2 hours ago 1

10 slimming fall maxi dresses for looking effortlessly put together on busy days

  1. Shopping
  2. Style
  3. Clothing

Yahoo Shopping

Yahoo Shopping

Don't know what to wear? Just slip on one of these flattering beauties from Amazon, Loft, Kohl's, Nordstrom Rack and more.

Ellie ConleyInitiatives Writer

Updated

Mon, September 29, 2025 at 8:13 PM UTC

It's easy to put together a cute outfit when you're choosing just one piece.

(Nordstrom/Loft)

If I have a busy day ahead, the last thing I want to do in the morning is spend time putting together an outfit. I'd rather get a little extra rest or spend more time sipping my coffee. And that's why I love maxi dresses, even in the cooler months. I can wear a fall maxi with sneakers, flats, heels or boots, and the look takes me everywhere from the office to fancy dinners out.

That said, a maxi gets bonus points from yours truly if it's a little slimming. I don't want to put on a boring ol' sack, but a body-skimming style that shows off every single curve isn't ideal either. The sweet spot? Something with a gathered waist, full skirt or detail around the midsection is almost always a winner.

Want to add a few new styles to your wardrobe? I found 10 flattering fall maxi dresses that will help you look and feel your best — so much so that you'll be wearing them on repeat long after the last leaves have dropped.

A wrap dress like this is always going to give you that hourglass shape, thanks to its belt and flowy skirt. It comes in seven fall-ready prints, including this dark, moody floral.

"I now know four women who have purchased this dress because it's flattering on many body types, pretty for any season and easy for packing/travel," said one happy customer. "It is a little shorter than I thought in the front, but still professional enough for a work dinner. I love the little snap to hide a little cleavage if you'd like."

$56 at Kohl's

This cheerful maxi is also similar to Anthropologie's Somerset dress, but it has long sleeves with ruffles at the wrists and neckline for a little extra feminine flair. It comes in 20 colors and patterns, with plenty that are perfect for fall.

"I think this dress would look great on any body type or size," said this satisfied shopper. "It's comfortable and not heavy. It is well-made and great for everyday wear, dress it up or keep it simple. The material hangs beautifully and doesn't wrinkle after sitting for a while."

$50 at Amazon

This dress comes with a sweater, so you get two items for the price of one! Yes, it's a pleated slip dress (in a gorgeous but slightly muted leopard print) with a black crewneck sweater on top. The skirt is forgiving enough to mask any problem areas, and the layered sweater can help make your waist appear smaller. It also looks a lot like an AllSaints style that costs nearly $500.

Wear these pieces together or separately — the sweater would be adorable with high-waisted jeans, while the dress could hold its own paired with chunky jewelry and heels.

$139 at Nordstrom

Denim will always be in style, and in a shirt dress, it looks especially chic. This style has an A-line skirt that skims your lower half — a classic silhouette that looks great on almost everyone. 

It comes in regular and petite sizes, but either way, some shoppers say it runs small. "It's very flattering. It's a quality lightweight denim with a great length," said one buyer. "The sizing is off, though, especially in the waist. I had to go up one size."

$60 at Loft

Looking for a little glitz and glam? This shimmery maxi has gold polka dots that are subtle enough for you to wear any day of the week. It's gathered at the waist and has a flowy skirt that would look good on all shapes.

"It lies beautifully, floats as you walk into a room," said one pleased purchaser. "Sheer sleeves and a ruffled neckline add a feminine touch. Slimming design. I suggest sizing up for a great fit."

$50 at Nordstrom Rack

This knift shift dress has a polo-style collar to make you look like you just left dinner at the country club — talk about rich mom vibes! It's loose enough that you'll be comfortable, but not so baggy that it just looks like an oversized sweater. Wear it with sneakers during the day and heels at night. 

$155 at Nordstrom

Knit dresses generally fall into two categories: slim, body-skimming styles or baggy, oversized sweater sacks. Not so with this beauty, which adds a twist detail at the waist so it has some shape without being too tight. It comes in gray and green, and petite sizes too. Wear it with tall boots like the model, or pop on sneakers or ballet flats to keep it casual.

$50 at Loft

Here's another twofer-style dress, except this one is all one piece — you can't wear the sweater without the skirt. It comes in this "rich mom" shade of cream and beige that looks like you put together a sophisticated outfit, when really you just slipped this baby over your head and called it a day. No shame in that!

$98 at Nordstrom

Here's a good shirt dress for transitioning from warm to chilly weather. It's 100% cotton, and you can wear it with sandals, ballet flats or boots. It has corset-inspired pleats at the waist for an ultra-slimming look.

"I bought it to wear to a birthday party and I had so many compliments," said a pleased partygoer. "It's super comfortable, and I love the pockets too."

$180 at Banana Republic

The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

Read Entire Article

From Twitter

Comments