I'm a Travel Writer, and These Are the 10 Amazon Fall Dresses That You Should Add to Your Cart

Fall in Paris is when the city resets. After a month-long holiday in August (yes, this part of Emily in Paris is true), well-rested, sunkissed Parisians return in waves as shops and restaurants reopen to welcome everyone back for la rentrée (which literally means “the return”). It’s like the start of school after summer break, but everyone in the city is feeling first-day jitters of excitement. This is when the weather is at its finest — and so is the fashion. I would know, I’ve been living here for 10 years. 

As the rain and heat waves reside, we’re blessed with temps ranging in the high 50s and low 60s degrees Fahrenheit — crisp weather that allows us to show enough skin with a flowy dress so everyone sees our tan from Saint-Tropez, Paros, or Portofino. And since Parisians are the masters of layering, any basic can take on a whole new life for the season by simply throwing on a brand-new blazer or necklace that you picked up while sailing around Santorini. These subtle bragging rights are part of what makes the beauty of summer linger just a bit longer in a city that can quickly get gray and cold. 

For those of us who think of shoulder season as the prime time to travel (this really is when the Mediterranean is at its best), finding versatile dresses that can handle the shifts in weather can be a challenge — especially if you’re trying to fit everything into a carry-on. But with any of these 10 Amazon dresses in your fall travel wardrobe, you’ll be ready to go from Paris Fashion Week to a romantic date on the Seine. Even better, they’re all under $50, so your shopping budget can carry over to your trip budget. 

Anrabess Ribbed Knit Midi Dress

Everyone thinks of the French as dressing similar to New Yorkers — all in black. But here’s a secret: go for a neutral shade like this rich chocolate brown Anrabess dress, and you’ll stand out just enough while still looking like a Parisienne. The side slit adds a subtle sexiness that helps make the bodycon look flattering on all types of figures (even curvier ones like mine), while the ribbed fabric offers enough texture so it isn’t skin-tight or too revealing. But, what I love most about this style is that you can wear it while shopping around town or dress it up for the evening with heels and a statement clutch (I’ve been loving the box clutches from Cult Gaia lately). 

To buy: amazon.com, $37 (originally $59) 

FancyInn Babydoll Ruffle Shift Dress 

Bohemian may be summer’s unofficial dress code, but, if you ask me, fall is when this look truly shines. Give me any excuse to dress like Stevie Nicks (or Daisy Jones, for that matter) and I’ll run with it — and this mustard seed-yellow babydoll shift has everything to create the perfect Parisian-inspired look. This is a wardrobe staple that I’d wear from summer through fall, especially in a city like Paris where the weather is so unpredictable. The breezy, lightweight fabric makes this dress an easy one to pack for trips, and you can easily layer a leather or oversized denim jacket on top of it for cooler days. 

To buy: amazon.com, $33 (originally $50) 

Bbx Lephsnt Ruffle Flowy Belted Mini Dress

As carry-on restrictions in Europe keep getting stricter, I look to all-in-one pieces that don’t require a lot of additional accessories. This V-neck, pleated dress wraps and ties like the iconic Diane von Furstenberg style, meaning that you won’t need to add a belt. The neckline is flattering and not too revealing, so you won’t keep fumbling to try and make sure it’s constantly staying closed. Since the pleated skirt almost feels like a separate piece with its stunning ruffle details, it makes the design look like something you’ve styled. 

To buy: amazon.com, $35 (originally $40) 

Luvamia Button-Down Denim Dress

A denim dress is a great choice throughout most of the year (I wear one almost daily in the summer out to lunch or over a bikini going to the beach), and a button-down option like this one from Luvamia easily transitions with the seasons. The V-neck and darts running down to the front give the dress a flattering, fitted look, and the thick waistline cinches in just the right place above the hip, so you don’t need a belt. 

To buy: amazon.com, $39 (originally $50) 

Hooever Corduroy Overall Bib Dress

Nothing says fall quite like corduroy, and while I love wearing the corded fabric in the form of high-waisted trousers, this playful overall dress version is on my must-buy list this season. Full of mod London vibes, this is a great piece to layer over a sweater or turtleneck and tights when the weather gets chilly. Reviewers have raved that the dress “exceeded [their] expectations, the fit and look was exactly what I was looking for,” and that this is “forever one of my favorite outfits.” With adjustable straps and a side zipper so you can easily slip it off, this is one piece that feels like it’s practically made for you. And you can take your pick from the range of fall colors, opting for smoke gray, hunter green, or classic black.

To buy: amazon.com, $29

Lyaner Cocktail Cutout Slip Midi Dress

Out of all of the neutral shades, army green is perhaps my favorite — especially in silky satin. This sleeveless, cutout dress is equal parts sexy and elegant, and you can play up either element depending on how you style it. For more formal events in Paris (meaning that I won’t be walking or taking the metro), I’d wear this midi dress with a statement necklace, clutch, and pair of strappy heels (the only time you’ll catch me in stilettos!). But, if you throw on an oversized boyfriend blazer, it gives the ensemble an equally elevated air that’s slightly more casual, while a knotted leather belt, chunky knit sweater, and boots or sneakers will help dial back the fancy so it works anywhere. You can wear it to a museum or gallery, on a shopping day in the Marais (definitely check out Merci!), and out to drinks at a buzzy wine bar like Chambre Noire. 

To buy: amazon.com, $39

Zilcremo Jean Button-Down Tunic Top

Every traveler has their go-to clothes that they gravitate toward because they’re comfortable and easy. This denim tunic is my definition of that. A button-down tunic is such a simple piece to add to your suitcase that goes a long way, whether you wear it open over a bathing suit and linen shorts in the summer, belted with a leather mini skirt and boots in the fall, or over opaque tights or leggings with an oversized wool coat like this one from COS in the winter. Throw on a pair of heeled booties and the look quickly shifts from day to night. Shoppers say it runs true to size and that they can’t believe the quality. Plus, as one reviewer commented, “the frayed edge makes it fun,” 

To buy: amazon.com, $40 (originally $43) 

Merokeety Striped T-Shirt Tie-Waist Dress

Sailor stripes are synonymous with France, but the pattern often seems like it's reserved for summer. This soft T-shirt dress, however, shifts from season to season. The cotton blend is comfortable and gives just enough stretch, so it looks fantastic on a variety of body types, and you can tie the built-in belt in the front, side, or back (I personally love a side tie, since it feels a little less styled and more laidback). To really give it a fall feel, throw on a beret or wide-brimmed wool hat, boots, and leather bomber jacket. Voilà! You have a dress that you can keep wearing even after summer is long gone.

To buy: amazon.com, $38 (originally $48) 

PrettyGarden Crewneck Tie-Waist Knit Cocktail Dress

If you only have one sweater dress in your closet, this should be it. Knitwear can be a struggle since it can be clingy or accentuate the wrong areas — but that's not the case with this PrettyGarden dress. The balloon-shaped lantern sleeves drape perfectly down to the wrist, while their elastic cuffs keep them in place. And the wide belt gives it a nice silhouette so the dress isn’t too boxy. An easy day-to-night dress, this will become a staple in your suitcase. I can’t wait to wear it to dinner parties in Paris or for drinks somewhere ritzy like the Crillon when I want to get more dressed up, in which case I would probably don a pair of rhinestone-studded fishnets to add some sparkle.

To buy: amazon.com, $32 (originally $48) 

Chouyatou Pullover Turtleneck Sweater Dress

This sweater dress is disguised almost as a two-piece since the loose top drapes casually over the fitted, ribbed skirt that hits just above the knee. Timelessly effortless, this knitted dress is anything but basic — in fact, it's the perfect mix between Riviera vibes and Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday. You’ll look put together and ready for everything from lunch on the patio at Café de Flore to a day of museums, shopping, and wine at a cave à vin. I always think of the famous Coco Chanel quote: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” And this is a great example. While you could pile on jewelry, belt, and a brooch, less really is more here. Let your shoes and purse make the statement. 

To buy: amazon.com, $32

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