Mom Fashion

This Foolproof Outfit Formula Is All I’m Wearing This Fall

written by MORGAN FLAHERTY

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sweater over dress combo"
sweater over dress combo

As a former New Englander who now lives in Florida, the subject of fall is a bit of a touchy subject to me. There is simply no arguing that (at least in the Northeast) autumn is the best time of year. Pumpkin spice lattes, leaves changing, the cool brisk air, and cuddling up in a warm sweater. There’s just no time of year that can compare.

Except, of course, if you live in one of the southern states. I’m talking, of course, about the states that are still experiencing 90-degree days as we head into October. The states where we burn a pumpkin candle inside while blasting the A/C in the hopes we can trick our mind into believing we too are living in a Gilmore Girls-style fall fantasy. While the season may have been my favorite back in New England, our fall “season” in Florida is less of a time of year and more of a week-long blip.

But, all hope is not lost. While dressing in your fall best in a hot and humid state may not be as easy, I’ve found the perfect outfit combo to get my fill of fall while still keeping practicality in mind. With plenty of summer dresses at my disposal, each fall I find that a sweater and dress paired together is the perfect transition outfit. I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite sweater over dress combos that I plan to live in all season long.

Cropped Turtleneck and Maxi Dress

Instead of packing up all my summer dresses for the season, I like to keep a few out that I can wear as transition pieces into fall. The Hill House Anjuli Nap Dress is a great example of a tank dress that can easily be layered for cooler weather. I love the look of it paired with a cropped sweater like this Old Navy turtleneck.

brown turtleneck sweater
Old Navy
Turtleneck Sweater

6 colors available
sizes XS – 4X

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beige maxi dress
Hill House Home
The Anjuli Nap Dress

10 colors and patterns available
sizes XXS – XXL

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Built-In Sweater Dress

While I love having the option of mixing and matching different sweaters and dresses throughout the season, if you’re someone who would prefer to just grab and go, there are great picks that come with a sweater built in. For example, the Anthropologie Sweater Midi Dress features a slip midi dress that can actually separate from the accompanying sweater. Another option is the viral Free People Eleanor Sweatshirt Dress, with a pleated mini skirt and cozy sweatshirt attached. I’ve seen influencers everywhere wearing this, and it looks amazing on everyone.

sweater dress
Anthropologie
Sweater Midi Dress

3 colors available
sizes XXS – 3X

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grey sweater dress
Free People
Eleanor Sweatshirt Dress

4 colors available
sizes XS – XL

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Balloon Sweater and Tank Dress

Christy Dawn is hands down one of my favorite brands for dresses I can wear all year round. The Emma Dress is a stunning sweetheart dress that speaks directly to my cottage core loving vibe. While it’s a dress I’ve lived in all summer, I already plan on pairing it with the Jane Sweater, which has balloon sleeves and a cropped hem that goes perfectly with the fuller skirt of the dress.

beige balloon sleeve sweater
Christy Dawn
The Jane Sweater

sizes XS – XL

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blue gingham dress
Christy Dawn
The Emma Dress

sizes XS – XL

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Cardigan and Pleated Midi Dress

While snuggling up in a cozy cardigan and jeans is a great pick for fall, I love to tuck my cardigan in to wear as a cropped sweater with a midi dress. A cream cardigan is a versatile favorite in my wardrobe, and would look great folded into the belt of this Target pleated midi dress.

cream sweater cardigan
Gap
Shaker-Stitch Cardigan

2 colors available
sizes XXS – XXL

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rust midi dress
Target | Future Collective with Reese Blutstein
Pleated Midi Dress

2 colors available
sizes 00 – 28

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Structured Cardigan and Midi Dress

Structured cardigans are everywhere right now, providing a slightly more fitted option with your knit. This Tuckernuck cardigan has gorgeous gold buttons and cable knit details, with a chic silhouette that looks adorable over the fall floral of this Madewell midi dress.

black cardigan
Tuckernuck
Colette Cardigan

4 colors available
sizes XS – XXXL

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printed maxi dress
Madewell
Theo Sleeveless Midi Dress

sizes XXS – XXL

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Crew Neck Sweater and Tank Dress

For a classic sweater and dress combo, you can opt for a crewneck sweater over a simple midi dress. Everlane is one of my personal favorite investment brands for wardrobe pieces you can wear year after year. The Everlane Crew Sweater is a versatile staple that looks perfect with jeans, or worn over the Everlane Ribbed Tank Dress.

tan sweater
Everlane
Cotton Crew Sweater

8 colors available
sizes XXS – XL

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black bodycon dress
Everlane
Ribbed Tank Dress

3 colors available
sizes XXS – XL

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