The Best Fall Dresses Under $100 That Look Way More Expensive

It’s the first morning you can see your breath in the driveway, the dinner reservation is at seven, and you’re standing in front of the closet realizing every “fall dress” you own is either a summer dress with tights or a holiday dress waiting for its moment. That gap is this list. I went looking for the dresses that belong to October specifically: cotton and real knits that hold their shape, a lining where it matters, and one detail that reads expensive, like a scalloped lace hem, a tie neck, or an elevated plaid. Forty-three dresses passed. They’re sorted into minis, midis, maxis, and going-out dresses, priced low to high within each section. Evie’s product selections are curated by the editorial team. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love. Mini A fall mini is all about what you wear with it. With tights and a loafer, a short dress works from September through the first snow. How to style it: Wear one with sheer black tights, loafers, and a long trench, or with knee-high boots and a cropped cardigan. If you’re petite like me, match your tights to your shoes so your legs look longer. VICI Mehlani Plaid V Neck Mini Dress (Red Multi) $74 at VICI A plaid crepe jersey mini with a plunging V-neckline and faux front pockets. It’s polyester, lined, and pulls on, and it’s made for a fitted black turtleneck underneath. VICI Sunset Posy Knit Floral Mini Dress (Brown/Cream) $78 at VICI A stretchy floral knit mini with long sleeves and ribbed scalloped trim. It’s a viscose-nylon blend and unlined, so wear it with tights and ankle boots. VICI Roxy Cable Knit Mini Dress (Chocolate) $78 at VICI A long-sleeve chocolate cable-knit sweater mini with ribbed trim at the neckline, cuffs, and hem. It’s an acrylic blend with stretch, and it looks best with brown tights and knee-high boots. VICI Crisp Affair Cotton Plaid Mini Dress (Brown Multi) $78 at VICI A brown plaid cotton seersucker mini with blouson sleeves, bow-accent cuffs, a tie at the bust, and an elastic waist. Avara Burgundy Pleated Short Dress (Burgundy) $78 at Avara A sleeveless burgundy knit mini with a high neckline and a pleated A-line skirt. The viscose-nylon knit is lightweight, so layer a long coat over it and add gold jewelry. Petal & Pup Noah Overall Mini Dress (Brown Houndstooth) $79 at Petal & Pup A brown houndstooth pinafore mini with a square neckline, wide adjustable straps, and pockets. It’s lined, and it was made for a fitted white turtleneck. Petal & Pup Yaris Mini Dress (Burgundy Plaid) $79 at Petal & Pup A burgundy plaid mini with a wide collar that ties at the neck, short elastic-cuff sleeves, and pockets. It’s unlined, so add tights and loafers for a very prep-school look. 12th Tribe Gold Standard Kimono Dress (Multicolored) $88 at 12th Tribe 12th Tribe’s original wrap dress in a patchwork print with dramatic kimono sleeves. Tie it closed as a mini or wear it open over a slip and jeans like a duster. Worth Collective Betty 100% Cotton Mini Dress (Sand/Navy) $88 at Worth Collective A relaxed cotton mini in a tiny sand-and-navy check with half sleeves, ruffle accents, side pockets, and a stretchy tie neckline you can wear off the shoulder. Add a suede jacket and loafers. Avara Stevie Brown Polka Dot Short Dress (Brown Polka Dot) $88 at Avara Cream polka dots on brown cotton, with a spread collar, a V-neckline, long sleeves, a self-tie belt, and pockets. It’s lined, and it’s the easiest polka dot in this guide to wear to the office. Böhme Camille Pleated Mini Dress (Mocha) $88.50 at Böhme A collared, button-front mini with scalloped lace trim and a pleated skirt in a polyester-cotton blend. It’s fully lined, sleeveless, and very Rory Gilmore with a turtleneck underneath. Petal & Pup Alma Mini Dress (Chocolate) $89 at Petal & Pup A sleeveless chocolate mesh mini with a mock neck, a ruched waist, and a gathered skirt. It’s lined, and it looks expensive with a black blazer and slingbacks. Avara Lola Red Print Ruffle Collar Short Dress (Red Print) $94 at Avara A red-and-cream abstract stripe in 100% cotton with a ruffle collar, three-quarter sleeves with button cuffs, and a self-tie belt. Wear it with loafers by day and heels at night. Avara Leopard Print Button Up Mini Dress (Leopard) $94 at Avara A cotton leopard shirtdress with a spread collar, short sleeves, and side pockets. It runs small, so size up, and wear it with ankle boots and a trench. More To Come Martti Mini Dress (Black) $94 at Revolve A fitted black long-sleeve mini that buttons down the front, with a leopard collar and leopard cuffs. Add sheer black tights and a pointed heel. Böhme Brenda Polka Dot Mini Dress (Mocha) $98.50 at Böhme Mocha polka dots with lace trim, short sleeves, a square neckline, and a front tie bow. It’s a 50% wool blend and fully lined, which makes it the warmest mini in this section. Midi The midi is the easiest length to wear all fall. It covers enough for the office and still looks right with a heel at dinner. How to style it: Wear a slip midi over a fitted turtleneck or a white tee, or layer it over straight-leg jeans for a cool-girl take. Finish with Mary Janes or kitten heels, and drape a cardigan over your shoulders on cooler days. Böhme Lana Lace Midi Dress (Burgundy) $74.50 at Böhme A burgundy midi with a scalloped neckline, a lace bodice, and adjustable spaghetti straps. It’s recycled polyester with a rayon lining, and it’s the color of the season for under $75. Böhme Angelina Midi Dress (Brown) $78.50 at Böhme A sleeveless brown midi with a scoop neckline and lace trim at the hem. It’s polyester and fully lined, and it’s the one to layer over jeans or a fitted knit. VICI Abby Knit Lace Off the Shoulder High Low Midi Dress (Chocolate) $84 at VICI A chocolate stretch lace midi with long sleeves, an asymmetrical high-low hem, and a fold-over off-the-shoulder neckline with a silicone grip that keeps it in place. It’s lined and ready for dinner with a strappy heel. 12th Tribe Vanessa Plaid Satin Midi Dress (Plaid) $88 at 12th Tribe A brown plaid satin slip midi with brown lace trim, a draped back, and a back slit. Put a chunky cardigan over it for daytime, or wear it alone with heels at night. American Threads Joey Polka Dot Midi Dress (Black) $98 at American Threads A strapless drop-waist midi in 100% cotton with a fitted bodice, a full skirt that hits just above the ankle, and a smocked back. It also comes in navy and ivory. Maxi A maxi is the dress for the days you’d rather not think about tights. The longer hem keeps you warm, and boots disappear underneath. How to style it: Wear a printed maxi with a denim or suede jacket and loafers, and a knit maxi with a long coat and a belt at the waist. If you’re petite, choose a fitted shape or a defined waist so the length doesn’t swallow you. Böhme Bonnie Maxi Dress (Multi) $68.50 at Böhme A stretch mesh maxi in a watercolor print with cap sleeves and ruching at the side. It’s polyester-spandex and fully lined, and at $68.50 it’s tied for the least expensive dress in this guide. Böhme Opal Gingham Maxi Dress (Burgundy) $72.50 at Böhme Burgundy gingham in 100% cotton with a ruffled neckline, short elastic-cuff sleeves, and a smocked bodice. It’s fully lined and machine washable. Böhme Torrey Maxi Dress (Cream) $78.50 at Böhme A fitted cream rib-knit maxi with long bell sleeves and a round neckline. The viscose-poly-nylon blend has plenty of stretch, and it looks great with a camel coat. VICI Love Affair Tiered Maxi Dress (Brown) $84 at VICI A sleeveless chocolate knit bodice over a tiered satin skirt, with a keyhole and button at the back. It pulls on and it’s unlined, so add a cropped jacket and ankle boots. Böhme Amanda Lace Trim Maxi Dress (Brown) $84.50 at Böhme A brown maxi with a V-neckline, short puff sleeves, lace-trimmed cuffs, and bow details. It’s polyester with a little stretch, and it’s machine washable. 12th Tribe Casanova Brown Floral Maxi Dress (Brown Floral) $88 at 12th Tribe A long-sleeve chocolate mesh maxi with floral velvet detailing that skims the body. It’s a 12th Tribe bestseller. 12th Tribe Ridge Oatmeal Maxi Sweater Dress (Oatmeal) $98 at 12th Tribe A cozy oatmeal knit maxi with bell sleeves. It’s the most wearable dress here for cold weather, so belt it and add a long coat. More To Come Lili Maxi Dress (Brown Gingham) $98 at Revolve A brown gingham maxi with skinny straps, a fitted bodice, and a tiered skirt. Layer a fitted knit over it now and wear it on its own next spring. Petal & Pup Lorrie Maxi Dress (Brown Ditsy Floral) $99 at Petal & Pup A brown ditsy floral maxi with a boat neckline, short relaxed sleeves, and ruffled tiers. It’s lined, and it’s perfect with a suede jacket and loafers. Going out Date night, girls’ night, a cocktail party invite. These are the dresses for when you want to look like you dressed up, without spending like you did. How to style it: Keep the rest simple and let the dress do the work. Wear sparkle with a sleek heel and a small clutch, and satin with a tailored coat. Add a cropped leather jacket if you want it to look less done. Böhme Adelaide Polka Dot Mini Dress (Wine) $68.50 at Böhme A wine satin halter mini with polka dots, a back keyhole with a button closure, and a full lining. It’s polyester with a little stretch, and it’s ready for dinner as is. VICI Cinema Date Satin Lace Trim Mini Dress (Oxblood) $74 at VICI An oxblood satin shift mini with lace at the hem and a keyhole and button at the back. It’s polyester and lined, so add kitten heels and a burgundy lip. VICI Cafe Darling Pleated Floral Satin One Shoulder Mini Dress (Black/Gold) $84 at VICI Pleated black-and-gold floral satin with a one-shoulder neckline, a single billowy sleeve, and a detachable waist tie. It’s lined, and it catches the light at a candlelit table. More To Come Ezria Ruffle Mini Dress (Black) $84 at Revolve A black mock-neck mini with long sleeves and a tiered ruffle skirt. It’s the little black dress for anyone who doesn’t want a plain one. American Threads Cecilie Polka Dot Lace Mini Dress (Burgundy) $86 at American Threads A strapless satin fit-and-flare mini with all-over polka dots, lace along the hem, and an open back with cowl draping. It closes with an invisible side zip. 12th Tribe Marissa Gold and Black Floral Mini Dress (Gold and Black Floral) $88 at 12th Tribe A floral jacquard mini with flutter sleeves and an open back. The gold-and-black print reads expensive under restaurant lighting. 12th Tribe Natalia Strapless Mulberry Floral Maxi Dress (Mulberry Floral) $88 at 12th Tribe A strapless floral satin maxi with an open back in a mulberry print. It’s a 12th Tribe bestseller, and it works for a fall wedding too. More To Come Olisa Mini Dress (Black) $88 at Revolve Sheer black lace with a high neck, long sleeves, and ruffled tiers at the hem over a short slip. Wear it with sheer black tights and a pointed pump. More To Come Cambria Strapless Dress (Black) $88 at Revolve A strapless black dress with a fitted drop-waist bodice and a full skirt that falls below the knee. It looks like it cost far more, and it’s right for a fall wedding or a cocktail party. 12th Tribe Casanova Gunmetal Lurex Maxi Dress (Gunmetal) $94 at 12th Tribe A long-sleeve stretch mesh maxi with gunmetal Lurex sparkle throughout. The stretch makes it comfortable enough to wear all night. More To Come Katheryn Asymmetrical Mini Dress (Green) $94 at Revolve A green halter mini with a scarf neckline that drapes down the back and an asymmetrical hem. It’s the color nobody else at the party will be wearing. American Threads Kittie Satin Polka Dot Lace Maxi Dress (Navy) $98 at American Threads A navy polka dot satin maxi with a sweetheart neckline, cap sleeves, lace detailing, and a slightly open back. Navy is a nice change from black at a fall wedding. 12th Tribe Amber Nights Cinnamon Beaded Mini Dress (Cinnamon) $98 at 12th Tribe A cinnamon mini covered in sequins and beading, with sheer sleeves. The cinnamon color makes sparkle feel like fall instead of New Year’s.