Fall wedding season is quickly approaching. Whether you’re traveling to a faraway destination or attending the “I Do’s” a bit closer to home, choosing the perfect outfit can feel a bit daunting. Velvet, sequins, fall florals, gowns, minidresses, jewel tones— the sky’s the limit when it comes to fall wedding guest dresses (just as long as you follow the Dress code, of course.)
Already debating what to wear? You’ve come to the right place. We chatted with stylists to answer your burning fashion FAQs for choosing the right frock and rounded up 20 fall wedding guest dresses that’ll have you dancing the night away in style and comfort. Chin chin!
The best fall wedding guest dresses, at a glance:
- Best overall: Reformation, Juliette Dress, $248
- Best little black dress (LBD): By Anthropologie, Flutter-Sleeve Satin Sheath, $88
- Best on Amazon: BerryGo, V-Neck Ruffle Wrap, $40
- Best black tie: Retrofête, Zoa Dress, $595
- Most affordable: Lulus, Constantine Satin Maxi Dress, $69
- Best plus-sized dress: Eloquii, One Shoulder Dress With Slit, $100
- Best halter: Amanda Uprichard X Revolve, Samba Gown, $321
- Best slip dress: J.Crew, Gwyneth Slip Dress, $98
- Best floral dress: ASTR The Label, Gaia Satin Midi Dress, $98
- Best maximalist dress: Asos Luxe, V-Neck Puff Sleeve Organza Mini Dress, $121
- Best mini: Asos Design, Chiffon Mixed Print Dress, $54
- Best cut-out: Alice + Olivia, Fayeth Midi Dress, $595
- Best short-sleeved dress: Reformation, Frasier Dress, $248
- Best long-sleeved dress: Hutch, Textured Wrap Dress, $220
- Best knit: Banana Republic, Knit Maxi Dress, $54
- Best velvet dress: Jenny Yoo, Logan Velvet Column Gown, $290
- Best sheath dress: Dress the Population, Alondra Blouson Sheath Dress, $149
- Best pleated dress: Confête, Pretty Pleats Maxi Dress, $100
- Best maternity: PinkBlush, Lace Mesh Overlay Maternity Maxi Dress, $98
- Best jumpsuit: Wayf, Keita One-Shoulder Satin Jumpsuit, $145
FAQs
So, what should a wedding guest wear to a fall wedding?
Just as long as you follow the dress code (which should be listed on your wedding invite), stylists say the most important rule when shopping for an outfit is to have fun with it. “I always tell clients and friends attending weddings to dress up, have fun with your outfit, and dive deep into a themed wedding if there is one,” says fashion stylist, Brendan Cannon, of The Cannon Media Group, a fashion consultant firm. “Weddings are such a great time to dress up and feel fabulous!” Cannon also recommends bringing a sweater or coat with you: “You never know when the temperature may dip.”
What colors should a fall wedding guest wear?
As the seasons change, so do our color choices. “I suggest wearing deeper Colors,” says Lyndsay Rinere, store owner and marketing director of The Dressing Room Boutique in Madison, Connecticut. This is especially true of October weddings, as the weather turns crisp and cool. “As October approaches, think of deeper colors that match a classic autumn color palette,” she recommends. Go for jewel tones and richer hues like emerald, plum, burgundy, magenta, and deep orange. And most obviously, don’t wear white.
Can you wear florals to fall weddings?
In a word? Absolutely! Keep in mind what type of floral you’re adorning yourself with, though—stick to ones that feel more fall appropriate. “Stick to dark florals or more sparse floral patterns in one color,” recommends Ashlyn Greer, stylist and founder of the personal styling service, Fashlivy. “All-over floral in lighter hues can tend to read more casual, especially when it’s in the fall.”
Is it appropriate to wear black to a fall wedding?
Black is “timeless and chic,” says fashion stylist, Marlene Anzaldua. Rinere concurs. “There truly are no rules—it’s timeless, seasonless, looks great on everyone, and can always be worn again,” she says. However, she also recommends considering the bride’s wishes for her guests. “It’s never inappropriate to wear black to a wedding unless the bride states otherwise,” she says.
20 best wedding guest dresses for fall
Best overall
Available sizes: 0-12
When it comes to wedding guest dresses, Reformation consistently rises to the top of the best-dressed list. There are endless styles to choose from; we like this one for its flattering sweetheart neckline, subtly fitted bodice with sexy side slit, and the fact that it comes in myriad colors and prints.
It’s also cut in an ideal silhouette for weddings earlier in the fall season, when temperatures may still be searing. “Early fall weddings will likely still be outdoors and could be very hot,” says Greer. “Opting for a sleeveless maxi dress with a slit in a fall color will still make it feel like fall.” The lightweight georgette fabric will also keep you cool in warmer weather. All in all, The Juliet is a sure stunner for wedding season.
Colors: 7
Material: 100% viscose
Pros:
- Multiple colors and prints
- Tied straps are adjustable for the perfect fit
- Lightweight georgette fabric
- Versatile midi length
Cons:
- Runs small
- Not available in plus or petite sizes
Best LBD
Available sizes: 00-16 in standard, petite, and plus sizes
One thing’s for certain—everyone needs at least one little black dress in their closet. It can be tough to find any dress that works in both warm and cool temperatures, much less an LBD—but this one from Anthropologie succeeds in spades. The flutter sleeves are beautiful, the sheath silhouette absolutely stunning, and it even has a subtle slit on the side for a flirty touch. What more could you ask for, really?
If you’re worried about black being too simple for a fall wedding, well, don’t be. “Black is always appropriate to wear and is always chic,” says Cannon. “Try to add color with your shoes and handbag.”
Colors: 2
Material: viscose with polyester trim
Pros:
- Available in a wide range of sizes, including standard, petite, and plus
- Minimalist with subtle touches
- Hand-wash friendly
- Easy to accessorize
- Under $100
Cons:
- Only available in two colors (one of which is Chai, a creamy white, which is not guest appropriate)
Best on Amazon:
Available sizes: 0-16
Colors: 16
Don’t want to break the bank on a wedding guest dress? Then don’t—snag this one from Amazon instead. The chic wrap maxi comes in a slew of colors, fabrics, and prints, including jewel-toned velvets, pretty polka dots, and feminine florals. For $40, you can’t beat it.
Material: 100% polyester
Pros:
- Available in a wide variety of colors, prints, and fabrics
- Affordable
- Easy to accessorize
- Highly-rated
Cons:
- Runs large
Best black-tie gown
Available sizes: XXS-XL
Retrofête is one of those brands that just doesn’t miss. Every single dress is stunning, and this flowy, empire waist pleated gown is no exception. The shimmery lamé is ’70s chic in the absolute best way, the twisted bodice is a thoughtful touch, and the almost-hidden slit peeks through just enough to add some extra drama. It’s replete with resplendent details, making it a showstopper that just begs to be seen on the dance floor.
Colors: 1
Material: 95% polyester, 5% spandex
Pros:
- Pretty empire-waist silhouette
- Padded cups for shape
- Bodice is lined
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not available in plus or petite sizes
- May run long
Most affordable:
Available sizes: XS-XL
A high-quality wedding guest dress that’s under $100? Some might say it can’t be done … but then again, some people haven’t shopped at Lulus. This gown hits on all fronts for fall, from its variety of rich hues (think deep orange, hunter green, and navy) to the side slit and subtle shimmer. It’s ideal for more formal to-dos, and will certainly turn some heads during cocktail hour.
Colors: 9
Material: 100% polyester
Pros:
- Affordable
- Versatile
- Slit is airflow-friendly
Cons:
- No plus or petite sizing
Best plus-sized dress:
Available sizes: 14-28
One shoulder. Ruching. Front slit. Midi length. Bodycon silhouette. Seriously, is there anything this Eloquii dress doesn’t have working in its favor? We think not. Whether you choose rich hunter green or (not so) basic black, this is one dress that’s guaranteed to make you the center of attention—well, after the bride, that is.
Colors: 2
Material: 95% recycled polyester, 5% spandex
Pros:
- Made from recycled polyester
- Versatile length and design
- Available in a wide range of plus sizes
- Affordable
- Versatile
Cons:
- Only two colors
Best halter:
Available sizes: XS-XL
For fans of the high-neck look, this Amanda Uprichard x Revolve gown absolutely delivers, pairing the thigh-high slit with flattering ruched details, a draped halter neckline, and a low scoop back. Not to mention it’s designed in lush, smooth silk, and available in this season’s must-wear emerald hue.
Colors: 9
Material: 100% silk
Pros:
- Versatile
- Thoughtful ruching and draping
- Available in a multitude of colors
- Silky soft
Cons:
- Runs long
- No petite or plus sizes
- Expensive
Best slip dress:
Available sizes: 00-24
“The slip dress is back and looking amazing this fall,” Cannon says. One part Breakfast at Tiffany’s, one part ’90s Gwyneth Paltrow, all parts chic,tThis slip dress from J.Crew is it—and, quite impressively, it rings in at under $100. It’s actually a recreation of the brand’s best-selling slip skirt, complete with the effortless early aughts-inspired aesthetic. We love the spaghetti straps (bonus: they’re adjustable), and the easy, midi length. The lustrous silky charmeuse is at once timeless and elegant, too.
Colors: 3
Material: 100% polyester
Pros:
- Affordable
- Simple and elegant
- Versatile and easy to accesorize
Cons:
- Not that warm—definitely bring a scarf or sweater
Best floral dress:
Available sizes: XS-XL
Florals? For fall? Groundbreaking. We’re not sure what Miranda Priestley would have to say about that, but we’re definitely on board with flowers this season. When choosing a floral dress for fall weddings, “think of your classic fall foliage colors,” recommends Rinere. In the case of this ASTR The Label option, the red floral against a hunter-green ground reads fall appropriate (without falling into holidays territory), while the criss-cross straps lend visual interest to the back.
Colors: 3
Material: 100% polyester
Pros:
- Slip-on silhouette
- Straps are adjustable
- Lined to the knee for added coverage
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not available in plus or petite sizes
- Runs small
Best maximalist dress:
Available sizes: 0-14
Statement-makers—this burgundy mini dress is for you. Puff sleeves, side cutouts, pleated details, and a flared skirt all add up to this Asos mini dress being a maximalist must-have. It’s ’80s drama in the absolute best way, and it’s in the prettiest dark red that’s perfect for autumn events.
Colors: 1
Material: 51% polyester, 49% polyamide
Pros:
- Machine-washable
- Multiple eye-catching details
- Unique
Cons:
- Only one color available
- Not available in petite or plus sizes
Best mini:
Available sizes: 0-14
Dreamy, flighty, short enough to move comfortably in, but not enough to flash anyone… that’s this Asos Design dress to a D. It features asymmetrical sleeves and an eye-catching mixed floral print that begs to be taken for a turn on the dance floor. Not to mention it’s designed in lightweight chiffon, so it’s perfect for warmer weddings.
Colors: 1
Material: 100% polyester
Pros:
- Affordable
- Unique silhouette
- Versatile length
Cons:
- Not available in plus or petite sizes
- Only comes in one color
Best cut-out:
Available sizes: 0-14
Cut-outs are for fall, too, especially when they come in emerald green, which is one of the most on-trend colors for wedding guest dresses this fall. Subtle cutout details, allover pleating, knotting at the waist, an asymmetrical midi length … let us count the ways we love this dress. While it may run on the more expensive side, it’s an excellent investment and can definitely be worn to more than just weddings, but cocktail parties, dinners, and more.
Colors: 1
Material: 100% polyester
Pros:
- Chic cut-out details
- Versatile length
- Trendy color
- Lightweight plissé fabric
Cons:
- Expensive
- Only one color available
- Not available in petite or plus sizes
Best short-sleeved dress:
Available sizes: 0-24
A short-sleeved dress is perfect for those in-between temperatures, especially in September and early October. “Reformation has a great selection of short-sleeved dresses,” says Greer. The Frasier combines a knee-skimming length with button details for a look that’s absolutely on the money. It also features a side slit and keyhole back, which balances out a modest neckline. Plus, it’s available in seven beautiful colors and prints, including fiery red, deep hunter green, and a rich navy floral.
Colors: 7
Material: 53% viscose, 47% rayon
Pros:
- Available in regular and plus sizes
- Variety of colors
- Versatile sleeve length for in-between seasons
- Slit and keyhole are airflow-friendly
Cons:
- Pricey
Best long-sleeved dress:
Available sizes: XXS-3X
As the temperatures dip, you may want to seek out a long-sleeved dress for wedding celebrations. “Check the location and see if any portion of the evening is going to be outdoors,” recommends Greer. “If so, you might want to opt for something with sleeves, especially if it’s later in the season when the weather becomes less predictable.” One beautiful option this season is this printed gown from Hutch—one of Greer’s favorite brands for dresses—which features a V-neckline, ankle-skimming silhouette, and flattering wrap front. “
Colors: 1
Material: 100% polyester
Pros:
- Regular, petite, and plus sizes available
- On-trend color and print for fall
- Sleeves and maxi length perfect for colder months
Cons:
- Runs long
- Pricey
- Only one color available
Best knit:
Originally $90, now $54
Available sizes: XXS-XL in standard, tall, and petite lengths
If comfort is your main goal, go for this knit dress from Banana Republic. The poly-spandex knit is stretchy without being too casual, so you’ll look the part but won’t feel restricted or stuck. And the cut is so elegant; the off-the-shoulder neckline features cap sleeves for a bit of extra coverage, and the A-line skirt looks good with flats or heels alike. Did we mention it’s 40 percent off?
Colors: 2
Material: 97% polyester, 3% spandex
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Affordable
- Simple, versatile design
- Available in petite and tall lengths
Cons:
- Only two colors
Best velvet dress:
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