Out of nowhere, everyone with impeccable style is embracing these 7 "outdated" fall dress trends.
While it is accurate that everyone with a good sense of style is pairing boots with jeans and a jacket, those with even greater taste are choosing from these "outdated" dress trends. This year's fashions have shown that styles once believed to be merely nostalgic are making a comeback: skinny jeans, bandage dresses, capri pants, kitten heels… the list continues. Timeless fall staples such as an oversized trench coat, cashmere crewneck, double-breasted blazer, and dark-wash denim will remain essential in every fashion enthusiast's closet, but it's time to accommodate these seven retro fall 2025 dress trends. Think chunky knits from 2017, muted tartans and plaids, boho-chic ruffles, playful florals, a nod to Victorian styles, and much more. Scroll down to discover which "outdated" trends are back in vogue.
Sweater Weather
A bold nod to the super chunky turtleneck sweater dresses from 2017, this trend evokes memories of simpler times and outfit combinations. One of the most stylish fall ensembles this season is a knit dress paired with knee-high boots. The multi-talented Anouk Yve has styled her mocha cable-knit midi dress with chocolate patent leather boots for a sophisticated monochromatic look.
Shop Chic Knits
ZARA: Soft Knit Short Dress
COS: Wrap-Collar Wool Dress
H&M: Rib-Knit Shoulder-Pad Dress
J.Crew: Collection Cashmere Twisted Cable-Knit Sweater-Dress
Checkmate
If you've kept up with our plaid trend coverage this season, then this "outdated" dress style will not surprise you. The traditional tartan print has once again secured its position in the fall wardrobes of fashion enthusiasts. Whether on a dress such as the one worn by Mandy Lee or in the form of a casually tied shirt around the waists of the fashion crowd, plaid is back.
Shop the Tartans
Banana Republic: Flannel Tie-Front Shirt Dress
Peekaboo Lace
Once an unpopular trend from the early 2000s, the dress-over-pants combination has been reimagined as effortlessly stylish. Achieve a flirty, romantic vibe by pairing it with a lace-trimmed slip. The delicate lace peeks out from beneath Dina Hansen's mocha-brown turtleneck and gracefully drapes over her dark, cuffed denim. If you’re looking to extend the wear of your silky slips this fall and winter, try layering them over your favorite jeans.
Shop the Lace Slips
ZARA: Zw Collection Asymmetric Lace Dress
Reformation: Allis Dress Es
H&M: Lace-Trimmed Satin Slip Dress
source unknown: Lingerie Camisole Dress
Denim Devotee
I could never advise you to part with your jeans, but it may be time to choose a more sophisticated silhouette. Pair any of these stylish denim dresses with ballet flats, clogs, or suede knee-high boots, and you might reconsider everything you thought you knew about denim. Denim dress outfits have become my new go-to for fall 2025.
Shop the Dark Denim
Madewell: V-Neck Circle Midi Dress
Madewell: Airy Denim Seamed Shirtdress in Rinse Wash
ELOQUII: Fit & Flare Denim Dress
Micro Florals
From the moment I laid eyes on the Old Navy x Anna Sui collaboration, I knew micro florals were making a resurgence. In perfect alignment with the boho-chic revival we are currently experiencing, this subtle and playful print stands out as one of the most unexpected trends for fall 2025. If you're hesitant to embrace this blossoming print due to its spring connotations, then I encourage you to browse these four stylish options. You might just be swayed.
Shop the Micro Florals
ZARA: Floral Print Cotton Gauze Dress
Old Navy x Anna Sui: Tiered Ruffle Maxi Dress
Bohemian Ruffles
One of the standout trends for fall 2025 is boho-chic, characterized by romantic ruffles, flowing silhouettes, and an effortlessly elegant style that embodies a free-spirited essence. Embrace your inner vintage Chloé or Isabel Marant with these delightful boho-chic dresses below.
Shop the Boho-Chic Dresses
ZARA: Combination Belted Midi Dress
Free People: Weeping Willows Maxi Dress
Open Edit: Ruffle Chiffon Shift Dress
Free People: Nigel Preston Floating Angel Chiffon Maxi Dress
Victorian Throwback
The Basque-waist dress isn't "outdated" in the sense of being unfashionable, but its striking silhouette has been captivating attention since the Victorian era. This paisley design from BCBG is the ultimate fall dress of my dreams, with rich colors and a flawless fit. I styled it with brown suede knee-high boots to accentuate the dress's chocolate
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Out of nowhere, everyone with impeccable style is embracing these 7 "outdated" fall dress trends.
A nostalgic nod to 2017 with a shift towards a Victorian aesthetic.