I refuse to pack away romantic dresses just because summer is over.
Actually, I think fall may be one of the best seasons for them.
The colors get richer, the layers get prettier, the boots come back out, and suddenly that floaty dress you've been wearing all summer has an entirely different personality.
That's my kind of fall dressing.
What Makes a Dress Feel Romantic?
When I say romantic dresses, I'm not necessarily talking about something you'd wear on a date.
Romantic style is really about the details.
Florals. Lace. Movement. Beautiful sleeves. Soft fabrics. Ruffles. Feminine necklines. A silhouette that makes you feel pretty without feeling overly dressed.
Some dresses whisper romantic.
Others practically announce it when they walk into the room.
I love both.
And romantic style doesn't belong to just one type of dress. A flowing floral maxi can feel romantic, but so can a softly structured midi dress, a lace-trimmed prairie dress or a simple silhouette with beautiful sleeves. It's usually the combination of fabric, movement, color and feminine details that gives a dress that romantic feeling.
How I'm Wearing Romantic Dresses This Fall
The easiest way to transition a romantic dress into fall is to add contrast.
A feminine floral dress with boots.
A flowy maxi with a chunky cardigan.
A ruffled dress with a denim jacket.
A soft midi dress underneath a more structured coat.
That's where an outfit starts to get interesting.
I don't want everything I'm wearing to match perfectly. I like that little bit of tension between feminine and rustic.
It's one of the reasons you'll see romantic pieces sitting right alongside country-inspired styles at MPL.
They belong together.
Some of my favorite romantic fall outfits really are that simple — start with a feminine dress you love, add boots and a cozy layer, and let the contrast do the rest.
Look Beyond Traditional Fall Colors
I love rust, olive, chocolate and burgundy as much as anyone, but you don't have to turn your entire closet brown the minute September arrives.
Blush still works.
Cream absolutely works.
Dusty florals are beautiful in fall.
Muted blue can be gorgeous.
Even lighter dresses can move into the season when they're paired with deeper textures and accessories.
Sometimes the prettiest fall outfit isn't obviously "fall" at all.
The Dress You'll Actually Wear Wins
Here's my biggest rule when I'm choosing dresses for the boutique:
It has to feel wearable.
There are plenty of beautiful dresses that look incredible in a photograph and make absolutely no sense in real life.
I'm much more interested in the one you can wear to dinner, a fall wedding, church, family pictures, a weekend trip or just because you felt like putting on something pretty.
Those are the dresses that earn their place in your closet.
Romantic Style Is More Than Just Dresses
As much as I love a beautiful dress, romantic style doesn't mean you have to wear one every day.
A blouse with lace or softly puffed sleeves can bring that same feeling to a pair of jeans. A pretty cardigan can soften an otherwise simple outfit. Even a floral top underneath a jacket can add just enough romance without making the whole outfit feel overly dressed.
That's why I think of romantic clothing for women as more of a feeling than a strict category. It's feminine without having to be fussy, pretty without needing a special occasion, and easy to mix with things you already own.
You can go completely romantic one day and wear nothing more than a beautiful blouse with denim the next.
Both count.
A Little Romance Belongs in Every Season
Your fall wardrobe doesn't have to suddenly become heavy, dark or serious.
Keep the florals.
Keep the ruffles.
Keep the beautiful dresses.
Just add a great layer, your favorite boots and maybe a Diet Coke for the road.
Fall romance accomplished.
Ready for something pretty? Explore our Romantic Dresses, from feminine florals to flowing maxi styles made for wearing well beyond summer.
