The Fall/Winter 2025 runways were filled with ’80s glamour and luxurious details—think fringe-trimmed dresses, bold red accents, and curvy silhouettes. Each new season brings trends we can’t wait to try, promising to refresh our wardrobes and keep us in step with fashion’s constant evolution.

But what if we chose pieces that aren’t driven by fleeting trends? What if true style lies in timelessness—in clean lines that endure beyond the season? While decadent looks are big this fall and winter, a minimalist alternative is gaining appeal. A simple dress, free of prints or decorations, can still make a statement. This season, simplicity is a powerful fashion choice.

Where can we see this minimalist dress in action? Look no further than Emily Ratajkowski at Calvin Klein’s recent New York Fashion Week show. She wore a long, black dress with a straight, flowing shape and a high neck. The design skimmed her figure gently, highlighted by its sleeveless cut and a dramatic slit up to the hip. The look was understated yet striking. She finished it with sleek, kitten-heel boots—a nod to another seasonal trend—blending chic and austere perfectly.

The minimalist dress also shines in different settings. At the Los Angeles premiere of her boyfriend Leonardo DiCaprio’s new film, One Battle After Another, model Vittoria Ceretti chose a white Tom Ford design from Haider Ackermann’s Fall 2025 collection.

Like Ratajkowski’s look, this dress featured a floor-sweeping slit on both sides. Paired with a simple clutch, black stilettos, and silver jewelry—including eye-catching ear cuffs—the model relied on the dress’s silhouette to create an elegant and captivating red-carpet moment.

What ties these looks together is a minimalist philosophy: a focus on essentials without ever being boring. At first glance, the designs appear simple, but on closer look, the craftsmanship stands out.

If you’re searching for the perfect minimalist dress this fall and winter, keep these elements in mind: clean, straight cuts, sleeveless designs, and high necklines—ideal for cooler weather. Opt for solid colors like seasonal chocolate or rust, or timeless black and off-white. This is a piece you can wear for years, dress up to match bolder trends, or wear effortlessly on its own.

Below, explore a selection of minimalist-inspired dresses.

– Calvin Klein – Thea dress, $2,600
– Tom Ford – Stretch evening gown, $7,990
– Cos – Knitted midi dress, $179
– Khaite – Darby dress, $2,200
– Saint Laurent – Open-back gown, $4,900
– Totême – Garderob maxi dress, $930

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful FAQs about the musthave fall dress

FAQs The Fall Dress Every Style Star Is Wearing

Q1 What exactly is the fall dress everyone is talking about
A Its typically a midilength shirtwaist or wrap dress often in a warm solid color like camel burgundy or olive green Its known for its timeless versatile and effortlessly chic look

Q2 Why is this style of dress so popular for fall
A Its the perfect balance of style and practicality The midi length keeps you covered as temperatures drop while the classic cut can be easily layered with tights boots and jackets

Q3 Im not very tall Can I still wear a midi dress
A Absolutely The key is proportion Look for a dress that hits midcalf and pair it with heels wedges or even pointytoe flats to elongate your silhouette

Q4 What are the best shoes to wear with this dress
A This is where it shines You can wear ankle boots kneehigh boots loafers sleek sneakers or even classic pumps The dress acts as a simple canvas for your favorite footwear

Q5 What kind of jacket or coat looks best over it
A A structured blazer a cool leather jacket a long trench coat or a cozy oversized cardigan all work beautifully Its a great base layer for outerwear

Q6 Are there specific fabrics I should look for
A For true fall weather opt for slightly heavier fabrics like crepe doubleknit jersey wool blends or corduroy These provide warmth and hold their shape better than thin summer cottons

Q7 Whats the difference between a shirtwaist and a wrap dress
A
Shirtwaist Looks like a buttondown shirt with a defined waist and a full skirt It offers a more polished preppy vibe
Wrap Ties at the waist creating a Vneck and a flattering adjustable fit Its often considered more universally figureflattering