plus size opaque tights
Fall Colors and Prints
Fall dresses look best in the colors of the season.
Rust and terracotta are warm and flattering on almost every skin tone.
Olive and forest green pair beautifully with brown and black boots.
Burgundy and plum feel rich and polished for evening events.
Mustard adds a cheerful pop.
Camel and chocolate brown are neutral and easy to accessorize.
For prints, try plaid, paisley, small florals on dark backgrounds, and animal prints. If you’re heading to a fall wedding, our plus size fall wedding guest dresses post covers dressier styles.
If you’re new to fall colors, start with one dress in a deep shade like burgundy or olive. These colors are easy to accessorize with brown or black boots, and they’re polished enough for church or the office.
Dresses All Season Long
Plus size fall dresses keep your favorite outfit formula going even as the weather cools. Choose medium-weight fabrics like jersey and sweater knits, pick a style that suits your plans, and layer with tights, boots, and cardigans. Add a rich fall color or print, and you’ll have an easy, polished outfit ready all season.
Shop Whitney’s favorite fall finds on her Amazon storefront, and follow @thatgirlwhitney on Instagram for more plus size outfit ideas.
