"Wedding season” is often associated with summer, but some of 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- and weather-appropriate, and comfortable enough to carry you through hours of celebrating (and dancing).
Ahead, we’ve rounded up 21 statement-making fall wedding guest dresses that work for dipping temperatures (think: maxi lengths, long sleeves, high necklines, and rich fabrics) and every kind of venue (like luxe halls, breweries, and lakeside). Expect velvet gowns, autumnal printed midis, and ruffled minis (plus the occasional trendy red and fringe dress). So, whether you need an elegant gown for a black-tie affair or are craving a versatile fall 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 more intriguing. This season, look for high-neck gowns, flared sleeves, and festive fabrics like sequins, velvet, or lace. These picks will no doubt help you stand out from the crowd and land you on the best-dressed list.
Reformation Legacy Gown, $, available at Reformation
Lulus Strapless Bustier Maxi Dress
Lulus Strapless Bustier Maxi Dress, $, available at Lulus
Quince Catalina Stretch Satin Dress
Quince Catalina Stretch Satin Dress, $, available at Quince
Mac Duggal Mock Neck Long Sleeve Lace Gown
Mac Duggal Mock Neck Long Sleeve Lace Gown, $, available at Mac Duggal
Camila Coelho Sleeveless Polka Dot Gown
Camila Coelho Sleeveless Polka Dot Gown, $, available at Marshalls
Tibi Matte Satin Plisse Maxi Bias Dress, $, available at Tibi
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 fall, try satin midi dresses, fringe and cape-sleeve minis, or even a convertible neckline design. Also consider fall-appropriate bat prints (yes, seriously!) or 3D roses. The styles ahead transition effortlessly from afternoon ceremonies to nighttime receptions with the right heels and accessories.
Petal & Pup Naira Pleated Maxi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
Fall Casual Wedding Guest Dresses
For casual weddings — especially daytime ceremonies and laid-back venues, like restaurants or breweries — you can keep things more relaxed without losing the festive touch. Think: mini or maxi dresses with textural ruffles, slightly sheer fabrics, or fall floral prints in versatile silhouettes that you can rewear for other occasions (like holiday parties... or even to the office).
Old Navy x Altuzarra Scarf Maxi Dress, $, available at Old Navy
Damson Madder Reed Ruffle Mini Dress
Damson Madder Reed Ruffle Mini Dress, $, available at Damson Madder
Free-est Marsai Maxi Dress
free-est Marsai Maxi Dress, $, available at Free People
Taylor Ruffle Hem Mini Cocktail Dress
Taylor Ruffle Hem Mini Cocktail Dress, $, available at Tj Maxx
Zara Flocked Asymmetric Dress
Zara Flocked Asymmetric Dress, $, available at Zara
Never Fully Dressed Poppy Spot Aria Mesh Dress
Never Fully Dressed Poppy Spot Aria Mesh Dress, $, available at Never Fully Dressed
Adrianna Papell Satin Lapel Stretch Tuxedo Mini Dress
Adrianna Papell Satin Lapel Stretch Tuxedo Mini Dress, $, available at Adrianna Papell
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
I’ve been a TJ Maxx and Marshalls fan for as long as I can remember (TJ Maxx was my first retail job, after all). In person, I love to scour the racks for deals like a treasure hunt. Online, I can take more time and refine my search. Either way, it’s always guaranteed that I cart up a new purse, cardigan, boot, or literally any new fashion fixation every time I peruse. TJ Maxx and Marshalls simply always deliver for me.
But you don’t have to take my word for it. I chatted with some TJ Maxx and Marshalls style experts who shared their love of the retailers as well as their tips for shopping there and building outfits that you actually love. Trend forecaster and content creator Mandy Lee and celebrity stylist and creative director Erin Walsh sat down to talk transitional-weather staples, fall fashion trends, and styling tips to fully honor your personal style… and get the most bang for your buck!
“It’s funny with fashion. I think so many people think that it’s a luxury, but one of my favorite things about working with TJ Maxx and Marshalls is showing that fashion is not a luxury. It’s, like, the ultimate democratizing thing,” Walsh tells Refinery29. “We all have to get dressed in the morning. It’s not about buying something expensive. It’s about buying something that connects you with that feeling of the person you want to be.”
So who do you want to be? Lee explains: “The act of getting dressed every day is a really beautiful and powerful act of self-care in a way, but also, it teaches you so much about your style.” And her 75 Hard style challenge, which encourages taking a break from shopping and reassessing your closet, has taught her to shop for the gaps in her wardrobe. “I knew I needed a plain black mini skirt. So I went to the TJ Maxx on Sixth right after the challenge was done. It teaches you what you need to stretch your wardrobe further.”
In addition to minimal staple pieces, Lee recommends carting up accessories to personalize your wardrobe and play with trends. “I love the wedge trend. So I think how a wedge will translate into the fall will be exciting,” she says, adding: “A feathered or wood bag vibe for the fall would be really cool, too.”
She also believes that the maximalism we saw on the streets and runways this summer will carry into the cooler months. “The biggest theme I noticed for the fall season is that everything has movement, everything has texture, lots of shine, lots of color.” So consider a chunky sequined cocktail dress for shine and texture or a satin scarf top for flowy movement.
Another hot tip for elevating your wardrobe (without breaking the bank) is to peruse TJ Maxx’s Runway section, which features designer brands (like Burberry and Jason Wu) at steep discounts. “I’m a fashion girl, so I start off in the Runway section,” Walsh reveals. “I find great transitional pieces there. I tend to think in terms of lightweight jackets and tossing a knit over my shoulders. I love sweater vests. And you can play around either in a monochromatic way or use that as a color pop.”
Walsh adds that for fall, she gravitates towards chunky metal jewelry as well as houndstooth and checkered prints. But her sneakiest, smartest tip may be this: “I’m not opposed to going snooping in the men’s section and get something oversized to mix in.” Think: fall cardigans and chunky sweaters for extra coziness.
“In my book, the whole method of what I’m offering to the world is this ethos of honoring yourself every day by asking: ‘How do I want to feel? What is the intention of the person I want to be?'” Because of that, she says that you should shop for pieces that serve you, including future you. “I love fashion as a means for manifestation, a tool for embodying the best version of yourself, to reconnect with your personal joy and connect with community because what you wear embodies the story that you’re telling to the world.”
So, go on and tell your story, manifest your best life (and wardrobe), and indulge in a little TLC retail therapy.
Welcome to Refinery29 Loves, the monthly news bulletin where you’ll find the best things to shop and see in fashion and beauty right now.
Wake me up when September ends, but this isn’t the opening of a Green Day song — it’s the latest installment of R29 Loves, our monthly roundup of the fashion and beauty launches that had our editors shouting from the proverbial rooftops. And with October officially here, we’re fully leaning into the season’s cozy era: crisp mornings, sweater weather, and the annual urge to make our entire lives feel a little more autumnal.
In our carts and closets this month, that means scented hand serums for keeping dry skin at bay, reversible outerwear for when we're feeling a little indecisive, layerable polos for peak transitional dressing, and plenty more fall-ready finds. Consider this your shortcut to the things our editors are actually loving right now — keep clicking to discover your next addition to cart.
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. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Sluff Body Wash Eucalyptus
"As a beauty editor, I’ll admit that my standards for product testing are steep. However, what I could’ve never predicted was that my husband (a busy doctor who barely has time to wash his face in the morning) would be ever harder to impress; that changed when I tried Sluff, a new K-beauty body brand founded by a fellow beauty editor, Christina Han. Sluff is heavily inspired by traditional Korean bathhouse treatments (namely, body exfoliation via a textured cloth or mitt), but the standout product in my household was the Eucalyptus Body Wash, which my husband is calling “the best body wash in the world.” He is correct — I couldn’t have dreamed up a better formula if I tried. First off, the plush gel texture and gently pumice and charcoal powder (no microbeads here) feel incredible on skin and not the least bit drying. Then, there’s the scent, which doesn’t smell like artificial or medicinal but rather crisp and invigorating. (If I closed my eyes and inhaled, I would believe that a real eucalyptus plant was hanging from my showerhead.) It’s made me actively look forward to showering, and I have since stocked up since somebody can’t seem to stop stealing it from my bathroom..." — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Beauty Writer
"As much as I love the idea of a thick, buttery hand cream, the reality is that they tend to leave a greasy mess in their wake; phone screens, computer keyboards…it’s just not the best. This is why I absolutely love a hand serum, and Oak Essentials’ new one has been my go-to as of late. I recently reviewed a ton of the brand’s products, and they absolutely nail it with the scents and textures. The Antioxidant Hand Serum has the brand’s signature Cashmere Musk fragrance, which has notes of comforting lavender, warm musk, and earthy vetiver, making it a treat to use, and much more elevated than most hand creams. (It’s also packed with rosehip oil and a botanical stem cell complex to help hands look and feel better over time.) Best of all, it nourishes dry skin but absorbs quickly, allowing me to get on with my day. No wonder it’s always within hands' reach these days. " — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Beauty Writer
Oak Essentials Antioxidant Hand Serum, $, available at Oak Essentials
Tirtir Tinted Skin Glow Cushion
"I’m a fan of the viral Tirtir Mask Fit Red Cushion, so when I heard about the brand’s new Tinted Skin Glow Cushion, I knew I had to try it. While the red compact packs buildable, medium-to-full coverage, the Skin Glow Cushion is more like a skin tint in compact form: sheer, but still enough to even out my complexion beautifully. With “glow” in the name, I expected a much dewier finish (and was fully prepared to set it with powder), but I was pleasantly surprised by the blurred, satin finish and gorgeous hint of sheen. I’m not sure how the brand did it, but a tiny amount creates a veil of coverage that lasts all day — and, as with all cushions, the lightweight texture and skincare benefits make it incredibly comfortable to wear. My complexion doesn’t look or feel like I’m wearing a ton of makeup, but it’s instantly brighter and more even. As we head into the cooler months, I’ll be buying a backup." — Karina Hoshikawa, Senior Beauty Writer
TIRTIR TINTED SKIN GLOW CUSHION, $, available at Amazon
Prada Paradoxe Sweet Chemistry Eau de Parfum
"It’s dangerous for my wallet that there’s a Sephora store as soon as I get off my subway stop. This Prada Paradoxe Sweet Chemistry Eau de Parfum was recently featured in our September fragrances roundup and was a surprise impulse buy for me after testing it in store. It has a subtle blackcurrant, fruity scent that lasts without being overpowering or too sweet. I usually gravitate towards clean citrus/bergamot scents, but this one has become a new favorite for fall. And I really love the shape of this bottle—easy to spray and go." — Lisa Dionisio, Newsletter Director
Prada Paradoxe Sweet Chemistry Eau de Parfum, $, available at Sephora
SAYLOR Willamae Dress
"Western-inspired women’s clothing brand SAYLOR just dropped its fall collection, and there’s one piece I’m quite literally obsessed with: the Willamae Dress. Its high neckline and combination of denim and brown suede give autumn, while its mini length and sleeveless silhouette make it perfect for a Florida fall — you know, when you’re cosplaying the season with pumpkin spiced candles but it’s still 90 degrees outside." — Raquel Reichard, Director, Somos
"Lately, I’ve been trying to add a little dash of color to my wardrobe, something that stands out amid the black, brown, and white garments I usually wear. So, I’m excited to bring my new olive green Melida Set with me on an upcoming trip to Mexico. The asymmetrical, off-the-shoulder top and mid-rise foldover waistband add a touch of romance, while the rich olive hue helps me ease into color without straying too far from my usual neutrals." — Raquel Reichard, Director, Somos
Summer Away Melida Set, $, available at Summer Away
Beek Sabine Bucket Bag
"Women-founded footwear brand beek has expanded into handbags, and we’re all better because of it. Perfect for fall, I’ll be carrying its olive-colored Sabine Bucket Bag on some upcoming work trips. At 16 1/4” x 12 3/4” x 6 3/4”, it’s spacious enough to fit my laptop, journal, books, blue-light glasses, and other essentials, while its relaxed suede silhouette and gold-tone hardware make it both timeless and just right for the season." — Raquel Reichard, Director, Somos
"I basically get blisters from most shoes, and especially ballet flats, so I barely wear them. But when I came across these open-back Mary Jane flats, I was intrigued. Of course, I wondered if the jelly material would also give me blisters, but I’ve heard so many people praise Cushionaire shoes, so I pre-ordered them. And they have quickly become an unexpected favorite. I brought them on my European vacation for long walking days (with my own pair of silicone heel pads added for extra support) and found them super comfortable and versatile. I wore them in Paris with a polka dot midi dress, in London with barrel pants, and in Amsterdam with a pair of funky socks. And guess what, they didn’t leave me with any blisters!" — Victoria Montalti, Senior Fashion Commerce Writer
Cushionaire Java Jelly Mary Jane Flats with Adjustable Strap, $, available at Amazon
Levi’s Supersoft Long-Sleeve Polo
"During NYFW, there were many gifting suites, but the one I knew I had to go to was for Levi’s. I surprised myself by not being drawn to the denim, but rather the knitwear. I picked this striped collared polo top. I like that it’s slightly cropped, not too oversized, and perfectly preppy for the fall. So far, I’ve paired it with dark barrel jeans and burgundy sneakers but can see myself styling it with trousers and loafers too." — Victoria Montalti, Senior Fashion Commerce Writer
Levi's Supersoft Long-Sleeve Polo, $, available at Levi's
Damson Madder Marcelle Reversible Barn Jacket
"Since I started at Refinery29, my colleagues in the UK always praised Damson Madder in our monthly editors' picks roundups, and so I started digging into the brand and recommending it to readers, especially for the brand’s outerwear. I had never personally tried it (mostly because I hate paying for international shipping) but when I went to London recently, my one mission was to try Damson Madder. I found it in Selfridges and had a field day trying on the latest styles (and figuring out my sizing for future online orders). I wound up falling in love with these reversible barn jacket. It’s basically a two-in-one item, giving me the most bang for my buck. There’s the patchwork khaki side and the reversed all-over red plaid side, which I’ve already worn out. I think it may just be the perfect fall jacket." — Victoria Montalti, Senior Fashion Commerce Writer
Damson Madder Marcelle Reversible Barn Jacket, $, available at Damson Madder
Jenny Bird Renzo Ring
"I ride or die for Jenny Bird jewelry. I have a pretty substantial collection now of silver and gold chunky jewelry from Jenny Bird, but the latest comes from the brand's pre-fall Swirls collection. This chunky swirly ring is so beautiful and cool, and easy to wear on its own or to elevate a ring stack. Note: It also comes in a double ring design, which loops around two fingers, for an even bolder look." — Victoria Montalti, Senior Fashion Commerce Writer
"Pre-NYFW, I just knew I needed more purple in my closet… and the shows only confirmed that, with the shade being a major color trend. So after Hutch offered samples from its new collection, I was eager to request this printed pleated skirt. I actually wore this skirt during NYFW, and it was a big hit with my peers. On quite a hot day, I paired it with a halter top, belt bag, and sneakers, but for the fall, I can’t wait to style it with a brown or green sweater and suede booties. Note: Based on the size chart, I ordered an XL, but it was loose around my waist so I folded over the waistband and added a belt, so I would recommend sizing down." — Victoria Montalti, Senior Fashion Commerce Writer
