The 6 Best J.Crew Dresses to Take You Through the End of Summer (and Even Early Fall!)

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It's hard to even imagine that autumn could be coming anytime soon considering how sweltering hot it is outside, but if you're anything like me, you're dreaming of apple picking , football games and cozy, versatile sweater dresses already. But that tricky time between the end of summer and early fall tends to require a more pragmatic approach to dressing—sticking to pieces that are made to take you from chilly mornings to scorching afternoons without so much as breaking a sweat. So you can imagine my delight when I recently browsed the J.Crew dress section and stumbled upon a ton of styles that nail those transitional needs.

From layerable linen frocks to lightweight knits, I found the six best dresses to effortlessly get you through the end of summer, all while scratching that fall shopping itch. Trust, they'll work just as well paired with sandals and a straw bag as they will with J.Crew's famous oversized cashmere wrap . Two seasons, one stone.

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1. J.Crew Mock-Neck Dress

J.Crew

Mock-neck dresses are a favorite of mine, and this one is sleeveless so it can be easily layered underneath a blazer or jacket as the weather cools. The bodice is a stretchy knit material, while the skirt is a breezy poplin, so you'll also be able to wear it in the summer months without overheating. "I feel elegant and effortless when I wear this dress. [It's] very comfy; purchased my true size," says one customer.

2. J.Crew Amelia Shirtdress

J.Crew

An elevated day dress to wear to baby showers and brunch dates is a wardrobe must-have. The vertical stripes on this one are very classic and flattering, and the ruffles on the sleeves and skirt hem add a dressy touch. It has a thin belt around the waist that can be removed if you want a more billowy look, but you should note that many buyers say it runs a bit large (so it might be worth sizing down). Nevertheless, the 100 percent cotton construction is sure to keep you feeling cool but covered on those transitional days.

3. J.Crew Sheath Dress

J.Crew

Perfect for the office, this sheath has a sleek, minimalist design with figure-shaping darting and a subtle slit at the back to allow for easy movement. The sleeveless style is begging to be accessorized with bold jewelry, or even topped with a cute blazer come early fall. The material is the brand's four-season stretch, made of polyester, viscose and elastane, which is meant to offer stretchy comfort year-round.

4. J.Crew Square-Neck Dress

J.Crew

From the square neck to the thick straps, this linen dress is the perfect pick for in-between seasons. The midi length pairs well with sneakers or heels, and it's just laid-back enough to work with a sweater thrown over the shoulders. There's also a stretch panel on the back of the bodice to add some give around your chest. The dress is unlined, unless you grab it in the white color, in which case the skirt is fully lined. You can also unbutton the straps on the back to crisscross them or adjust the length. "[I] wore this to a 4th of July picnic [and] it's pretty and comfortable. I am small on the top, so I crisscrossed the straps in the back," one customer says in their review.

5. J.Crew A-Line Dress

J.Crew

If you're looking for a sweet feminine style to wear from picnics to the farmers' market, look no further. I'm in love with this number's straight neckline, delicate spaghetti straps and tiered skirt that give it a total Garden Girl look. The dress has buttons on the front, with a fitted waist and smocked panel on the back of the bodice (which is lined, BTW). It's made of 100 percent cotton, which means it should be nice and breezy, though it may shrink if you put it in the dryer. Reviewers rave about the flattering fit and lightweight feel of it, but some note that if you have a smaller chest, you may want to size down to avoid any gapping up top.

6. J.Crew x Anna October Halter Slip Dress

J.Crew

This sleek and flowy slip dress is sexy and fun—I can totally see myself wearing it to a beach wedding on its own or to an early autumn wine-tasting layered with a cardigan. The back is open and dips pretty low, with very thin ties along the middle that you can tie into a bow. The acetate material is said to be very soft with a luxe, rich sheen, but you should make sure to dry-clean this one to avoid damaging the fabric. The front is a pretty low-cut V-neckline, though you can tighten the halter ties to bring it up a bit if you prefer. In any case, it should offer some beautiful movement and make a scene-stealing impression wherever (and whenever) you don it.

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