12 fall dresses at Walmart that could totally pass for designer — starting at $12

Kristine SolomonContributing Writer

If this ruffly beauty looks familiar, it might be because it's so similar to Anthropologie's Somerset maxi dress that retails for $168; they're both A-line, smocked at the waist and flowing to the ankle in three playful tiers. This affordable option is all-cotton just like its doppelganger, and it has one more exciting similarity: two side pockets.

The flutter-sleeved dress can pass for a late summer look — whether in black, blue or one of two floral prints — but with a cardigan and boots, it's all fall.

One of the hottest colors in fashion this fall is burgundy, as seen on the runways for Gucci, Prada, Dior and more big-name designers. Prepare to see this autumnal hue everywhere — and get it into your own closet with this fit-and-flare sweater dress.

Sweater dresses are the domain of lots of designers year after year, so this structured piece is a great staple to have on hand when temperatures go down. It's available in regular and plus sizes.

This kimono-style midi frock from Sofia Vergara's spicy Walmart collection is elegance in action. It boasts a fun floral pattern in shades of blue with wide bell sleeves (it comes in browns and all-black, too). What's not to love?

The flattering fit and flare silhouette make it totally appropriate for everything from the office to a semi-formal wedding. Just change up your accessories!

Jessica Simpson's second chapter as a fashion diva is going strong, as evidenced by this impossibly chic, boho maxi, which thoroughly embraces the animal-print aesthetic that's been prowling all over the runways. Pro tip: Style it with a belt, heels and statement jewelry to nail your A-list look this fall.

One Walmart shopper called it "the perfect flowy dress," adding, "It's super flattering. I get a lot of dresses from Anthropologie, and this is right up there with what they sell. It's well-made, plus has a nice lining and cute details." 

This striped shirt dress is a classic that you'll see in the lineups of many designers, including Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren and Oliphant. But instead of paying upwards of $400, you'll only need $34 to acquire this lady-who-lunches look at Walmart.

Tie the belt in a knot to define your waist and keep the first button or two undone for an effortlessly chic and casual ensemble.

This vintage-looking number is bursting with big, beautiful blooms and reminds us of the large-scale florals we've seen in Dolce & Gabbana and Oscar de la Renta pieces.

The silky, slinky dress is cut on the bias to skim your curves without clinging to them. Leave it to Sofia Vergara to offer such a red carpet-worthy look at a down-to-earth price.

While faux leather is everywhere this season, it also manages to be timeless. Plenty of designers — including Time and True, Walmart's private label — are reinventing the leather shift. Their version is a dead ringer for this $400 one at Saks Fifth Avenue, from the shape to the vertical stitches down the front and back. It's lined, too, and can be easily spot cleaned.

 "The 'shift' style is flattering and provides just enough room around the hips for a curvier figure, yet is not too big at the top when accommodating those female hips," wrote a pleased purchaser. 

Mocha mousse, Pantone's 2025 color of the year, is holding strong for fall, and it's popping up in plenty of designer dresses. This one at Walmart has all the structure and clean lines of a more expensive version, but it's shockingly just $16! (We were shocked, too.)

The midi has a side slit, another detail we've spied on the runways this season. At this low price, you can pick up two — it also comes in navy, another classic hue.

An understated take on leopard print, this blue-and-black pattern is on trend yet timeless and is a neutral unto itself. The long-sleeved wrap dress has a forgiving fit, too, and works well with a cute pair of leather booties. 

Its breathable viscose construction means it's also soft to the touch and comfortable to wear all day, especially if you expect to do a lot of sitting.

While you're stocking up on sweater dresses this fall, don't forget to pick up this sweatshirt frock, inspired by the sold-out Lululemon Softstreme half-zip. This one's for the curvy ladies, as it's the plus sizes that are still in stock — large and 1X to 4X at the time of publication.

"This dress was super cute on me! The number of compliments made my day," one shopper raved.

This scoop-neck, fit-and-flare with a tiered skirt is something you'd regularly see on sites like ASOS, Free People and Anthropologie — but at Walmart, it's a fraction of the price at $12.

Score this midi in green, orange, navy or light blue, and pair it with a chunky sweater or leather jacket for fall. It even has pockets — our favorite! 

This cotton dress that ties at the waist is another great piece to score in trendy brown for fall — the rich hue can be paired with pretty much any other color. In addition to side pockets, this midi is hiding a front button pocket. It's super versatile, too — wear it with tall boots or ballet flats; it

"The quality of this dress is amazing. I feel so pretty and classy in it. It's a great dress to transition from summer to fall. The fact that it has pockets is chef's kiss. Perfection!" wrote a five-star fan.