"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
