Summer is for itty-bitty Sabrina Carpenter-approved mini hemlines; it’s the time for easy-breezy linen and beachy crochet. But the season is quickly speeding on by — as we prepare to tuck away our summer fashion must-haves, we’re also making room for our autumn wardrobes and a more seasonally-appropriate hem length: ‘Tis time for the midi dress to shine.

Of course, many summer dress styles can transition from summer to autumn when layered up, but there’s something about the midi that suits autumn so perfectly. It’s the ideal length to show off your favourite boots and still keep your legs toasty for one. A mid-calf skirt also works so much better alongside your longer autumn and winter coats (especially your trench coat for the impending wet weather).

Our advice when shopping for an autumn midi? Keep an eye out for cold weather-appropriate fabrics, sleeve-lengths, colours and prints. Right now, you’ll find milkmaid dresses in trending leopard print dominating over dainty florals, drop-waist dresses in earth tones like green and mauve rather than pastels, and shirt dresses in bold plaid rather than picnic-ready gingham. Look out for midi styles in slightly heavy knits, denims, poplins and corduroy, too.

To get you started, we’ve already done the hard work for you — scouting out the best of the best on the market. From long-sleeve midi dresses for cosy weekend activities, to satin numbers for your upcoming autumn weddings, we’ve ticked off all the usual faves: Zara, Mango, Free People and more.

All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.

Damson Madder Bluebelle Midi Dress, £100

Damson Madder is always one of our go-tos for great fitting, quality dresses that tick off all the biggest and best trends (leopard print? Check. Bows? Double check!). This one already has a number of fans across team R29.

Damson Madder Bluebelle Midi Dress, $, available at Trouva

H&M Midi Shirt Dress, £21.99

Nothing beats a loose, boxy silhouette on those days when you just want non-constricting comfort. Better yet, a dress like this is great for layering over turtlenecks and wool tights as it gets colder.

H&M Midi Shirt Dress, $, available at H&M

Abercrombie & Fitch Emerson Poplin Puff Sleeve Midi Dress, £90 £74

Abercrombie & Fitch prove that one dress really can do it all. This red hot number works for the office, date night, a family dinner or weekend brunch depending on how its styled.

Abercrombie & Fitch Emerson Poplin Puff Sleeve Midi Dress, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch

Anthropologie Long-Sleeve Sheer Pleated Midi Dress, £160

Anthropologie are on it with Seventies inspired, floaty pieces this season. Style with a thick, studded belt, knee high boots and statement hoop earrings for a true retro-inspired vibe.

Anthropologie Long-Sleeve Sheer Pleated Midi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie

Free People Two Timin Midi Dress, £158

ICYMI, polka dots are back and better than ever. This sleek midi dress proves that the playful print can also be grownup and elegant.

Free People Two Timin Midi Dress, $, available at Free People

Madewell V-Neck Balloon-Sleeve Maxi Dress, £156

This light and airy piece will see you through any Indian summer heatwaves and on into autumn when layered up.

Madewell V-Neck Balloon-Sleeve Maxi Dress, $, available at Madewell

Zara Pleated Asymmetric Dress, £49.99

Nothing says “statement making dressing” like chopping off an entire sleeve.

Zara Pleated Asymmetric Dress, $, available at Zara

Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress, £170

If any brand knows how to do a great midi, it’s Hill House Home. Aka the brains behind the iconic and bestselling Nap Dress.

Hill House Home The Ellie Nap Dress, $, available at Hill House Home

Eloquii Oversized Denim Midi Dress, £159.95

Thanks to Eloquii, you can take the Western trend on into autumn.

Eloquii Oversized Denim Midi Dress, $, available at One Stop Plus

J.Crew Fitted Knit Mockneck Dress with Poplin Skirt, £110

This high-neck and long skirt combination will be a lifesaver come early, chilly mornings and dressing for autumn commutes.

J.Crew Fitted Knit Mockneck Dress with Poplin Skirt, $, available at J.Crew

Ganni Yellow Shiny Gingham Midi Dress, £325

A party perfect midi in iridescent gingham. What more could you want?

Ganni Yellow Shiny Gingham Midi Dress, $, available at SSENSE

Mango Asymmetrical Pleated Dress, £79.99

Have an autumn wedding in the calendar? Thanks to Mango, you’re all set.

Mango Asymmetrical Pleated Dress, $, available at Mango

Dôen Marielle Dress, £326

Who’s ready for a period-dramas-on-repeat-autumn? Or at least, dressing like you’re in one?

Dôen Marielle Dress, $, available at Dôen

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

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