Okay, confession time guys: I felt a wee bit uncomfortable in the maxi dress I’m rocking in these photos. It was one of those dresses that I spotted in a Zara when I was feeling particularly frivolous and confident, and I tried it on and immediately felt as cool as Stevie Nicks. I imagined it on brisk Autumn days with a pair of tough ankle boots and a devil-may-care attitude. And I was sold.

Then, in the cold, harsh light of day — when I tried to replicate that exact outfit description above — I felt, well, like me. Awkward, frumpy, and in a dress that was too cool for me. Also, I was cold, and I am if anything totally unable to see positivity when I’m cold.

Stag, being his true Husband of the Year Self, though, made me see reality. Or at least, reality from his eyes, which is “My wife looks smokin’ hot and as cool as Stevie Nicks.” (Can you tell I love her?). Slowly, I began to thaw, embracing the fashionista in me rocking a maxi dress in Autumn.

While most of us (myself included) are coveting maxi and midi dresses in Summer, they work just as well for Autumn. Floaty dress, biker boots and the perfect leather jacket, and you’ve got a fool-proof Autumn outfit reminiscent of something Lucy Williams would wear (only the coolest blogger on the planet).

And it seems the high street’s gotten the memo: floaty dresses seem to be everywhere this season. I say this like I’ve been into a high street shop in the past, oh I don’t know, two months. This is based on ASOS searches, window shopping and my wishful thinking, mostly.

Long Sleeves are Your Friend

DRESS ONE: & OTHER STORIES || DRESS TWO: SEZANE

DRESS ONE: NEW LOOK || DRESS TWO: & OTHER STORIES

Like every self-respecting girl and woman in the world, I loathe my arms. Blessed be the colder months that call for long-sleeved everything, a gift of sartorial success and confidence galore. A long-sleeved maxi or midi dress somehow manages to look even more put-together and elegant. Try jazzing up your sleeves with flutes, pleats and billows, which are very in this season.

Maximise Comfort & Coziness with a Sweater Dress

DRESS ONE: JUST FEMALE | AIDA SHOREDITCH || DRESS TWO: GANNI | ASOS

I’m pretty sure sweater dresses were invented for #girlboss gals who want it all: a cozy working-from-home life but an outfit that says “I mean business.” A good sweaterdress can be the most flattering item in your closet, and a midi-length one is much more current than anything shorter. I’m still on the hunt for that one with the perfect fit. I’m spying a few in my roundup below.

Lookin’ Nice in Florals & Stripes

DRESS ONE: ZARA || DRESS TWO: FAITHFULL THE BRAND | URBAN OUTFITTERS

While florals and nautical stripes are generally best reserved for Spring & Summer — “Florals? For Spring? How groundbreaking…” — they can also look strikingly moody for A/W. Deep, Autumnal-coloured floral motifs had a certain warmth, and against a dark backdrop adds a winter richness. Eons away from the bright colours of Spring florals, like late-summer Eire in her floral dress in Chelsea. And stripes? While I’m convinced breton stripes are a year-round thing, picking stripes in Autumnal hues keeps the look warmer.

If All Else Fails, Choose Black

DRESS ONE: ASOS || DRESS TWO: ZARA

Is there anything better than a black dress? Maybe a bloody mary, but it’s a close second. However, full disclosure here: I’ve never been a fan of the LBD. Mainly because of the ‘L’ which begins the phrase. Little dresses require tights, and although I love my new Heist ones, I much prefer longer, midi or maxi dresses. Whether floaty or in a sweater dress, this length looks much more ‘Scandi Street Style’ than its shorter counterpart.