The most popular time for a wedding is summer or fall, with the months of September and October being the most popular times, after June. I am an October bride. Fall is the perfect time of the year for a wedding because the summer heat and storms that threatened summer weddings have relented, giving way to beautiful weather.
Odds are in favor that you may receive an invitation to a fall wedding. And then comes the big dilemma- what to wear as a fall wedding guest?
What to Wear As A Wedding Guest
First, let’s look at some general rules for dressing for a wedding. Always follow the dress code if specified.
For even the most casual of weddings, it’s a time to step out of your daily routine and attire and wear something just a step above unless the invitation specially says jeans and shorts are okay. Beach or farm weddings sometimes allow for this.
Regardless, I’m probably going to opt for a dress that fits the dress code of the wedding, even if it’s casual dress code. Dressing up shows respect and support for the couple.
A wedding is a social event where you are seen by others so you should want to put a little effort into your attire. It is a formal event so don’t get too casual. Let the formality of the event guide your attire.
Regardless of the season, make sure you know the dress code for the wedding you are attending. Also consider the location and wedding venue– indoors, outdoors, sand, grass, etc. -when choosing your attire and the shoes you wear. Traditional heels aren’t a good choice for the sand or the grass. Also consider what part of the country you are traveling to. Southerners are much stricter about traditional rules, such as not wearing black to a wedding.
A little black dress has become acceptable for a wedding in any season, especially for a more formal dress code. So if you can shoulder the judgment that might be cast, go ahead and rock that black dress.
Outfit Ideas For a Fall Wedding Guest
For a fall wedding, consider jewel tones in textured or heavier fabrics like lace, silk, satin, or velvet. Dark florals reflective of the fall season are also appropriate. If you are invited to a fall wedding where the dress code is semi-formal (cocktail attire) or dressy casual, here are five options that would likely fit the dress code.
A Floral Dress in Fall Colors for the Wedding Guest
Dress- Amazon; Sandals- Amazon; purse- Amazon
This beautiful purple and blue floral print dress is perfect for fall wedding guest dress. It has romantic features like an asymmetrical ruffled hemline and tie waist belt. The bodice is a wrap bodice with a snap to hold it closed. The dress is polyester but silky feeling and moves and drapes well. The top is lined and the lining continues to above the knees on the skirt. The sleeves are sheer and it’s lightweight and cool, making it good choice for an early autumn wedding in a warmer climate.
This dress comes in solid colors and other fall appropriate florals.
Floral prints set on a dark background like this one make a perfect compliment to your date’s dark suit. This dress is a great option for any level of formality from casual fall weddings, an outdoor fall wedding, rustic barn wedding, or semi-formal wedding, depending on how you accessorize it.
Keep accessories to a minimum and let the floral print make a statement for a fall wedding. I paired this dress with a delicate diamond necklace, small crystal earrings and strappy sandals.
This dress makes another great option for a fall wedding guest dress. I wore the tropical print dress to a wedding during the summer a couple of years ago. The fit and flare style is flattering to many body types. It comes in a fall floral and some solid jewel tones.
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A Solid Jewel Tone Dress Option for A Fall Wedding
A solid jewel tone dress like this teal silky dress with tie waist belt is also a good option for a dress to wear as a fall wedding guest. Just make sure you are not wearing the same colors as the wedding party if you choose a solid option.
You can wear this dress with or without the belt. It’s a lightweight material but the sleeves are a plus for fall. And look how gorgeous those sleeves are. They have elastic but they are not uncomfortable and the sleeves billow over the elastic.
This dress flows and moves well and was designed for comfort. It runs true to size. I paired it with block heel sandals (similar) and Kendra Scott crystal drop earrings. A leopard clutch works well with the solid dress.
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Solid Green Dress + Gold Sandals
When choosing fall wedding attire, think of earthy tones or rich colors like forest green for seasonally appropriate attire. This gorgeous flowy chiffon A line midi dress with long sleeves is a chic option. This dress features a smocked waist in the back with a crossover waist detail in front. This dress is lined and has a flattering v-neck. It also has a side zipper to make it easier to get into and out of.
Pair it with strappy gold sandals for a seasonal look and to dress it up a bit more. This is a classic look for the fall season.
If you anticipate finding yourself in photos, solid colors are a good choice. There will be no competing patterns when you and your friends and family gather for a photo.
More green dresses:
V-Neck Jumpsuit Wedding Guest Outfit Option
Jumpsuit- Old Navy; clear sandals- Amazon; earrings- similar; leopard clutch- similar
Sometimes the best fall wedding guest dresses aren’t dresses. Consider a jumpsuit if you plan on celebrating with the wedding couple for hours past the wedding. This waist defined v-neck jumpsuit is made of rayon and spandex. It’s flowy and elegant, and makes a great choice for a dressy casual option that will work for a wedding outfit and other fall holiday events.
Play it up for a fall wedding guest outfit with accessories and dressy shoes.
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Velvet Jumpsuit Fall Wedding Guest Attire
Jumpsuit- Old Navy; Shoes- Amazon/ option; Bag- Amazon; earrings- similar
Another jumpsuit option for a fall wedding guest outfit is this velvet jumpsuit. In addition to rich jewel tones, texture can play a significant part in an outfit for a wedding. Velvet is a timeless option for weddings in the later months of fall. This jumpsuit features a fit and flare design with wider legs.
Pair it with a wrap or cropped jacket for extra warmth if you need it in the cooler temperatures of late fall.
More velvet jumpsuits:
Finding a dress to wear as a fall wedding guest does not have to be difficult, but it can take some time.
Shop ahead of time so you can try everything on and even wear the dress for a bit around the house to make sure you are comfortable in it. No matter how gorgeous the dress is, you will not look your best if you are not comfortable and confident.
Use these tips as a starting point for finding the perfect fall wedding guest dress.
See also Simple and Stylish Graduation Outfits for Mom.
