Fall weddings are magical! I’ll never forget one of our friends’ weddings in the cutest little Connecticut town one October. The weather was crisp, the scenery was stunning, and the celebration had the coziest yet most elegant vibe. Just a few weeks later, we attended another wedding in Canada. The leaves were turning, the setting was gorgeous, and it all felt quintessentially fall.
As always—and especially as a Florida girl—I remember wondering, ‘What should I wear?’ If you’re in the season of constant weddings, I’m here to help guide you. Today, I’ll share what to keep in mind when choosing an outfit, my favorite autumn color palettes, and the best fall wedding guest dresses and accessories for every type of celebration.
Things to Consider When Selecting Fall Wedding Guest Dresses
Before diving into my current favorite styles, let’s talk about how to choose the perfect one for your specific occasion. There are a few key factors to keep in mind—the venue, the dress code, the weather, and more. Let’s break them down!
1. The Dress Code
First things first: figure out the dress code. Most invitations will specify this, especially if the wedding is black tie. As a general rule, weddings held after 5 p.m. tend to be more formal, while afternoon ceremonies often call for cocktail or semi-formal attire. Morning weddings are usually the most casual, though still polished—think something you might wear to church.
There’s nothing worse than arriving and realizing you’re over- or underdressed. Personally, I’d always rather lean overdressed than under for any kind of celebration. If the invitation doesn’t mention a dress code, don’t stress—just crowdsource. Ask your friends what they plan to wear, or go straight to the source and check with the bride or groom.
2. The Weather
I often mention how important it is to check the forecast when packing for a trip, and the same rule applies when planning your wedding guest outfit. For a fall wedding, it’s smart to bring a coat, shawl, or wrap so you can stay comfortable once the evening cools down. Honestly, I bring a shawl during most seasons since I’m always chilly in the AC!
If you’re shopping for fall wedding guest dresses, consider how the fabric and sleeve length will hold up in cooler temperatures. Lightweight dresses can easily be layered with a wrap, while long-sleeve or velvet options are perfect for more formal celebrations.
3. The Shoes
Finally, don’t forget to think about footwear. The right shoes can make or break your comfort at a wedding. If the ceremony or reception takes place on grass, you’ll want to avoid stilettos and opt for a wedge or flat so your heels don’t sink into the ground. If you know there will be lots of walking or dancing, choose a pair you’ve already broken in—something stylish but comfortable enough to keep you moving all night.
Colors to Wear to a Fall Wedding
I’ve always loved playing around with autumnal colors—as you’ve probably noticed in my recent outfits and fall tablescapes. Fall in Florida can still be pretty hot, so leaning into seasonal shades lets me wear lightweight styles while still adding a touch of autumn.
When it comes to fall wedding guest dresses, I tend to gravitate toward browns, olive greens, and rich jewel tones more than I do during the rest of the year. These shades feel classic for the season, making them versatile enough to wear to multiple celebrations and events.
As for colors to avoid at a fall wedding, I think we can all agree that white is always off-limits—unless the bride specifically asks guests to wear it. I’ve also heard that bright red can sometimes be seen as impolite at a wedding. If you’re drawn to that palette, consider opting for a burgundy shade instead.
Tips for Selecting the Perfect Fall Wedding Guest Dress
Before I share my current favorite fall wedding guest dresses, there’s one more thing to cover—tips for choosing the perfect one. While I love browsing styles and sharing my recommendations, it ultimately comes down to picking the dress that makes you feel your best. Whether it’s one you find here on my site or a completely different option, these simple shopping tips will help ensure everything goes smoothly.
1. Have a Few Tried-And-True Stores
Whenever I have an upcoming wedding or event, I start the dress hunt by browsing my favorite tried-and-true stores. While trying new brands can be exciting, it’s nice to have a few shops you can rely on, trust the fit, and feel confident you’ll leave with a dress you love.
2. Lean Into Proper Tailoring
Proper tailoring is a total game-changer. Often, higher-end styles fit beautifully right off the rack, but more budget-friendly options may need a little adjustment. If your dress isn’t a perfect fit, having it tailored to your body can make all the difference. When something fits to a T, you’ll feel so much more confident!
3. Shop Secondhand
If you love a style but it’s not in your budget—or you know you’ll only wear it once—browsing sites like Vestiaire Collective or Poshmark is a great option. Many dresses on these sites have only been worn once, so with a little dry cleaning, they can look as good as new!
I relied on this approach often in grad school when I couldn’t afford a brand-new dress for every wedding (which felt like all the time!). I’d search secondhand stores for brands I knew and loved, confident they would fit well. Overall, I had great luck, and with so many online secondhand options now, it’s easier than ever to find beautiful dresses without breaking the bank.
My Favorite Fall Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Occasion
Now for the really fun part—sharing my favorite fall wedding guest dresses! I’m going to break it down and share my current favorites from seven of my go-to retailers. The common thread across all of them? Excellent tailoring and gorgeous fabrics.
I’ll also categorize my favorite styles from each brand based on the type of event: black tie, cocktail, or casual. Here’s a quick guide to my descriptions of each category:
Black Tie Weddings
Black tie weddings are my favorite, and I always get a little extra excited to dress up for these events. If the invite says “black tie optional,” you better believe I’m leaning into a fancy dress and JB will be wearing a tux.
For these weddings, you can truly pull out all the stops! My go-to is a long, elegant evening gown. When browsing fall wedding guest dresses in this category, think polished, sophisticated, and timeless—same goes for your accessories.
Cocktail Weddings
For cocktail weddings, I usually think of midi dresses or less formal maxi dresses. Fabrics like silk or taffeta work beautifully, especially with a shorter hem. JB typically wears a suit rather than a tuxedo for these events.
Casual Weddings
For more casual fall weddings, midi or mini dresses in less formal fabrics are usually perfect. JB typically wears suit pants but skips the jacket for casual celebrations—though if the weather is chilly, he’ll still bring it along!
Best Fall Wedding Guest Dresses by Brand
Without further ado, here are my current favorite fall wedding guest dresses, broken down by brand!
Solace London
I’ve worn Solace London to two black tie events over the past year—this gorgeous light blue satin gown for our school’s gala and a stunning black gown for another black tie affair. Clearly, I’m a big fan of their designs!
This brand is a fantastic choice for black tie or cocktail weddings. Their dresses are classic yet current and truly make you feel like a princess.
For a black tie wedding, I can’t stop thinking about this chartreuse dress—it’s giving serious Grace Kelly vibes and is absolutely unforgettable! For a cocktail reception this fall, this gorgeous blue off-the-shoulder midi dress is perfect. Both styles are elegant, timeless, and quintessentially Solace London.
Camilyn Beth
Camilyn Beth is a go-to for classic, elegant wedding guest gowns. Their dresses are designed and made in the U.S., and with their excellent customer service, the experience feels extra special. Sizes range from 0–22, and they even offer minor alterations in-store.
What sets this brand apart is the ability to customize your dress with small tweaks. For example, you can add a sash or a shawl in the same fabric to complement your gown and make it uniquely yours.
For a fall black tie wedding, the Alexandria Dress in evergreen is an absolute stunner. For a cocktail event, the Ginger Dress in navy (now only $100!) is a playful, stylish choice with fun feather details. And for a more casual wedding, the Elin in sage is an elegant and effortless option.
Staud
Staud is one of my first stops when browsing dresses for any event or wedding—from black tie to cocktail to casual. As I’ve mentioned before, Staud is the workhorse of my closet. I even have a whole post dedicated to how I style the Millie Dress, one of my favorite pieces from the brand.
Recently, my girlfriend asked what I was wearing to a particular event and later guessed it was one of two Staud dresses she knew I had in my closet… and she was right! (: All of their timeless styles make wonderful fall wedding guest dresses.
For a black tie wedding, the Calluna Dress is even prettier in person—it truly makes you feel like you’re gliding across the room. For a cocktail celebration, this green dress has such a flattering silhouette and is perfect for fall. And for a more casual wedding, you can’t go wrong with the Wells Dress. I won’t even mention how many I currently have in my closet, but they get a lot of use!
Dillards
Dillard’s carries a wide variety of brands and price points, which makes it such a reliable option when shopping for wedding guest outfits. I don’t live near a ton of stores, but we do have a Dillard’s nearby, and it’s usually my first stop when I need something quickly.
For black tie, this sleek slip gown is a classic. For cocktail attire, this Antonio Melani dress is such a fun, stylish option. And for something more casual, this cute midi dress (under $200!) is a perfect pick.
Simkhai
Simkhai has such stunning dresses that add just the right amount of drama—perfect for weddings of any kind. Their designs are always modern yet elegant, and they make a statement without ever feeling over the top.
For a black tie wedding, I couldn’t pick just one: this organza shirt dress would be my top choice right now, but the Izel Dress (which I wore last Christmas) is truly unforgettable. For a cocktail event, this knit-and-taffeta combo is begging to be paired with some fun pumps. And for a more casual fall wedding, the Cypress Dress in a rich seasonal color is a classic, easy choice that never disappoints.
Reiss
Reiss is a British fashion brand I always make a point to visit whenever I’m in London. Lately, I’ve noticed more and more department stores in the U.S. carrying their pieces, which makes me so happy. Their dresses are timeless yet modern, and the price point is fantastic given the quality of the fabrics.
Reiss has so many beautiful options that would make chic fall wedding guest dresses. For a black tie wedding, this cape dress is absolutely gorgeous and would be so fun on the dance floor. For cocktail attire, the shirring on this midi gives it such a flattering fit. And if a more casual one-shoulder style is your thing, this dress is the perfect choice.
Mestiza New York
Mestiza New York has been one of my go-to destinations for black tie dresses ever since I discovered the brand six years ago. Their styles are timeless and glamorous, with the added bonus that many are convertible. You can shorten a gown or remove a layer to reveal an entirely different silhouette—making their dresses versatile enough to wear to multiple occasions.
For fall wedding guest dresses, Mestiza has so many stunning choices. For black tie, this blue convertible cape gown is a showstopper—I especially love that you can remove the cape after the ceremony for easier movement on the dance floor. For cocktail attire, this chic number gives total Audrey Hepburn vibes. And for a more casual wedding, this marbled dress in autumnal hues is elegant yet fun.
Banana Republic
Banana Republic definitely deserves a mention, as they have some great options for fall wedding guest dresses at really good price points. I always find their styles to be versatile, chic, and easy to rewear beyond the wedding itself.
For black tie, this sleek sheath dress is so pretty—and it would even keep you warm if the evening gets chilly. For a cocktail wedding, try this dress belted for extra shape or wear it loose for a more relaxed, chic vibe. And for a casual fall wedding, this cutie paired with flats would be just right.
How to Accessorize Fall Wedding Guest Dresses
Accessories are truly the cherry on top of any outfit, and fall wedding guest dresses are no exception. The right shoes, jewelry, or bag can transform even the simplest dress into something unforgettable. Here are a few of my favorite accessories to complete your look this season.
Jewelry
Earrings and necklaces are always fun to play with, but I usually lean toward earrings for weddings and formal events. If I’m attending something especially meaningful, I’ll borrow my mom’s watch—an heirloom that’s been passed down and worn by all of us on our wedding days. For earrings, I love statement pieces from Lizzie Fortunato and Mignonne Gavigan—they’re always fun and make a look feel complete.
Shoes
In full disclosure, I’m not much of a shoe girl—while I love a beautiful pair, I’m no Carrie Bradshaw! I usually stick to my tried-and-true favorites for weddings. For more formal events, I almost always reach for my gold metallic heels from Larroudé. When I’m wearing a cocktail dress, these strappy sandals are my go-to. And for a casual fall wedding, you’ll most likely find me in chic ballet flats or a comfortable wedge.
Outerwear
Lastly, comfort is key—especially when it comes to staying warm. Make sure you’re dressed appropriately for both the venue and the travel in between, whether that’s from the chapel to the reception or just stepping outside for photos. That usually means having a coat handy, or at the very least, a shawl.
As I’ve mentioned before, Alice Walk makes the most beautiful cashmere shawls. They’re lightweight, elegant, and available in a variety of colors to complement any wedding guest dress. Depending on the forecast, though, sometimes a shawl isn’t enough, and that’s when a coat becomes essential. Some stylish options include this wool-blend cream coat from Reiss, this removable-cape trench from Ann Taylor, and this cozy cashmere style.
Your Complete Guide to Fall Wedding Guest Dresses
Fall weddings are such a wonderful time to dress up, and the right outfit can make you feel confident from the ceremony to the last dance. Whether you’re attending a black tie, cocktail, or casual celebration, keeping the dress code, weather, and your personal style in mind will ensure you look and feel your best. Pair your dress with thoughtful accessories, shoes, and a shawl or coat for cooler evenings, and you’ll be perfectly prepared for any autumn celebration.
For more fall fashion inspiration, check out these posts:
