What to Wear to a Fall Wedding as a Guest (With Dress Inspo)

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Oakbrook | The Gamaches

If you’re heading to a wedding this fall, we already know what you’re wondering…

What should I wear?

Between the dress code on the invitation and the potential variance in weather, deciding what to wear as a guest to a fall wedding can be tricky. There are so many options and variations as to what may — or may not — be appropriate. 

If you need help narrowing down your choices, we’re here to help.

We’re revealing what to wear to a fall wedding for every dress code. You'll also learn how to pick a dress appropriate for the time of year and which colors to consider or avoid. 

We’ve also put together some fall wedding guest outfit ideas you’ll love!  

Invited to a Fall Wedding? Follow the Dress Code!

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Nashville | Rebekah Laskowski

No matter your personal style, you should pick a dress that fits the dress code on the wedding invitation. 

Here’s a wedding dress code cheat sheet to remind you just what each dress code requires:

White Tie 

The white tie dress code is the most formal. 

Women should wear elegant full-length gowns with their best jewels, evening-appropriate shoes, and handbags. You can even wear a ballgown or add opera gloves — no look is too fancy! Men should wear a tuxedo with tails.  

Black Tie 

The black-tie wedding dress code is very formal. 

Women should wear a long gown, beautiful jewelry, and an embellished clutch bag to create a polished, elegant look. For guys, “black tie” means a tuxedo, not a suit.

Black Tie Optional 

The black-tie optional dress code often throws people for a loop. This dress code means that guys can wear a dark suit or a tux, and women can wear a full-length gown or a cocktail dress.

Formal 

Despite its name, the formal dress code allows for more flexibility than others. A formal dress code means the couple wants you dressed up and looking your best! 

There are fewer rules to follow here, so suits and floor-length gowns or cocktail dresses are appropriate.  

Cocktail 

With a cocktail dress code, guys should wear suits, and women should wear a dressy knee-length or midi dress. Here, there’s no need for a full-length gown. You can also get creative with patterns, embellishments, and eye-catching accessories.

Semi-Formal 

The semi-formal dress code is very similar to cocktail attire, but it’s slightly less dressy. 

Guys can wear suits; women can wear midi, knee-length, or shorter dresses that aren’t heavily beaded or embellished.  

Dressy Casual 

Dressy casual falls somewhere between casual and formal. 

It does NOT mean sloppy casual, but it also doesn’t require a long gown or a suit. Guys can wear a nice shirt with a pair of dress pants. Women can team a skirt with a nice blouse or a tailored pair of dress pants with a nice top.

Casual 

The casual fall wedding dress code means different things to different people. For some, casual means T-shirts and jeans. For others, it's dress pants/polo shirts or skirts/blouses. 

To guarantee you hit the right level of casual, look at the couple’s wedding website to see if they have a specific theme. You can also research the venue to better understand the level of formality.

Related: The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Dress Codes

How To Pick the Perfect Fall Wedding Guest Dress

Photo: Bella Bridesmaids Knoxville | Jennifer Crook

Dress codes give you an overall guideline to follow, but there are other factors to consider when choosing a fall wedding guest look, including:

Weather

Weather is one of the biggest factors. 

Depending on the month and where the wedding is taking place, fall weather can mean one of two things:

Or…

Outdoor fall weddings require you to pay extra attention to the weather, as temperatures could vary considerably from afternoon to evening. 

For weddings in colder months, opt for heavier fabrics like velvet, faille, and wool. Lightweight chiffon may be a better option for weddings early in the fall season.

Time of Day

Consider the time of day as well, as daytime weddings are typically more casual than evening events.

Seasonal Colors

As for color, choose a hue that’s appropriate for the season. 

Bright colors are best for summer weddings, and pastels are ideal for spring celebrations. 

Fall is the season to embrace jewel tones like emerald and sapphire and autumnal hues like burgundy, burnt orange, rust, and forest green. When in doubt, choose a neutral. Neutral colors work for every time of year!   

Are you a bride-to-be planning a fall wedding? Check out our top picks for fall bridesmaid dresses!

Fall Wedding Attire Inspiration

Ready to find the perfect look for your next fall wedding? 

Here are some stunning options that are ideal for black tie, formal, cocktail, and semi-formal events:

Dress Options for Black Tie & Formal Events 

Check out these stunning dress options for more formal fall weddings:

Mac Duggal 11280 Gown 

Fully embellished in sequins, the Mac Duggal 11280 gown features a sleeveless floor-length silhouette with a high halter neckline. A bow accent at the neck makes it a stunning choice for a formal, upscale event that requires a glamorous look.

Sachin & Babi Brielle Gown 

The Sachin & Babi Brielle gown is beautifully crafted in smooth Mikado fabric with an all-over garden floral print. This strapless design features a chic envelope fold at the bust and a voluminous A-line skirt with a front slit.  

Amsale P652S Evening Dress 

In soft, fluid satin, the Amsale P652S evening dress comes in various rich colors. Color options include many fall colors, making it a perfect choice for an autumn wedding. A high cowl neckline, cap sleeves, and a slight fit and flare skirt make for an incredibly elegant look.  

Wedding Guest Attire for Cocktail & Semi-Formal Weddings 

Here are a few dress options for less formal fall weddings:

Lovely LB001 Dress

The Lovely LB001 dress is timeless in a slip silhouette made of soft charmeuse. The cowl neck drapes into a soft V-neckline, and the convertible spaghetti straps allow you to wear it as a halter neck or crisscross the straps in back.

Jenny Yoo Carrie Dress 

The Jenny Yoo Carrie dress offers a classic look in a strapless A-line silhouette. Structured luxe-faille fabric makes it perfect for fall and winter weddings. And if it’s extra chilly, top it with an elegant long-sleeve cardigan or a chic shoulder wrap.   

Sachin & Babi Naomi Dress 

The Sachin & Babi Naomi Dress features a sleeveless mermaid silhouette with a self-belt and an asymmetric hem. This halter midi dress is available in a gorgeous shade of navy blue. The color makes it a beautiful choice for the wedding guest who wants to wear a dark color but doesn’t want to wear black.

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When shopping for an outfit for a fall wedding, the dress code and the weather are the most important things to consider. 

Look for fabrics that suit the climate and the time of day. Choose autumnal colors, jewel tones, or neutral hues that make sense for the season. Complete your look with jewelry, shoes, and a handbag that aligns with the dress code.  

Whether it's a semi-formal celebration or a white tie event, our event dress collection is full of looks to help you look and feel your best.

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