"Wedding season” is often associated with summer, but the most popular months to say “I do” actually fall later in the year. Maybe it’s the foliage or the welcome relief from the heat, but fall weddings are definitely a thing. While the colorful leaves make for stunning wedding photos, finding fall wedding guest dresses can be tricky. The goal: something elevated, seasonally appropriate, and comfortable enough to carry you through hours of celebrating (and dancing).
Ahead, we’ve rounded up 24 statement-making fall wedding guest dresses that work for dipping temperatures (think: maxi lengths, long sleeves, and rich fabrics) and every kind of venue (think: luxe halls, breweries, or lakeside). Expect autumnal florals, sweet puff sleeves, and slinky satin picks. Whether you need an elegant gown for a black-tie affair or are craving a trendy plus-size dress for a casual ceremony, your perfect look is just a click away.
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While floor-length gowns are a common go-to for black-tie weddings, luxe fabrications, intricate detailing, and statement silhouettes can make an ankle-grazing dress just as fitting. This season, look for off-the-shoulder necklines, billowing sleeves, and lots of sparkle to stand out from the crowd and land you on the best-dressed list.
Reformation Drizzle Dress, $, available at Reformation
Asos Design Curve Satin Halter Maxi Dress
ASOS DESIGN Curve Satin Halter Maxi Dress, $, available at ASOS
Pomander Place Black Marisol Dress
Pomander Place Black Marisol Dress, $, available at Tuckernuck
Hutch Iris Off-the-Shoulder Floral Maxi Dress
Hutch Iris Off-the-Shoulder Floral Maxi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Bec & Bridge Deija Off Shoulder Maxi Dress
Bec & Bridge Deija Off Shoulder Maxi Dress, $, available at Shopbop
Lulus Plisse One-Shoulder Mai Dress
Lulus Plisse One-Shoulder Maxi Dress, $, available at Lulus
Adrianna Papell Plus Size Linear Bead Cape Column Gown
Adrianna Papell Plus Size Linear Bead Cape Column Gown, $, available at Adrianna Papell
Mac Duggal Beaded High Neck Bishop Sleeve Satin Gown
Mac Duggal Beaded High Neck Bishop Sleeve Satin Gown, $, available at Mac Duggal
Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses
Cocktail attire hits that sweet spot between formal and casual, which is why it’s one of the most popular special-occasion dress codes. This opens up your options to plenty of silhouettes, fabrics, and embellishments. For the fall, try satin midi dresses, sheer maxis, and sleek slip dresses. Also consider not-too-summery floral prints and cape- or scarf-like accents. These styles transition effortlessly from afternoon soirees to nighttime events with the right shoes and accessories.
Free People Star Gazer Maxi Dress, $, available at Free People
The Occasion by Old Navy Twist-Front Jersey Midi Dress, $, available at Old Navy
ASTR The Label Blythe Metallic Pleated Midi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
Never Fully Dressed Plisse Desiree Dress
Never Fully Dressed Plisse Desiree Dress, $, available at Never Fully Dressed
Mare Mare Satin Scarf Mini Dress
Mare Mare Satin Scarf Mini Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Eloquii Plus Hardware Detail Cape Maxi Dress
Eloquii Plus Hardware Detail Cape Maxi Dress, $, available at Eloquii
For casual weddings — especially daytime ceremonies and laid-back venues like restaurants or breweries — you can keep things relaxed without losing the festive touch. Think cotton poplins, plaid or polka dots, smocked bodices, frilled sleeves, or even a milkmaid dress that you can rewear for other occasions (like holiday parties... or even to the office).
Hill House Home The Samantha Dress, $, available at Hill House Home
Gap Lace-Trim V-Neck Crepe Maxi Dress
Gap Lace-Trim V-Neck Crepe Maxi Dress, $, available at Gap
Coach Outlet Short Dress With Puff Sleeves In Organic Cotton
Coach Outlet Short Dress With Puff Sleeves In Organic Cotton, $, available at Coach Outlet
Babaton Audience Satin Dress
Babaton Audience Satin Dress, $, available at Aritzia
