Reese Witherspoon and Martha Stewart Wear My Summer-Fall Staples

Maxi dresses may seem like a transitional piece as we move from summer to fall, but I’ve found myself leaning more toward shorter lengths. And I’m not the only one. From Reese Witherspoon to Martha Stewart, celebrities are confirming what I already thought: Mini dresses are a late-summer staple.

There are a few reasons why I love wearing mini dresses during these tricky transitional seasons. First, the heat keeps surprising me in August, and my legs need a rest. But second, this style is perfect for fall. Long, floaty dresses can weigh you down quickly when layered, but a mini dress is the perfect canvas for your favorite blazer, cardigan, and knee-high boots. And considering it’s not going to get cold anytime soon, a little skin showing is, in my opinion, very welcome.

Below, you can shop 10 mini dresses I’m eyeing for my summer-to-fall wardrobe, including knits, linens, and long-sleeve styles, starting at just $28.

10 Editor-Approved Mini Dresses

Saodimallsu mini sweater dress, $28 (originally $36); amazon.com Ladyful ruffled mini dress, $37; amazon.com Banana Republic Factory linen-blend mini dress, $44 (originally $110); bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com Everlane organic cotton weekend t-shirt dress, $50; everlane.com Gap shift mini dress, $63 (originally $80); gap.com En Saison Jovie babydoll mini dress, $124; nordstrom.com Nocturne zippered dress, $130 (originally $259); nordstrom.com Maeve short-sleeved crewneck swing mini dress, $138; anthropologie.com Reformation Tropez denim mini dress, $218; thereformation.com Ganni checked seersucker tiered mini dress, $295 $1,000, nordstrom.com

Saodimars mini sweater dress

Witherspoon opted for a summery knit dress, but you can get her signature style for less with this sale from Saodimallsu. This style has the same contrast trim, button-up detail, and form-fitting silhouette, with a collar that gives it a preppy vibe. It’s comfortable enough for everyday wear, easy to dress up, and appropriate for work, which means it checks all my boxes.

Gap shift mini dress

An LBD will grab attention, and I personally love a little red LBD like this one from Gap. Even with a simple shift silhouette, the color is eye-catching and you don’t need much else to complete the look. Pair this dress with chic big buckle sandals from Birkenstock for the perfect casual yet luxe summer look, or pair it with knee-high boots for an easy transition into fall style.

Everlane Organic Cotton Weekend T-Shirt Dress

If you’re looking for something casual and comfortable, Everlane’s simple T-shirt dress is a must-have. It’s oversized and made from 100% cotton, so it’s super cozy to wear. While shoppers love the “buttery soft” style, many are also impressed with how stylish it is. One person said they wear it with loafers for a casual-chic look, while others suggested cinching it in with a belt to elevate the relaxed style.

Maeve short sleeve crew neck swing mini dress

This dress from Anthropologie feels like a more sophisticated version of a crew-neck T-shirt dress. The swing style is a bit more structured, but still has a comfortable, relaxed fit. Plus, it has a few little details that make it feel really special, like contrast topstitching, front pockets, and large pleats at the back. It comes in three bold color ways: green, leopard, and floral.

Nocturne zipper dress

This might just be my most coveted mini dress of the season. The boning at the waist, pleats, and V-neck remind me of the now-sold-out Gap dress worn by Anne Hathaway, only shorter. This style perfectly blends cool, modern details like a zipper front and sleek pleats for a look that’s classic, chic, and fresh at the same time.

Below are five mini dresses you can wear from summer through to fall.

Ladyfull Frill Mini Dress

Banana Republic Factory Linen Blend Mini Dress

Jovie baby doll mini dress

Reformation Tropez Denim Mini Dress

Ganni Check Seersucker Tiered Mini Dress