If you’ve ever wondered what to wear to a fall wedding, you’re not alone. Fall weddings are some of the most beautiful celebrations of the year; the crisp weather, golden leaves, and romantic seasonal details make it a dreamy time to say “I do.” But when it comes to fall wedding guest outfits, it can be tricky to strike the right balance between looking chic, staying comfortable, and dressing appropriately for the venue. Unlike summer weddings where light fabrics and bright colors feel effortless, fall wedding guest dresses often call for richer colors, elevated textures, and layers that feel seasonally on point.
Whether you’re attending a black-tie evening, a rustic outdoor ceremony, or a cozy cocktail reception, choosing the perfect look means leaning into deep jewel tones, elegant fabrics like velvet or satin, and timeless silhouettes that work with the season. In this post, I’m sharing my favorite ideas for what to wear to a fall wedding to help you look polished, modern, and wedding-ready no matter the dress code.
Keep scrolling for a round-up of our favorite dresses to wear to a wedding this fall.
Black Tie
How many times do you have an opportunity to wear a beautiful gown since prom? For a black tie wedding, I would wear a full-length gown or sophisticated tea-length dress. And as temps start to drop, I'd pair with a faux fur stole or cashmere pashmina.
Cocktail
A cocktail attire dress code gives you the most room to play with the delicate balance between elegant, stylish, and comfortable. Tea-length, knee-length, and midi dresses are all appropriate, and you can definitely have some fun with color and detailing.
Semi-Formal
You can play around with your look a bit when it comes to semi-formal (or dressy casual or garden) weddings. Just think of these dresses as as step down from what you'd wear to a cocktail attire event - more casual details and fabrics, like cotton blends, are okay for a semi-formal wedding.
Destination
Destination weddings are incredibly popular for good reason—it’s a vacation and a celebration all in one! I would always err on the side of over-dressing for a destination wedding and use it as an opportunity to bring in some festive color. (And don't forget your steamer to get out any pesky wrinkles from the trip.)
For the Bride
We could never forget the star of the show, our bride. With showers, rehearsals, and possible dress changes for the reception, we also wanted to round up our favorite white dresses of the moment. My first thought when I saw this dress by Khaite was I wish I could get married again (to Will, of course). If I were a bride this fall, I would without a doubt wear this dress for something - a bachelorette, a special pre-wedding dinner, or even as a surprise second dress for the reception celebration.
Outfit Details
Dress (tts, more sizes here) | Heels | Handbag | Phone Case
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