What to Wear to a Fall Wedding: Fall Wedding Guest Dresses
Fall weddings are one of my favorite occasions to dress for. The colors get richer, fabrics feel more luxurious, and you can finally bring velvet, satin and deeper shades back into your wardrobe.
If you’re wondering what to wear to a fall wedding, start with the dress code and venue. Then choose a dress you actually feel good in — not one you’ll spend the entire evening adjusting.
What to Wear to a Formal Fall Wedding
For a formal or black-tie wedding, I’d choose a maxi dress or evening gown.
Burgundy, emerald, navy, chocolate brown and deep red are beautiful for fall. Satin and velvet work especially well for evening weddings and instantly make a simple silhouette feel more special.
Look for one strong detail: an open back, off-the-shoulder neckline, side slit or beautifully fitted waist.
Explore our [formal dresses] and maxi dresses for more options.
Fall Wedding Cocktail Attire
For cocktail attire, a midi dress is probably the easiest choice.
A fitted midi, corset dress or elegant asymmetric style feels dressed up without looking too formal. For a city or evening wedding, a sophisticated mini can work too.
We love burgundy wedding guest dresses, chocolate brown, dark green and black for this time of year.
See our [cocktail dresses], [midi dresses] and corset dresses for inspiration.
Best Colors for Fall Wedding Guest Dresses
You don’t have to dress like an autumn leaf just because it’s fall.
The colors I’d look at first are:
Burgundy and wine
Emerald and forest green
Chocolate brown
Navy
Plum and deep red
Black
Black is absolutely fine for most evening weddings — just style it so it feels celebratory rather than corporate.
I’d still avoid white, ivory and very pale cream unless the couple specifically asks guests to wear them.
Velvet or Satin for a Fall Wedding?
Both work beautifully, but they create completely different looks.
Velvet dresses feel richer and are perfect for cooler evening weddings. Burgundy, emerald and black velvet are especially beautiful in fall.
Satin dresses feel lighter and more fluid, so they’re a great choice for September and early October when the weather may still be warm.
If you’re deciding between fabrics, read our [velvet dress guide] for more ideas.
Don’t Forget the Weather
Fall temperatures can change quickly, especially if the ceremony is outside.
Bring a tailored coat, blazer or elegant wrap rather than covering a beautiful dress with an everyday jacket.
And check the venue before choosing shoes. Thin stilettos and grass are rarely a good combination. A block heel or elegant pump is much easier for outdoor weddings.
Find Your Fall Wedding Guest Dress
The best fall wedding guest dress doesn’t need to be complicated.
Choose a beautiful color, a silhouette that makes you feel confident and one detail that makes the dress special. That’s usually enough.
Explore our wedding guest dresses, evening dresses to find your look for the next fall wedding.
Leave a comment