What should a guest wear to a fall wedding?

If the wedding is being held outdoors, you'll want to look for long sleeve dresses in warm fabrics like velvet and heavy crepe. For an indoor wedding, dresses in jewel tones, earthy hues, metallics, and classic black feel especially fitting for a fall wedding.

What should I wear over my outfit for a fall wedding?

Floor-length coats in wool or faux fur, boleros, cropped jackets, and shawls are all stylish ways to complete your fall wedding guest outfit.

What shoes should I wear to an outdoor fall wedding?

For outdoor weddings , we suggest wearing closed-toe pumps, booties, and mules to keep your toes toasty and warm.

The 18 Best Fall Wedding Guest Dresses of 2023

While the winter, spring, and summer months all have their allure, there’s something particularly enchanting about attending a fall wedding. But when it comes to dressing for autumn nuptials, it can be tricky for wedding guests to find an outfit that's both stylish and season-appropriate. Fortunately, there are plenty of fall wedding guest dresses out there that are practical and fashionable—even for outdoor ceremonies.

Be sure to consider the dress code for the event when selecting an outfit.

Certain silhouettes, like floor-length gowns with long sleeves and high necklines, are perfect for fending off chilly temperatures in style. When it comes to colors and patterns, dresses and jumpsuits in jewel tones, metallics, and moody floral prints will complement autumn's rich and earthy hues. The best fabrics for a fall wedding? Plush velvet, heavy crepe, satin, and silk are all great options. To help you narrow down your search, we researched a wide variety of wedding guest outfit options to make you feel both beautiful and comfortable.

If you're looking to play with seasonal fall colors, we love the Zimmerman Asymmetric Ruffled Silk-Satin Wrap Dress and ASOS DESIGN Maxi Dress with Batwing Sleeve. For something classic and elegant, you can't go wrong with the Saloni Camille Velvet Embellished Bow Dress or the BHLDN Ruby Satin Charmeuse Dress.

Whether the wedding takes place in a rustic barn or at a modern city venue, read on for the best fall wedding guest dresses.

Our Top Picks

For the Boho Guest:

Lulus Lace Maxi Dress at Lulus

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Best Little Black Dress:

Reformation Black Dress at Reformation

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Most Fun:

Retrofête Sequin Mini Dress at Revolve

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Most Whimsical:

Saloni Camille Dress at Amazon

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For the Classic Guest:

BHLDN Ruby Satin Charmeuse Dress at Bhldn

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Most Modest:

ASOS DESIGN Maxi Dress with Batwing Sleeve at Asos

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Best Jumpsuit:

Eloquii Lace Wide Leg Jumpsuit at Eloquii.com

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Best with Long Sleeves:

Jenny Yoo Ryland Dress at Anthropologie

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Most Party-Ready:

ASOS EDITION Ombre Sequin Wrap Dress at Asos

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Best Splurge:

Markarian Drusa Black Floral Brocade One-Shoulder Midi Dress at Markarian-nyc.com

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Lulus

View On Lulus

Price at time of publish: $89

Stun from every angle in this boho-meets-sexy gown from Lulus. The floor-sweeping style is utterly romantic for a fall wedding in a rustic setting. The open back gives it some sexy edge, while the rich navy hue reflects the season. Plus, the long sleeves will help keep you toasty during chilly outdoor ceremonies.

Reformation

View On Reformation

Price at time of publish: $248

Minimalists will love the simplicity and versatility of this little black dress. It's easy to wear, flattering, and can be dressed up or down according to the dress code. While it's definitely suited for autumn events, it's also still lightweight enough to keep you comfortable on the dance floor.

REVOLVE

View On Revolve View On Bloomingdales View On Fwrd.com

Price at time of publish: $445

Who says you can't wear a mini dress to a fall wedding? This sparkly number is fun, sexy, and perfect for twirling around the dance floor. Besides, the long sleeves balance the short length to keep you comfortable. We love it with matching metallic shoes and statement earrings for a dazzling look.

Saloni Camille Velvet Embellished Bows Dress

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Matchesfashion.com View On Saloniworld.com

Price at time of publish: $795

Equal parts fashionable and chic, this plush velvet ensemble couldn't be more fun for a semi-formal or festive dress code. We can't help but envision it at a classy city wedding. Even if it's a blustery day, you'll stay warm while looking stylish and unique.

View On Bhldn

Price at time of publish: $220

For the guest whose tastes lean classic, this halterneck silhouette is sure to complement your timeless aesthetic. It offers a twist on a classic black dress for an unexpected yet timeless look. Style it with shoulder-grazing earrings to highlight the elegant neckline.

ASOS DESIGN

View On Asos

Price at time of publish: $86

While black and jewel tones are popular for fall weddings, if you’re looking for something a little more statement-making, consider a bold mustard hue. This ASOS gown is also a great option for those who prefer a more conservative silhouette that will also keep you warm from head to toe.

Eloquii

View On Eloquii.com

Price at time of publish: $159.95

If jumpsuits are more your speed, opt for this style from Eloquii. The intricate lace bodice and sleek wide-leg pants strike the perfect balance between romantic and modern. It's a great option to stay covered and cozy while still fitting in at a formal ceremony.

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Price at time of publish: $295

A surefire way to stay warm at an outside wedding in the fall is to outfit yourself in head-to-toe velvet. This beautiful long-sleeve gown from BHLDN is an effortless way to look stylish while braving the elements. Plus, it comes in an array of rich jewel tones to choose from.

ASOS

View On Asos

Price at time of publish: $137.50

If you’re always the first guest out on the dance floor, then you need this party-ready dress. We love it with matching silver accessories and a bold red lip. While it may look breezy and light, the dress is made from a mid-weight fabric to keep you from shivering.

Markarian

View On Markarian-nyc.com

Price at time of publish: $2,595

Luxe brocade fabrics feel instantly classic for an autumn affair. This frock from Markarian comes complete with a long black train for added drama. The asymmetrical style and bold print make it a great match for any guest who wants to stand out.

The Vampire's Wife The Falconetti Metallic Chiffon Midi Dress

Moda Operandi

View On Modaoperandi.com

Price at time of publish: $2,265

Invited to a formal wedding? This shimmering emerald green dress is ultra-sophisticated for any formal occasion. The pleated skirt moves with your every step while the metallic flecked fabric catches the light at every angle. With mid-length sleeves, you'll feel comfortable and effortlessly chic.

Revolve

View On Revolve View On Bloomingdales

Price at time of publish: $570

Sparkle from head to toe in this navy number. It's perfect for taking you from the ceremony to the after-party and will shimmer beautifully in all of your photos. This style also comes in a metallic purple if that's more your speed.

Zimmermann Asymmetric Ruffled Silk-Satin Wrap Dress

Revolve

View On Net-a-Porter

Price at time of publish: $650

There’s nothing more flattering or comfortable than a wrap silhouette. We love this one in particular for its flouncy ruffled hem and blouson sleeves. Not to mention, it doesn't get much better than this gorgeous rich burgundy shade for any kind of elegant fall event.

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Weddings

Revolve

View On Revolve

Price at time of publish: $220

Just because you’re attending a fall wedding doesn’t mean you can’t show some skin! This striking number features a flattering one-shoulder neckline, back cut-out detail, and thigh-high slit for a sexy and sophisticated look. Pair yours with a faux leather moto jacket.

Diane Von Furstenberg Adara Draped Floral-Print Stretch-Mesh Maxi Dress

Net a Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Price at time of publish: $570

If you’re looking for a versatile floral print that could easily work for any season, this LoveShackFancy dress has you covered. Plus, the lightweight fabric makes it the perfect transition-season piece. Wear your with booties for the fall and strappy sandals in the summer.

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Revolve View On Saks Fifth Avenue

Price at time of publish: $295

Elegant and timeless, this off-the-shoulder gown is perfect for a formal fall wedding. We love that the body-hugging mermaid silhouette is utterly flattering. Thanks to the mid-weight jersey fabric, you'll stay warm throughout an outdoor ceremony.

Revolve

View On Revolve

Price at time of publish: $178

This maxi dress is crafted from supremely soft fabric and features a flattering front twist. The deep-V neckline is elegant and elongating while the high-low hemline is perfect for showing off a pair of fun shoes.

RetrofÃªte Waldorf Strapless Plisse-LamÃ© Gown

Net a Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Price at time of publish: $595

If your fashion taste is bold, opt for a gown in an unexpected fabric like plisse-lamé. This Retrofête gown, in a luminous brown hue, is sure to leave a lasting impression. Wear your hair up to showcase the sculptural sweetheart neckline.

What to Look for in a Fall Wedding Guest Outfit

If you're attending a fall wedding, you'll want to find an outfit that not only adheres to the dress code but is season-appropriate, too. During the cooler months, swap out springy pastels for jewel tones and moody floral prints. When it comes to fabrics, opt for dresses and jumpsuits in warm materials like velvet, heavy-weight satin, and lace. Hoping to make a daring fashion statement? Look for details like beaded embellishments, dramatic long sleeves, and alluring open backs. Of course, when it comes to shopping for a fool-proof fall wedding guest outfit, you can never go wrong with a little black dress.

FAQ

What should a guest wear to a fall wedding?

If the wedding is being held outdoors, you'll want to look for long sleeve dresses in warm fabrics like velvet and heavy crepe. For an indoor wedding, dresses in jewel tones, earthy hues, metallics, and classic black feel especially fitting for a fall wedding.
What should I wear over my outfit for a fall wedding?

Floor-length coats in wool or faux fur, boleros, cropped jackets, and shawls are all stylish ways to complete your fall wedding guest outfit.
What shoes should I wear to an outdoor fall wedding?

For outdoor weddings, we suggest wearing closed-toe pumps, booties, and mules to keep your toes toasty and warm.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, wedding parties, and more. When it comes to fall wedding guest attire, Sophie personally loves long sleeve dresses in rich jewel tones or muted floral prints.

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