Thursday, July 27, 2023

Uncover The Most Stylish Wedding-Guest Dresses That Will Stun This Fall

"Wedding season" is generally thought of as spring, but the most popular months to say "I do" are actually in the fall. Maybe it's the foliage, maybe it's the much-anticipated relief from the heat, but fall weddings, much like autumn itself, are definitely a thing. While the multi-hued leaves make for stunning wedding pics for the newlyweds, finding fall wedding guest dresses can often stump attendees. Looking for an outfit that is dressy while still feeling seasonally appropriate is deceptively difficult.

Fear not, because ahead are 18 bonafide wedding-guest ensembles that are both festive in color and design, plus suitable for the dipping temperatures. The perfect fall wedding guest dress is clicks away, whether you'll be attending a cocktail wedding or a black tie affair. Trust us; there are many fresh fits out there with re-wear potential. Uncover a plethora of new fall dresses waiting for you to breathe life into ahead.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

For more can't-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.

Fall Wedding Guest Mini Dresses


Don't let the fall chill get in the way. Feel free to elongate your legs in a flirty mini-dress. There are plenty of dazzling and minimalistic options calling your name. If you're wearing a sleeveless number, you can always drape a cardigan over your shoulders for warmth and a chic touch.

Shop Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Plunge Satin Mini Dress, $, available at Abercrombie
Shop Self-Portrait



Self-Portrait Pleated Taffeta Mini Dress, $, available at Net-A-Porter
Shop Free People

Sabina Musayev Liberty Dress, $, available at Free People
Shop Sandy Liang

Sandy Liang Arden Dress, $, available at Sandy Liang
Shop Saylor

Saylor Charmaine Dress, $, available at Saylor

Fall Wedding Guest Midi Dresses


Midi dresses are a classy choice for a fall wedding — plus, the length is just right for showing off your fancy shoes without your legs feeling overexposed. We've found everything from striking gemstone options with statement necklines to delicate ruffled dresses.

Shop Delfi Collective At Anthropologie

Delfi Collective Pleated One-Shoulder Sheath Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Shop Lulus

Lulus Radiant Arrival Shiny Gold Organza Tiered Tie-Strap Mid, $, available at Lulus
Shop ASOS Edition At ASOS

ASOS EDITION Satin Floral Embroidered Midi Dress, $, available at ASOS
Shop Adrianna Papell At Amazon

Adrianna Papell Velvet Midi Dress, $, available at Amazon
Shop Black Halo At Saks Fifth Avenue

Black Halo Henley Off-The-Shoulder Sequin Dress, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Fall Wedding Guest Maxi Dresses


If you're nervous about the weather once the sun sets, opt for a fall wedding guest dress that falls to the floor. These elegant maxi dresses are anything but frumpy and will keep the breeze at bay.

Shop ASTR The Label At Revolve

ASTR The Label Anora Maxi Dress, $, available at Revolve
Shop ASOS Design At Nordstrom

ASOS DESIGN Curve Floral Ruched Bodice Long Sleeve Maxi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
Shop River Island

River Island Black Sequin Halter Neck Maxi Dress, $, available at River Island
Shop Eloquii

Eloquii Satin Maxi Dress, $, available at Eloquii

Fall Wedding-Guest Black-Tie Dresses


If you've got a formal event on the books, these gorgeous hued gowns with delicate details will satisfy the black-tie dress code and leave you ready for any star-studded photo ops.

Shop Birdy Grey

Birdy Grey Kira One-Shoulder Satin Dress, $, available at Birdy Grey
Shop Reformation

Reformation Pernille Silk Dress, $, available at Reformation
Shop Ralph Lauren

Lauren Geo-Print Crinkle Georgette Halter Gown, $, available at Ralph Lauren
Shop Bronx And Banco At Bloomingdales

Bronx and Banco Zoe Lamé Gown, $, available at Bloomingdale's


Farm Rio Pineapple Beach Embroidered Maxi Dress, $, available at Farm Rio


Mac Duggal Ieena Floral Chiffon Gown, $, available at Saks Fifth Avenue


Simon Miller Chi Chi Dress, $, available at Shopbop


Lulus Rue Black Floral Embroidered Sequin Bodycon Mini Dress, $, available at Lulus


Madewell Linen-Blend Ruffle-Sleeve Wrap Midi Dress, $, available at Madewell


Love by Design Athen Plunging V-Neck Maxi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom Rack

Fall Wedding-Guest Cocktail or Garden Party Dresses


These cocktail dresses are perfect for destination weddings or garden party weddings set in warmer environments. Bonus: they're easy to pack, easy to style, and easy to clean afterward.

ASOS LUXE Triple Ruffle Bardot Structured Satin Mini Dress, $, available at ASOS


KIM SHUI Diamante Dress, $, available at Revolve


Quince 100% Washable Silk Slip Dress, $, available at Quince


Wayf The Angelique Strapless Tulip Gown, $, available at Nordstrom


Reformation Cassis Silk Dress, $, available at Reformation


Abercrombie & Fitch Poplin Strapless Midi Dress, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch

Fall Wedding-Guest Two-Piece Suit Outfits


Want to take your fancy skirt, shorts, or pants look to the next level? Get yourself a matching blazer for a standout coordinated wedding guest look.

Zara Tailored Lace Jacket, $, available at Zara

Zara Lace Ankle Pants, $, available at Zara


Something Navy Floral Cropped Blazer, $, available at Something Navy

Something Navy Floral Tailored Shorts, $, available at Something Navy


Mango Buttons Tweed Blazer, $, available at Mango

Mango Tweed Miniskirt, $, available at Mango

Fall Wedding-Guest Jumpsuit Outfits


For all the non-dress-wearers out there, here are a few night-out jumpsuits that are cocktail hour-ready — and will let you boogie on the dance floor all night long.

Eloquii Tie Strap Wide Leg Jumpsuit, $, available at Eloquii


Karen Millen Satin Back Crepe Halter Jumpsuit, $, available at KAREN MILLEN


H&M V-Neck Satin Jumpsuit, $, available at H&M


Mac Duggal Pleated Long Sleeve Gown, $, available at Bloomingdale's


Reformation Midleton Dress, $, available at Reformation


Madewell (Re)sourced Georgette Button-Front Mini Dress in Adorable Ditsy, $, available at Madewell


Daisy Street belted blazer in corduroy, $, available at ASOS

Daisy Street cigarette pants in corduroy, $, available at ASOS


Abercrombie and Fitch Single-Breasted Blazer, $, available at Abercrombie and Fitch

Abercrombie and Fitch Wide Strap Squareneck Top, $, available at Abercrombie and Fitch

Abercrombie and Fitch Elevated Wide Leg Pants, $, available at Abercrombie and Fitch


Batsheva Peter Pan Collar Dress in Juniper Velvet, $, available at Batsheva


Buenos Ninos Women's Long Sleeve Chiffon Maxi Dress with Belt, $, available at Amazon


Lulus Toast to You Flutter Sleeve Jumpsuit, $, available at Nordstrom


Lovers and Friends Matilda Mini Dress, $, available at Revolve


Farm Rio black mini pineapples jumpsuit, $, available at Farm Rio


Cynthia Rowley Tee Jersey Organza Ruffle Dress, $, available at Shopbop


Alexia Admor V-Neck Puff Sleeve Dress, $, available at Nordstrom Rack


Goya Goya Mini Dress, $, available at Wolf & Badger

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

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18 Of The Best Messenger Bags For Your Work & Travel Needs

Messenger bags are trending, whether it's because back-to-school shopping has begun, workers are looking for new commuter bags, or travelers are searching for personal item bag alternatives. Whether you're in the market for a classic leather messenger bag or a casual canvas messenger bag, we've compiled some of the best ones out there to get you from point A to point Z in style.

We've sourced traditional flap-over crossbody messenger bags (for men and women) along with more modern interpretations, including carryalls, totes, laptop bags, and briefcases (all with crossbody straps for that messenger feel). So if you're looking to securely store your essentials in a tried-and-true style, scroll on to find some of the best messenger bags for travel, work, and everything in between.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

For more can't-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.

Best Messenger Bags


Get yourself a messenger bag that does it all (aka holds your laptop, journal, passport, wallet, and the lot). These traditional styles have front flaps, roomy interior and exterior pockets, and adjustable crossbody straps for the perfect fit. Choose between sleek leather messenger bags that you'll want to wear to the office and durable ones that you can throw onto a train or carry onto a plane.

Shop Leatherology

Leatherology Laptop Messenger Bag, $, available at Leatherology

Bostanten Mizuki Leather Messenger Briefcase


Shop Bostanten

Bostanten Mizuki Leather Messenger Briefcase, $, available at Bostanten

Rothco Classic Canvas Messenger Bag


Shop Amazon

Rothco Classic Canvas Messenger Bag, $, available at Amazon

Mark & Graham Leather Messenger Bag


Shop Mark & Graham

Mark & Graham Leather Messenger Bag, $, available at Mark & Graham

Everlane The ReNew Transit Messenger


Shop Everlane

Everlane The ReNew Transit Messenger, $, available at Everlane

Troubadour Vegan Leather Messenger Bag


Shop Troubadour



Troubadour Vegan Leather Messenger Bag, $, available at Troubadour

L.L. Bean Comfort Carry Messenger Bag


Shop L.L. Bean

L.L. Bean Comfort Carry Messenger Bag, $, available at L.L. Bean

Samsonite Classic Leather Flapover Bag


Shop Samsonite

Samsonite Classic Leather Flapover Bag, $, available at Samsonite

Timbuk2 Custom Classic Messenger Bag


Shop Timbuk2

Timbuk2 Custom Classic Messenger Bag, $, available at Timbuk2

Best Messenger Bag Alternatives


If you're in the market for the functionality of a messenger bag but want a more fashionable look, we've curated alternatives. These include real and faux leather tote bags, super-roomy laptop bags, modern briefcases, and large carryalls that can be worn as crossbody styles for a secure fit. From everyday styles to more elevated ones, pick a bag that will fit your lifestyle and needs.

Shop Dagne Dover

Dagne Dover Wade Neoprene Diaper Tote, $, available at Dagne Dover

Madewell The Transport Shoulder Crossbody Bag


Shop Madewell

Madewell The Transport Shoulder Crossbody Bag, $, available at Madewell

FP Movement Quilted Carryall


Shop Free People

FP Movement Quilted Carryall, $, available at Free People

KROSER Laptop Messenger Shoulder Bag


Shop Amazon

KROSER Laptop Messenger Shoulder Bag, $, available at Amazon

Calpak Haven Laptop Tote Bag


Shop Calpak



Calpak Haven Laptop Tote Bag, $, available at Calpak

Béis The Work Tote


Shop Béis

Béis The Work Tote, $, available at Béis

Bellroy Tokyo Work Bag


Shop Bellroy

Bellroy Tokyo Work Bag, $, available at Bellroy

ECOSUSI Sombre Vintage Briefcase


Shop ECOSUSI

ECOSUSI Sombre Vintage Briefcase, $, available at ECOSUSI

Baggu Large Nylon Crescent Bag


Shop Baggu

Baggu Large Nylon Crescent Bag, $, available at Baggu

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