The Predictions Are In: These Will Be Autumn 2024's Biggest Dress Trends

If there is one thing I am sure of, it's that I am a lover of dresses. Whether it's work related or not, every season I aim to pore over the trends, separating the sure-to-be-short-lived from the enduring. And as an avid dress wearer, I've been nothing short of impressed with the myriad offerings coming in for autumn 2024. The array spans svelte occasionwear shapes comprising silk, to last summer's continued trend of bandeau and perhaps the most prominent and dramatic silhouette of all—the panelled (corset-like) waist, not too dissimilar from a Victorian corset, albeit less constricting. Colour also features highly—namely cool and warm-toned reds (beauty buffs, think akin to MAC's Chilli and Lady Danger rouge, in dress form), to creamy yellow with ecru undertones. There's much to discover and plenty of fun saturations to be swathed in.

AUTUMN DRESS TRENDS 2024

(Image credit: @sasha.mei)

From the pale yellow beckoning neutral lovers to maxi hemlines, discover the dresses that will be among autumn 2024's most adorned styles. Cue five key dresses I'm positive will go the distance, featuring transitional pieces to rely on in the coming weeks.

1. Waist Elements

AUTUMN DRESS TRENDS 2024: WAISTING AND CORSET TOPS

(Image credit: @laurennicolefk)

Style Notes: You may have noticed that Grecian and taught waist details are prominent right now. We're certain this will continue as we navigate transitional seasons, particularly sleeved iterations.

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2. Rouge Gorge

AUTUMN DRESS TRENDS 2024: BRIGHT RED

(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: Red has the most neutral pallet wearers (including myself) in a trance. From tomato red to the deepest shade of rouge. Wear red with pared-back accessories (or, pops of emerald) to let the hue truly pop. We predict this will also be a big colour trend for partywear this year... Watch this space.

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3. Mellow Yellow

AUTUMN DRESS TRENDS 2024: BUTTER YELLOW

(Image credit: @daniellejinadu)

Style Notes: Colour has dominated this season's trends and 2024 has seen a new hue take the lead, sitting on the periphery between ecru and yellow. Call it a buttermilk of sorts. You may have seen its foray into fashion at the tail end of 2023 and this autumn its presence will be well and truly noted. For the season ahead, combine it with suedes and earthy tones.

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4. Bandeau Bustier

AUTUMN DRESS TRENDS 2024: BANDEAU DRESSES

(Image credit: @_marisamartins_)

Style Notes: Bandeau dresses are the number one choice this season and it will continue well into autumn, with long-sleeve iterations. Give this dress style the daytime treatment with a pair of ballet flats, or slingback heels, come the evening.

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5. Slouched Silk

Thandi Maq

(Image credit: @thandimaq)

Style Notes: Extreme hemlines have been prominent since 2023. If you look closely, you'll notice it's in part length, and part the bias cut and visible crossover hems, further highlighting the figure.

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Freelance Fashion Editor

Avalon Afriyie is a freelance writer and storyteller based in London. She specialises in sustainable fashion, health and the narratives of marginalised communities. She has a background in fashion show production and styling, having previously worked on The Clothes Show and with the Lyst Group. Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist. Avalon also provides copywriting services, creative consultancy, and visual media for independent businesses, including travel guides, interviews, press releases and blog posts. Her work has been featured on Lush, Contiki, Youswim and Ohne. She spends her days writing to her heart’s content for business and pleasure, shooting on film and dreaming of residing a stone’s throw away from the ocean with her love and a pup (clad in a sweeping frock, of course). She’s currently penning ideas for a book of personal essays and free verse poetry on love, life and the stages in between.