Sorry, Trousers—This Anti-Trend, Throw-On Dress Is My Go-To Wardrobe Staple This Autumn

If there's one dress I'm forever a fan of, it's a black one. Knitted or silky, short or long, a black dress is a style I can always get behind—and that's coming from someone who typically steers away from dresses altogether. Part of their appeal is their versatility, and the fact that with a few clever accessory switches they can take you from day to night, casual weekend lunches to a much-anticipated date night. That being said, I'm always on the hunt for fresh outfit inspiration, especially now that I'm in autumn outfit planning mode. Bring on the Instagram scrolling.

Let's start with the dress itself. With the drop in temperature, my priorities are shifting from breezy linen styles to cosy knitted ones. In my opinion, nothing is more elegant than a long-sleeved midi or maxi dress, especially when its a finely knitted style. That's the kind of dress you could wear with a trench and trainers for a more casual ensemble, or with the very on-trend pointed-toe boots for a more seductive look. Then there are the evening wear options—slinky slip dresses, ankle-grazing maxis and sophisticated strapless styles will all score serious fashion points, and also can be styled for day by layering with cardigans or blazers.

If you're also looking for fresh black dress outfit inspiration, look no further—below I've found eight excellent black dress looks for every occasion, and every style.

8 BLACK DRESS OUTFITS I LOVE FOR AUTUMN 2024

1. Maxi Dress+ Denim Jacket + Pointed-Toe Heels

Style Notes: Black dresses and jackets are a classic pairing, and this season I'm backing the denim jacket as a great way to create a casual yet cool outfit. I love the way the blue denim contrasts with the sophistication of the black maxi—and the pointed toe heels are the ultimate finishing touch.

Shop the look:

COS

Asymmetric Flared-Hem Maxi Dress

£115

A dress for all occasions.

& Other Stories

Boxy Denim Jacket

£95

Such a classic fit.

MANGO

Slingback Heeled Shoes With Buckle

£50

I'm obsessed with their Nineties vibe.

COS

Serif Tote - Leather

£200

Totes are a must-have bag this season.

2. Long-Sleeved Dress + Knee-High Boots

Style Notes: Knee-high boots are an autumn staple, and these versatile shoes work particularly well with black dresses of all styles. Personally, I love the effortlessly elegant look of pairing sharp-toed boots with a demure long-sleeved dress. So classic.

Shop the look:

TOTEME

Jersey Maxi Dress

£370

A minimalist's dream black dress.

PARIS TEXAS

Stiletto Leather Knee Boots

£620

Yes, please.

Jigsaw

Woven Leather Tote Bag | Black

£220

Woven leather is a trend I'm really loving at the moment.

COS

Tailored Herringbone Wool Coat

£300

A soft brown wool coat is the perfect autumn outerwear.

3. Maxi Dress + Waistcoat + Mesh Flats

Style Notes: Autumn sun peering though? Take advantage and incorporate some of your summer staples into your autumn wardrobe by layering a waistcoat over a sleeveless black dress, and finish off with this year's most surprising hit shoe—the mesh flat.

Shop the look:

Reformation

Vea Dress

£178

Proving that black dresses are unbeatably sleek.

COS

Longline Linen-Blend Waistcoat

£85

Trust me, a black waistcoat will always come in handy, all year long.

Arket

Mesh Ballerinas

£139

The easiest mesh flat you can find.

Missoma

Lucy Williams Chunky Medium Entwine Hoop Earrings | Silver Plated

£109

Silver hoops are the required finishing touch.

4. Mini Dress + Long Coat + Flat Boots

Style Notes: Even if the temperatures plummet, you don't have to give up your love of mini dresses. Opt for a knitted style and pair with knee-high boots—these flat versions are particularly on trend this season—and an ankle-grazing coat to guard against sharp winds.

Shop the look:

& Other Stories

Belted Mini Knit Dress

£57

The included belt is such a great detail.

Jigsaw

Wool Maxi City Coat in Charcoal

£385

A truly timeless coat.

Reformation

Nancy Knee Boot

£448

The riding boot will always be in style.

& Other Stories

Set of Two Domed Cuffs

£57

How cool are these cuff bracelets?

5. Knitted Dress + Cropped Jacket + Pointed-Toe Slingbacks

Style Notes: All of us at Who What Wear are huge fans of knitted dresses, especially for transitional season dressing. Follow Abi's example and give yours extra definition by pairing with a cropped jacket that will accentuate the waist.

Shop the look:

MANGO

Knitted Dress With Contrasting Trims

£50

I love the contrast trim.

ZARA

Water-Repellent Crop Jacket Zw Collection

£70

A cropped take on the classic trench? I'm sold.

COS

Pointed Mesh Slingback Kitten Heels

£135

If you don't want to give up on the mesh trend, these are the answer.

Arket

Chunky Hoop Earrings

£27

Chunky hoops are such an easy way to elevate an outfit.

6. Slip Dress + Cardigan + Mary Janes

Style Notes: A black slip dress is a great piece to have on hand for evening wear, but Chrissy's look proves how easily you can style it for the day, too. A fitted cardigan adds some more shape, and the flat Mary Janes keep it relaxed yet polished.

Shop the look:

ZARA

Satin Midi Dress

£50

Wear this solo to your next event and you're sure to impress.

& Other Stories

Cropped Rib-Knit Cardigan

£65

This shape is ideal for layering over a dress.

Arket

Mary Jane Flats

£159

The square toe is such a cool detail.

MANGO

Leather-Effect Shoulder Bag

£46

This looks like a designer piece.

7. Strapless Dress + Mules

Style Notes: A black dress is a classic evening piece for a reason. Ever since I saw this picture of Brittany I've been dreaming of recreating the look—it just exudes such timeless sophistication. Simple, yet so effective.

Shop the look:

TOVE

Cate Strapless Twist-Front Stretch-Jersey Midi Dress

£495

Such a gorgeous silhouette.

COS

Leather Mules

£155

Simple mules look so effortless.

TOTEME

T-Lock Textured-Leather Clutch

£820

Pure luxury.

Missoma

Savi Sculptural Droplet Pendant Necklace

£115

This is the kind of necklace you could wear with jeans and a t-shirt as well as an evening dress.

8. Mini Dress + Trainers + Trench

Style Notes: Is this the perfect autumn weekend outfit? I think so. Lois expertly styles a black mini with a classic trench coat for a simple and polished look, before adding a trend-lead touch with colourful trainers and socks.

Shop the look:

H&M

Pocket-Detail Mini Dress

£38

Dress it up or down, the choice is yours!

Reformation

Kensington Trench

£368

Don't sleep on Reformation's outerwear.

Adidas

Sl 72 Trainers

£80

These are already in my basket...

COS

Swing Crossbody - Leather

£110

A classic.