Even though the latest heat wave makes it feel like summer keeps going and going, the changing leaves say otherwise — and before long you'll need to swap that summer dress for something cozier. Whether you have a fall photoshoot coming up or simply want to update your fall wardrobe, I've curated some of the season's loveliest, most sustainable dresses. You'll find a variety of styles, fits, and colours, but these fall dresses all have two things in common: they are sustainably and ethically made, and the camera is sure to love them as much as you do.
What makes a dress photo-worthy for fall?
There are plenty of pretty fall dresses on the market, but there are certain elements that make a frock photogenic.
Comfort: First, you HAVE to be comfortable in it. You'll be tromping around outdoors in nature, and you might be bending over to pick up kids, spinning them around, or hoisting them on your shoulders. That's one reason I don't recommend anything too short or too tight. If you feel comfortable, you're more likely to feel confident — and that shows through in photos. I also want you to buy a dress that you'll want to wear all the time — not just for your photoshoot. I love dresses that are versatile, and can be dressed up or down for different occasions. And if
Colour and pattern: When it comes to fall photoshoots, I prefer outfits that compliment or contrast fall colours — not compete with them. Many of my pics are light or mid-tone neutrals, but I find that navy, deep brown, and forest green work really well against the bright yellows, oranges, and reds of fall foliage. As for patterns, I usually opt for solids, as I find that busy patterns can actually distract from the lovely faces I'm photographing. I want the attention to be on you — your personality, emotions, and connections with loved ones. When I do suggest a pattern, it is typically something delicate or soft, like florals. ALWAYS AVOID TIGHT REPEATING PATTERNS LIKE CHECKS, PINSTRIPES, OR POLKA DOTS — these cause a wonky effect called moiré, which looks like warped lines that dance around on fabric. Moiré is just about impossible to remove in post processing.
Movement: I love dresses with plenty of fabric to move around, catch the breeze, or swish around when you walk or twirl. Flowy fabric looks beautiful in photographs and gives images a sense of movement and energy. That's why all of my recommendations have a relaxed fit to some degree, and several have nice, full skirts. I'll always recommend styles like this over something too tight or structured.
What makes a dress sustainable?
The fashion industry has a huge environmental footprint, from how fabric is made to where clothing is manufactured to how it's packaged, shipped, and finally disposed of. None of us can possibly research all of that before we make a purchase, but here are some things I look for:
Sustainable fabric: I prefer natural fibres over petroleum-based synthetics like polyester and acrylic, which are carbon-intensive and shed plastic microfibres. (I'll make the odd exception for polyester made from 100% recycled plastic.) But not all natural fibres are equal: conventional cotton, for example, is water and pesticide intensive. Some of the best options are organic cotton, linen, hemp, wool, and sustainably produced viscose (wood fibres) like TENCEL.
Ethical & sustainable brands: I'm not against purchasing a sustainably made item if it comes from a big retailer, and I think it's critical that major fashion outlets go green — but I prefer to support and recommend small, slow fashion brands that were founded with a clear environmental and ethical vision.
Made to last: Sustainable and slow fashion calls for timeless designs and excellent craftsmanship so you can and will wear your clothes year after year.
I've scoured dozens of websites, researched materials and companies, and here are the dresses that made the cut. Good luck picking just one!
1) Highline Turtleneck Maxi Dress by tentree
If your fall photoshoot happens to be a chilly one, this sweater dress by tentree has you covered — literally. Feel like you’re wrapped head (or neck) to toe in a cozy blanket and look chic and trendy at the same time.
Why it’s photo-worthy: The Highline Turtleneck Maxi Dress comes in two flattering neutrals that look great against a backdrop of fall colours. With a relaxed fit and side slits, it’s easy to move around (and chase kids) in, and the jersey knit ads visual interest to photos.
Why it’s sustainable: A Canadian company and a certified B Corp, tentree is so-named because the company plants trees for every item purchased. Their clothing is made in fair and safe working conditions, with sustainably sourced or recycled materials. The Highline Turtleneck Maxi Dress is made with 44% recycled polyester, 30% organic cotton, 26% wool.
Highline Turtleneck Maxi Dress, $148, tentree
2) The TENCEL™ Puff-Sleeve Dress by Everlane
The TENCEL™ Puff-Sleeve Dress by Everlane is relaxed, but it’s no slouch. With a V-neck, darted sleeves, and side panels with stitch detailing, it has an air of sophistication. AND it has pockets! And with the buttery soft fabric, you may be tempted to wear it to bed.
Why it’s photo-worthy: Flowy dresses like these tend to swish around (for lack of a better term) when you walk around and play (which we do a lot of in my photoshoots), emphasizing movement and energy in photos. And if you’re not super keen on showing off your midsection, this dress is very forgiving. The Cornstalk colourway echoes the yellowing leaves without competing with them.
Why it’s sustainable: Everlane, a U.S. company, is known for ethically and carefully crafted clothing that’s made to last. The company carefully sources materials, and it has many sustainable options. This dress is made with TENCEL™ Lyocell, a fabric manufactured from cellulose fibres of wood that is certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) for being responsibly forested. TENCEL™ uses less energy and water than convention cotton production.
TENCEL™ Puff-Sleeve Dress, $267, Everlane
3) Rowan Linen Dress by Ovate
If you’re looking for something feminine and romantic, the Rowan Dress by Ovate is just that. The gathered yoke and stand collar give some serious Jane Austin vibes, with the loose, calf-length linen skirt keeping it contemporary. Shell buttons line the front, and a narrow belt defines the waist.
Why it’s photo-worthy: I adore linen — the texture, the feel, the sustainability — but many linen dresses are geared towards summer. The Rowan Dress, with its long sleeves, is perfect for fall. I love how it blends structure and detail with a loose, organic aesthetic. The Cardamon colourway is a rich, warm brown that would look amazing for fall photos.
Why it’s sustainable: All Ovate clothing is handcrafted in Montreal by owner Audrey Cantwell and her assistant Gabrielle. Cantwell uses only high quality, natural materials, and cuts each piece by hand to reduce waste. She sets aside off-cuts and uses them for projects that require small pieces, like quilts and children's clothing. The smallest scraps she turns into handmade paper. The Rowan dress is made of 100% linen.
4) Fit & Flare Midi Party Dress by Pact
A dress that’s both comfy and super flattering? That'll make you want to party. The Fit & Flare Midi Party Dress by Pact is a cult favourite, with many customers ordering it in different colours and patterns. The design is snug around the chest (bra is optional) and flowy from the waist down, hitting just below the knee. With a V-neck and ¾ sleeves, it can be worn casually or dressed up. And here’s another style that includes handy side pockets.
Why it's photo-worthy: The flared skirt is so flattering and playful, it begs you to twirl and play. It’s not too dressy to romp around the forest for a fall photoshoot, but just dressy enough to wear out to dinner afterward. I love it in Mountain View (forest green) and Meadowview (purple), which would really pop against the yellows, oranges and reds of fall foliage.
Why it’s sustainable: Pact is a mission-driven brand that’s committed to making ethical and environmentally conscious clothing. Their garments are all made in certified Fair Trade factories using certified organic cotton. The brand has also partnered with SimpliZero to ensure their products and processes meet the highest standards. The Fit & Flare Midi Party Dress is made with 95% organic cotton and 5% elastane.
Fit & Flare Midi Party Dress by Pact, $105, Pact
5) Esmerelda Dress by Allison Wonderland
This dress is just…. wow. Big and beautiful, it features a dropped waist and a full, gathered skirt with gathered pockets. It’s made of 100% cozy winter linen.
Why it's photo-worthy: I love capturing movement and energy, and this dress has BIG energy. It would be much so fun to wear, and even more fun for me to photograph! I’m in love with the Lagoon colourway, a dark and dramatic forest green.
Why it’s sustainable: Allison Wonderland is named after founder Allison Smith, who creates new styles every season with a quality and timelessness that allow her pieces to be enjoyed for years. Her lines are made in Vancouver in collaboration with local small businesses, and scraps are donated to local crafters. She uses sustainable fabrics whenever possible. The Esmerelda Dress is made with 100% linen.
6) Linen Tiered Midi Shirt Dress by Celtic & Co.
This midi dress features a classic collar, half-length sleeves, side pockets, and a belt. It couples a neat top with a flowing, full skirt. Made of 100% linen, it has been pre-washed for extra softness.
Why it's photo-worthy: Even though this dress is part of the summer collection, it is great for a warm fall day and can be layered with a jacket or sweater. The navy is the perfect neutral and flatters just about anyone. I love the waist-defining belt and full skirt.
Why it’s sustainable: Based in Great Britain, Celtic & Co. has been at the forefront of the slow fashion movement since its inception more than 30 years ago. The company crafts sustainable clothing and shoes out of natural fibres instead of petroleum-based synthetics, and most of their apparel is made ethically in Great Britain. They even offer a repair and resole service to support the longevity of their products. The Linen Tiered Midi Shirt Dress is made of 100% linen.
7) The Alexandra Dress by Jennifer Glasgow
The Alexandra Dress is an elevated tunic with a flattering V-neck, patch pockets, and lovely elasticized gathered sleeves. It is so easy to wear and can be dressed up or down. It’s made of 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton.
Why it's photo-worthy: Even though denim is blue, it’s a no-fail neutral that looks good on everybody and goes with anything. This tunic is easy to wear for any body type, and it’s roomy enough to move around it. It’s shorter than the other styles I recommended, but it isn’t too short to bend down and pick up kiddos.
Why it’s sustainable: A slow fashion boutique in Montreal, Jennifer Glasgow Designs makes ethical, hand-made, unique pieces using sustainable fabrics. The Alexandra Dress is made of 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton.
8) Mila Linen Dress by Nomi Designs
The Mila Wrap Dress is flattering and versatile, with a V-neck and lovely gathered sleeves. The asymmetrical wrap can be worn loose for a more forgiving fit or cinched tight for more waist definition. And it has hidden side pockets!
Why it's photo-worthy: The organic, wrinkled linen looks amazing on camera, and the wrap feature makes it easy to layer — not to mention convenient if you’re breastfeeding. It comes in 8 gorgeous colours — my favs are caramel, natural, gold, and port.
Why it’s sustainable: Based in Victoria, B.C., Nomi Designs creates linen clothing and lifestyle items. Their designs are all made to order in their studio, using linen sourced from Europe. They aim to minimize waste throughout every stage of production.
9) Paysanne Heritage dress by Harly Jae
Is peasant chic a thing? Because it should be. The Paysanne Heritage Dress is an updated version of the brand’s original Paysanne Dress, beloved for its comfort and femininity. This rustic linen frock features full, adjustable sleeves, pockets, and a flattering neckline with unique detailing.
Why it’s photo-worthy: There’s something nostalgic and carefree about this dress, and I adore it in cinnamon. It can be dressed up or layered with a big fuzzy sweater.
Why it’s sustainable: Harly Jae is based in Vancouver, B.C., where its collections are sewn locally in small batches. The brand focuses on using linen, hemp, and organic cotton, either undyed or in neutral shades that make their garments easy to mix and match. Where possible, Harly Jae uses deadstock fabrics and buttons to reduce its consumption of new materials. The Paysanne Heritage Dress is made of 100% linen.
10) Manzana Tiered Long Sleeve Dress by Toad & Co.
The flirty, feminine dress is a bestseller transcends the seasons: it’s light enough to wear in the summer with sandals, or you can throw on a cardigan and some boots for fall. Made of 100% cotton, the buttery-soft Manzana Crepe gives a slightly crumpled look.
Why it’s photo-worthy: I love the crumpled texture, flowy fabric, and retro vibe of this dress. The Carob floral print is a rich, deep brown with little pops of colour that echo the fall foliage without being too bold and distracting.
Why it’s sustainable: Based in California, Toad & Co. uses only sustainable materials, and plastic-free packaging. The brand partners with several not-for-profits including 1% for the Planet, the Conservation Alliance, and more. The Manzana Tired Long Sleeve Dress is made of 100% organic cotton and comes shipped in a recyclable, FSC-certified paper sleeve.
Manzana Tiered Long Sleeve Dress, $220, Toad & Co.
