"Wedding season” is generally considered summer, but the most popular months to say “I do” are actually in the fall. Maybe it’s the foliage or the much-anticipated relief from the heat, but fall weddings 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 a dress or pantsuit that’s dressy while still feeling seasonally appropriate is deceptively difficult. But we’re here to help.
Fear not, because ahead are 20 statement-making wedding guest dresses that are both festive in color and design, plus suitable for the dipping temperatures. These fall ensembles especially feature autumnal floral prints, long-sleeve silhouettes, and sultry satin fabrics. Your perfect fall wedding guest dress is just a click away, whether you’re looking for an elegant gown for a black-tie affair or a trendy plus-size wedding guest dress for an outdoor ceremony. Uncover a plethora of new fall dresses for every dress code, waiting for you to celebrate and dance the night away in the months ahead.
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There’s really only one prerequisite for a dress to be appropriate for a black-tie wedding, and that’s simply that it’s floor-length. Luckily, there are tons of stunning floor-length gowns perfect for the cooler weather from Refinery29 reader-favorite retailers. Check out this trendy drop-waist dress from Free People, or scroll on to find gemstone-hued gowns from retailers like Nordstrom, Reformation, and more. Look out for interesting details like voluminous sleeves, drop waists, thigh-high slits, and matching scarves to stand out from the crowd and get you on the best-dressed list.
Birdy Grey Shiny Satin Kira Dress, $, available at Birdy Grey
Fall Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses
Cocktail attire is one of the most popular special-occasion dress codes, offering a balance between formal and casual style, and allowing you to effortlessly go from day to night. This opens up your options to more silhouettes, hemline lengths, fabrics, prints, and embellishments. For the fall, we recommend looking for tried-and-true midi dresses (but you can also seek more casual maxi dresses or more formal mini dresses). We’re personally eyeing midi cocktail dresses with skin-baring details like plunging necklines, statement cutouts, and dramatic slits.
Zara Wrinkled Satin Effect Halter Dress, $, available at Zara
Fall Casual Wedding Guest Dresses
If your upcoming fall weddings are on the casual end of the spectrum, you can likely pull a dress from your closet or find one at a non-astronomical price. For daytime nuptials or casual venues, like restaurants or breweries, reach for mini and midi dresses in unexpected fabrics like crepe de chine or poplin, and look out for playful details like stripes, puff sleeves, smocked bodices, and bows. Consider going for elevated tank dresses or milkmaid dresses that can be styled multiple ways for different celebrations (or even be worn to the office).
Quince Washable Stretch Silk Tank Midi Dress, $, available at Quince
Fall Outdoor Wedding Guest Dresses
You may have attended a beach wedding this summer, but outdoor fall weddings could instead take place at backyard gardens, lakeside forests, refurbished barns, or rooftop bars. For those, you’ll want to consider carting up a wedding guest dress that has a high neckline, long sleeves, and/or a maxi skirt to account for the cooler weather. You can also look for bold prints like snakeskin and florals, or unexpected fabrics like heavier linens and knitted mesh. Then pair your look with trusty ballet flats or cowboy boots for the outdoor terrain, and comfortably dance the night away.
Ganni Black Floral Minidress, $, available at SSENSE
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.
Ramy Brook Tara Button Down Mini Dress, $, available at Ramy BrookShop City Chic At Nordstrom
City Chic Sequin Stripe One-Shoulder Long Sleeve Dress, $, available at NordstromShop LoveShackFancy
LoveShackFancy Natasha Mini Dress, $, available at loveshackfancy
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.
Summersalt The Countryside Poplin Button Down Midi Dress, $, available at Summersalt
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.
Reformation Tommie Knit Dress, $, available at ReformationShop Kim Shui At SSENSE
KIM SHUI SSENSE Exclusive Brown Maxi Dress, $, available at SSENSEShop River Island
River Island Black Sequin Halter Neck Maxi Dress, $, available at River Island
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.
In terms of size and fit Free People also ticks all the right boxes. If you’re petite and endlessly have to hem your jeans, you’ll be glad to know that We The Free offers almost all its bestselling designs with a short 32-inch inseam, whereas all our tall friends out there can opt for a longer, 34-inch inseam (so you can avoid that awkward ankle gap).
Personally, it’s We The Free’s CRVY fit collection that has been a denim-sent savior (all the same designs as the regular lineup; no sad jeggings with little support and structure here!). Made for sizes 24 to 35, the CRVY pieces are designed with a 12-inch difference between the hips and waist, as opposed to the industry standard 10-inch. Perfect for navigating the too-tight-waist, baggy-bottom dilemma I often face when it comes to jeans.
Not sure where to start your Free People denim shop? We’ve rounded up nine jeans we think are worthy of best-seller status.
The bigger, the better when it comes to these billowy, extra-wide jeans. Instead of looking like you’re swamped with fabric, the waistline is fitted just like a classic pair and hugs your bum, whilst the nifty pleating draws attention down the leg; looking more like a flowy denim skirt than pants. For any petite shoppers, be sure to click through the different color options — only some come in the short inseam option.
Imagine a paper bag, tapered at the top and bottom; flowy in the middle. Now translate that into denim and you get the Lotus jeans, which are way more stylish and flattering than I’ve made them sound — especially thanks to those patch-style front pockets.
These are the jeans I reach for the most often, simply because they are so comfortable. They’re the ideal middle ground between my off-duty sweats and ‘real clothes’. I’ll be swapping out my linen pants for Lotus jeans once the temperatures drop for easy, but put-together WFH ‘fits.
Slim fitting in all the right places and with just the right amount of flare, this curve-hugging style doesn’t just look super flattering, they’re also super comfortable to wear. The medium-weight denim is thick enough to offer support, but has enough stretch to move with you and not restrict. Plus, as part of the CRVY line, the back rises slightly when you sit down, which means they don’t gape when you sit down.
Wide-leg jeans don’t always have to mean flowing fabric from each leg, as the Libre pants prove. These are more on the refined, straight-leg end of the denim spectrum, but with all the stretch that we’ve come to expect from and love about Free People denim.
If you’re not ready to let go of slim-fitting, skinny-style denim, may I suggest We The Free’s Vintage Straight-Leg Jeans? They will fulfill all your body-fitting and bootie-hugging needs, but with a little more stretch and give for all-day comfort (plus, without any of the too-tight, knee- and ankle-bunching tendencies of skinny jeans).
I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect dark blue wash, straight-leg, vintage jeans to wear with ballet flats, a cropped knit and trench coat (I’m always very inspired by Jeanne Damas for fall fashion). Unfortunately, everything I’ve found whilst thrifting has been teeny, tiny and won’t even go over my thighs, let alone my bum and waist; and is way too long in the leg (imagine a kid trying on their mom’s pants and trailing around the house vibes). The Tinsley Baggy High-Rises in the short in-seam are satisfying my cravings — French girl fall chic, here I come!
Remember when it wasn’t considered cool to cuff your jeans? Luckily, we’re over all that malarkey — especially when it comes to these bad boys. Just look at that statement cuff! These definitely run big, fyi, so I would suggest sizing down for the low-slung hip look.
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Ever stand in front of your jam-packed wardrobe, staring at more than enough clothing options, and think: I have nothing to wear? Same. But perhaps the issue isn’t that you’re out of viable outfit choices. You just need a fresh dose of inspiration — say:outfits for hot weather, perhaps — to help you see your wardrobe in a new way. That’s where Outfit Dump comes in. We supply you with enough ideas to fuel your style until the next drop comes along.
Dreaming up the ideal summer vacation is fuel that keeps us going while navigating dreary bouts of weather, endless work deadlines and the stress of being a human. The only thing better? Planning all the warm-weather outfits you’ll be wearing on said vacay. The most prominent summer fashion trends — ranging from surprisingly versatile scarves to pretty and nostalgic milkmaid dresses — leave a lot of room for you to experiment and have fun with your wardrobe. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the most covetable looks filling our IG feeds to provide a little inspo.
Vacation outfit idea: pretty lace
Lacy, lingerie-esque pieces have been on-trend for months now, which makes your summer holiday the time to jump on board if you haven’t already. Add a pretty white floral embellishment and you’re ready for whatever the day ahead holds.
Vacation outfit idea: elevated halter dress
Dress up your everyday beachwear with a more sophisticated take on a summer classic. This soft yellow tweed halter dress leans into this year’s increasingly popular butter yellow trend.
Proof that it’s possible to combine multiple trends without doing too much, this holiday-ready look combines some of this season’s favorites: see-through layers, crochet fabrics and ballet pumps.
Vacation outfit idea: breezy whites
Crisp, breezy white fabrics are a summertime staple every season for a reason. This matching set helps the look feel more put-together. Why not treat yourself to this iteration from Reformation?
Vacation outfit idea: chic sun protection
Consider this floral maxi dress and not-too-big hat your sign that protecting yourself from the sun’s rays can be fashionable. Here at Refinery29, we’re in agreement that sun protection is always chic.
Vacation outfit idea: mix-and-match swimwear
Mix and match your fave swimsuit with a contrasting coverup to add a playful element to your poolside outfit.
Vacation outfit idea: summer black
Edgy, cool shades of black for summer on a scorching-hot beach? You bet. Why not combine trends and opt for a black drop-waist dress like this one from Free People?
Shine as bright as the summer sun and keep the good vibes going in head-to-toe neon. Extra Brat points if you opt for a neon green.
Vacation outfit idea: butter yellow
Pick almost any trend and you’ll instantly find it in a delicious butter yellow. Drop waist? The Eden Strapless Maxi Dress will see you through all summer weddings. Tennis core? The ASOS Design Polo Dress will have you channeling your inner Zendaya. Co-ord style? Look no further than the Dancing Queen Co-Ord. Simply take your pick and then bask in the inevitable compliments that come rolling in.
Vacation outfit idea: ultra casual
Nothing says “I’m on holiday and have zero responsibilities for a week” like an oversized graphic tee and a bag big enough to fit the entire contents of your suitcase. If you’re looking for luxury, Ganni is the GOAT for graphic tees in comfy organic cotton. For cheaper options, scour the virtual shelves of H&M.
Vacation outfit idea: denim on denim
Following on from spring’s Western trend, which saw cowboy boots and hats galore, double denim is bigger than ever. Make like a fashion insider and play with different shapes, textures, brands and drapes.
Vacation outfit idea: keep it sporty
From Challengers to Wimbledon to the Olympics, it really is the summer of sport and #tenniscore. Keep it simple with a tennis skirt and a fitted tank. If it’s good enough for Zendaya…
Vacation outfit idea: jorts
Last year it was all about the Bermuda short. This year it’s all about the jort. Play with shape and proportion by pairing your favorite oversized jean shorts with a fitted top.
Vacation outfit idea: denim maxi skirt
Denim maxi skirts resurfaced last summer and still reign supreme. Keep things weather-appropriate and casual by styling yours with a white tank top and a pair of cute yet functional trainers.
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All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
The summer isn’t quite over yet, and neither are the summer sales. Just see: Reformation’s much-anticipated annual summer sale. The Refinery29 reader-favorite brand, known for its luxe sustainable clothing, just discounted a large assortment of styles, and we’re screaming it from the rooftops!
But note that these final-sale items will only be marked down for a limited time (or while supplies last), so be sure to fill your virtual shopping carts and get to saving ASAP.
Reformation Summer Sale Dresses
Still looking to add one or two more summer dresses to your wardrobe for last-minute getaways, remaining hot-weather weddings, or anything in between? Well, Reformation has many dresses on sale for all of those occasions — and more. Many of them are linen dresses in mini, midi, and maxi lengths, which make for especially great options as the weather teeters between warm and chilly in the fall.
Reformation Summer Sale Denim
Reformation has several denim styles in select washes on sale right now. Celebrate the rest of summer with not-so-basic jorts or a chic denim skirt. And prepare for the fall with a new pair of wide-leg jeans that will continue to be the silhouette of the season or a dressy denim jumpsuit in place of standard overalls.
Reformation Summer Sale Tops & Sweaters
There is no better time to stock up on everyday tops with elevated details, like a structured corset top, lace-trimmed tank, or shimmery long-sleeve tee. It’s also time to prepare for the cooler weather and curate your cardi collection. Luckily, Reformation has tons of cashmere cardigans on sale right now that can be worn on their own or layered over your other Reformation tops.
Reformation Summer Sale Sets
We personally love matching sets — a core “European Summer” trend — because they can be worn together or as separates, making them super versatile. Currently, we’re eyeing Reformation’s skirt sets in fabrics ranging from lightweight linen to heavier cashmere and trendy gingham. Style the crop tops for the rest of summer and easily wear the skirts year-round.
Reformation Summer Sale Shoes & Handbags
The cherry on top of any summer or fall outfit is the accessories. In this case, you can style your looks with discounted leather handbags (think: chic crossbody bags and spacious bucket bags) and summer-to-fall shoes (kitten heels, wedding guest shoes, and cowboy boots).
