As Labor Day approaches and most people are still trying to soak up those last days of sun, I start itching to get my bases covered for fall. I anxiously await the moment I can break out my favorite sweaters (oftentimes starting to wear them long before it's actually cool enough to) and feel like a kid unwrapping a birthday present when I dig my jackets and wool pants out of storage, ready and waiting for another season of wear.
But one of my very favorite fall pieces isn't my personalized leather jacket or vintage-inspired trousers — it's what I like to call the "layering dress." It's a fall-appropriate, sleeveless, often shift-style number that's practically made for wearing over a turtleneck, light sweater, or long-sleeved top (or T-shirt, too, if the weather's warmer than anticipated). It can be a pinafore with true overall straps, have a plunging neckline, or feature a high boatneck for a super-mod look. Really, anything goes, because when you stick the right top underneath, you've got an easy (and cool) outfit that basically screams "autumn."
Once you've got your collection of turtlenecks covered, click on to grab the other half of this no-fail look. Ahead, you'll find 12 picks to help get your layering on.
If you have any hesitation embracing the plunge, let layering a turtleneck underneath help ease you into it.
H&M V-neck Dress, $34.99, available at H&M.
Reminder: Denim is never a bad choice.
Pixie Market Frayed Denim Wrap Dress, $126, available at Pixie Market.
More of that Tumblr pink, please.
COS Sleeveless Sweatshirt Dress, $69, available at COS.
Though not in bodysuit form, the lace-up trend is still going strong.
Reformation Rigley Dress, $218, available at Reformation.
Try a drop waist with some sneakers and a graphic long-sleeve tee underneath.
ASOS White Denim Midi Dress with Drop Hem, $97, available at ASOS.
Get that oversized aesthetic on lock.
The Tint Martin Dress in Ivory, $178, available at W Concept.
You never have to worry about someone having the same dress when you've got one-of-a-kind vintage.
Petra Von Kant Sphera Dress, $68, available at Petra Von Kant.
Zip it on up.
Topshop Moto Cord Zip Through Pini Dress, $74, available at Topshop.
Yep, body-con works, too.
Community Parfit Dress, $60, available at Artizia.
All your sleeveless LBDs are fair game.
Mango Back V-neck Dress, $59.99, available at Mango.
This one's like two pieces in one.
& Other Stories Dress, $65, available at & Other Stories.
Yellow works well for fall, too, with a neutral tee or turtleneck underneath.
Marni Pinafore Dress, $2,190 $876, available at Farfetch.
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