Ruffles, lace, draping, velvet and leather are all part of this season's dress story, along with bodycon midis and bright colour. A handful of dresses sum it up. Christopher Esber's asymmetric lace-trimmed Verve dress, Emporio Sirenuse's embroidered velvet Chantal Agra midi, Balmain's black leather halterneck mini and Sir's blue ruffled floral Lilia maxi each lean into a different trend.

Lace looks newest when it is paired with something tougher. Magda Butrym's orange lace-trimmed satin maxi and Simkhai's ivory lace-appliquéd Minna mini both work with MM6 Maison Margiela's slouchy suede knee boots, and Gucci's Ophidia mini bag keeps it casual.

A leather dress sounds severe, but the fall versions are softer than you would expect. Rick Owens's paneled Athena maxi and St. Agni's gray suede halter midi both drape, Aquazzura's black over-the-knee Remi boots add height, and Dries Van Noten's beaded velvet bag adds some colour.

Velvet is the obvious evening fabric of the season. Róhe's black sculptural velvet maxi and Abadia's beige strapless Diana gown are both dramatic, and Manolo Blahnik's burgundy satin Nadira pumps and Jennifer Behr's seashell Kauai earrings add a little sparkle.

Draping and ruffles give a dress movement. McQueen's green draped silk-chiffon bustier gown is the formal option, Alémais's belted ruffled floral Ruthie midi is the daytime one, and Toteme's lizard-effect sandals and Demellier's tan Vancouver clutch work with both.

Dress trends move fast, but the fabrics this fall are ones that tend to last. If you take one thing away, let it be that a dress in velvet, lace or leather will feel seasonal for years, while very specific cuts come and go. Boots are the easiest way to wear a dress through fall, and they work with everything here except the most formal gowns. We would skip a bodycon midi if you do not already love the look, since it is the least forgiving shape of the season. A draped or ruffled midi does much of the same work with more room to move. If you want to keep browsing, I also put together Lace Or Macrame For A Formal Dress and Long Sleeve Mini Dress.