Summer’s sweltering temperatures pose a challenge for pre-sunset ceremonies; winter makes it nearly impossible to go outside without looking like the Michelin Man. It should therefore come as no surprise that fall has emerged as the preferred season for getting married. And with autumn weddings in full swing (and a few likely popping up on your own calendar), it’s high time you figured out what to wear. Because we love a fashion prompt, we put together six fall wedding guest outfit ideas to get you started.
Vogue’s Guide to Fall Wedding Guest Outfits
The first step is an obvious one: Consult your invite for the dress code. For civil ceremonies and informal gatherings, cocktail dresses in shorter lengths (or even a blazer) are a good option—stick to jewel tones and rich fabrics to stay true to the palette of the season. If your RSVP is for a formal wedding, a long dress is easy to zhuzh up with the right accessories. The best fall wedding guest dresses and sets span every kind of attire; so without further ado, use these outfits as a jumping off point for your own autumnal ensemble.
Moody and Saturated
Steer clear of anything too light or pastel, and reach for fabrics in textures that make sense for the cooling temperatures. Plum and navy are a winning combination; particularly when the pieces come in pleated wool, plush satin, and textured suede. Complete Khaite’s one-shoulder asymmetric number with silver hoops, like these from Banana Republic, to balance out the darker palette.
Autumnal Garden
In some lucky locales, fall is warm enough for garden or backyard ceremonies—and if you’ve been invited to one, a floral dress is a safe bet. Reformation’s silk column gown has a slightly moodier palette that feels right for this time of year; a celery-colored silk wrap makes for an easy layer you’ll be happy you brought when the temperatures dip.
A Dress Alternative
This burgundy suit set from Parisian brand Destree rivals any swishy fall dress. Done in luxe lustrous faille with velvet-trimmed cuffs and crisp tailoring, it’s a polished option for city weddings (or, perhaps, rehearsal dinners and welcome drinks). Complete with a set of glossy chocolate brown mules for a tonal pairing.
The LBD, Revisited
Black dresses are an always-classic; for the fall, go a skosh longer with a mid-length slip. This midi dress from Toteme is made from silk chiffon, with a semi-sheer overlay that gives it some dimension. Lean into the timelessness of the silhouette with minimalist finishing touches—a pair of diamond stud earrings, a french pin for twisting your hair into a chignon, and sleek kitten heels are all you need to round out this ensemble.
Short and Sweet
Courthouse ceremonies, cocktail attire dressing, and semi-formal affairs mean you can skip floor-grazing styles in favor of something a little flirtier. Staud’s ’70s-style mini dress comes in a rich wine hue that seems tailor-made for the season. Bright gold accents, like a set of bangles or a slouchy clutch with glitzy hardware, are a nice complement.
Wintry Baby Blue
Conversely, for black-tie fêtes, something floor-length is in order. Slinky and perfectly draped, this ice-blue long-sleeve maxi dress is a sartorial mullet—the open back calls for a simple updo, accentuated with sculptural earrings. With such a pared-back canvas, you get a little more freedom with your accessories; splash out with a snake print shoulder bag from Staud.
