Essential Dresses You Need in Your Closet Year-Round
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Summer may be quickly (and sadly) coming to an end, but that doesn't mean you need to stop wearing dresses anytime soon. In fact, it's a total fashion misconception that dresses are exclusively warm-weather attire. Dresses can actually be some of the most important pieces in your closet when it comes to comfortably and stylishly transitioning between seasons.
As long as you pick items in versatile colors and styles that can easily be layered over or under things, you can wear a dreamy floral midi all year long. Sticking to darker or neutral colors and boho prints are always safe for year-round wear, but really, there are no hard and fast rules. Almost any dress can be worn through the fall and winter with the right styling hacks. For transitioning a dress from summer to fall, you'll want to stock up on cozy knits, calf- or knee-high boots, and a good denim jacket. Below, we rounded up some of the most versatile dresses to shop now and offered some styling suggestions for different weather.
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Old Navy Floral-Print V-Neck Long-Sleeve Swing Dress
Dark florals are a great way to incorporate romantic cottage-core style into your fall and winter wardrobe. We're obsessed with the dramatic puffy sleeves of the Old Navy Floral-Print V-Neck Long-Sleeve Swing Dress ($40). Pair it with tall knit socks sticking out of boots and a beanie for an adorable autumnal look.
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Old Navy Textured Dobby-Gingham Puff-Sleeve Swing Dress
The bright colors of the Old Navy Textured Dobby-Gingham Puff-Sleeve Swing Dress ($45) are summery, but with some smart styling, this is the perfect dress to transition you between seasons. We like it best with a vintage jean jacket and sneakers.
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Old Navy Floral Puff-Sleeve Button-Front Midi Swing Dress
The Old Navy Floral Puff-Sleeve Button-Front Midi Swing Dress ($45) is our pick for most transformable year-round dress. Wear it right now with brown leather sandals, and as the temperature drops, add an oversized cardigan and cowboy boots. You can even dress it up for a nice dinner with a pair of heeled mules.
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Old Navy Hooded Long-Sleeve Sweatshirt Shift Dress
For a cozy, casual option, try the Old Navy Hooded Long-Sleeve Sweatshirt Shift Dress ($45). Stay warm on a cool end-of-summer evening by throwing it on over your swimsuit, or style it for cold weather with a long trench coat and a baseball cap.
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Old Navy Puff-Sleeve Clip-Dot Button-Front Midi Swing Dress
Once you slip into the Old Navy Puff-Sleeve Clip-Dot Button-Front Midi Swing Dress ($45) for the first time, you'll want to write us a thank you note. This dress is effortlessly stylish, light and breezy for the hottest days, and versatile enough to wear with layers into the colder months. Our seasonal transition styling tip for this piece is to try it over a ribbed turtleneck.
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Old Navy Fit and Flare Puff-Sleeve Floral-Print Dress
If you don't have a flirty floral mini dress in your closet yet, this is your sign to get one. The Old Navy Fit and Flare Puff-Sleeve Floral-Print Dress ($40) comes in the prettiest soft yellow. Make this piece work for fall with thick tights and chunky heeled booties.
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Old Navy Puff-Sleeve Midi T-Shirt Shift Dress
With the Old Navy Puff-Sleeve Midi T-Shirt Shift Dress ($40), the basic T-shirt dress has gotten a makeover. One simple detail – the rib-cuffed puffy sleeves – completely elevates a familiar silhouette. The Elmwood colorway is our favorite choice for fall.
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Old Navy Fit and Flare Smocked Floral Maxi Dress
It's all in the details with the Old Navy Fit and Flare Smocked Floral Maxi Dress ($50), from the smocked bodice to the floaty tiered skirt.
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