Rhiannon Hendricks
When it comes to fall wedding guest dresses, there are many factors to consider, from the dress code and season to the month and climate. It's essential to choose an outfit that aligns with the formality of the venue and the wedding theme. For example, a black-tie wedding calls for a full-length evening gown or a fancy cocktail dress, while a semi-formal wedding can be the perfect opportunity to wear a flowy wrap dress. As a general rule for fall weddings, it's a good idea to embrace the season's earthy colours, rich hues, and luxe fabrics such as velvet. Statement earrings and shimmery jacquard can add a touch of glamour to your look, and don't forget to layer with a lightweight shawl, blazer, or cozy wrap to stay comfortable throughout the celebration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Season | Autumn/Fall |
| Dress Code | Depends on the invitation; black-tie, formal, semi-formal, casual |
| Colors | Earthy, orange, jewel tones, burgundy, rose, blush, lavender, black |
| Fabric | Satin, sequins, jacquard, lace, velvet |
| Style | Flowy, wrap, full-length, midi, off-the-shoulder, long-sleeve |
| Accessories | Heels, sparkly jewellery, statement earrings, clutch bag |
| Layering | Shawl, blazer, faux fur wrap |
| Footwear | Kitten-heel sandals, closed-toe pumps, boots |
| Don't Wear | White, colors that match the wedding party |
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What You'll Learn
Dress code: black-tie, formal, semi-formal, or casual
Black-Tie
If you've been invited to a black-tie wedding, this is your chance to go all out with a statement evening look. The main thing to keep in mind is that black-tie" generally means floor-length hemlines. You can have fun with the shape, opting for an off-the-shoulder column dress or a drop-waist jacquard number. Black is a safe bet, but you can also opt for lighter colours or inky black sequins.
Formal
For a formal fall wedding, you can opt for a velvet V-neck maxi dress with batwing sleeves or a dramatic dark red number. You can also go for a midi dress, such as a romantic off-the-shoulder neckline with puffy sleeves and a thigh-high slit, or a wine-coloured lightweight jacquard midi-dress with a sweetheart neckline and double spaghetti straps.
Semi-formal
Semi-formal attire is most appropriate for late afternoon and evening weddings. For women, this means a festive cocktail-length dress in a dressy fabric with sparkly accessories, or a dressy top and skirt in a special occasion fabric, or a dressy maxi dress. Knee-length or midi dresses are also ideal. For men, a dark suit with a nice shirt and a tie is a good choice.
Casual
For a casual fall wedding, you can opt for a comfortable and flowy mini dress with long puffy sleeves and a square neckline. You can also go for a midi dress with platform heels if the wedding is in a place like an apple orchard.
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Autumnal colours: earthy tones, orange, burgundy, and dark jewel tones
When it comes to autumnal colours, earthy tones, oranges, and burgundies are a perfect choice for a fall wedding guest dress. You can opt for a chic orange dress for October, or darker jewel tones for November. A midi-dress in a subtle jacquard pattern in a vibrant burnt orange is a unique and flattering choice. A brown satin halter midi dress is another stylish option.
For a more formal wedding, rich, darker colours like deep emerald green, black, navy, and burgundy are all appropriate. A simple, sleek, and fuss-free slip dress in burgundy is a great option, which can be paired with kitten-heel sandals or closed-toe pumps. If it's chilly, a faux-fur bolero or wrap is a perfect addition.
If you're looking for something more casual, a pretty, laid-back dress or jumpsuit is a good choice. A flowy wrap dress in a neutral colour like black or beige is a classy option, and can be paired with a stylish blazer for a little more coverage. For a warm September wedding, a lightweight flowy shawl is a great addition to any outfit.
Don't forget to layer for comfort and style, with the unpredictable temperatures of fall. Luxe fabrics like velvet are perfect for the season, and cute boots are a must!
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Don't wear white
When it comes to fall wedding guest dresses, there are plenty of options to choose from, but there is one hard and fast rule: do not wear white.
White is typically the colour of the bride, a tradition started by Queen Victoria in 1840 when she wore a plain white gown on her wedding day. Since then, it has been considered poor form for guests to wear white to a wedding, as it could be seen as an attempt to upstage the bride. There are so many other colours available, and it is simply not worth the risk of causing offence or creating an awkward situation. Even a dress that is only partially white, or in a colour similar to white, such as ivory or champagne, should be avoided.
If you have your heart set on a white dress, it is best to save it for another occasion. There are plenty of other options for fall wedding guest dresses, from rich jewel tones like emerald green and burgundy, to autumnal hues like orange and red. You can also embrace patterns, such as florals or leopard print, or opt for an off-the-shoulder silhouette. If you're unsure about the dress code, it's always a good idea to check the invitation or ask the bride directly.
Ultimately, wearing white to a wedding is considered a breach of wedding etiquette and could cause unnecessary stress or discomfort on a day that is all about celebrating the happy couple. As a guest, it is important to be mindful of this tradition and respect the bride's moment in the spotlight.
So, when choosing an outfit for a fall wedding, feel free to explore a range of colours, styles, and fabrics, but steer clear of white and anything too similar to it.
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Layering: shawls, blazers, and wraps
When attending a fall wedding, it's important to consider the month, climate, and venue of the celebration when choosing your attire. Layering with shawls, blazers, and wraps can be a great way to stay cute and comfortable throughout the ceremony.
Lightweight Shawls
If you're attending a warm September wedding or a daytime October ceremony, a lightweight, flowy shawl can be the perfect addition to your outfit. It will provide just the right amount of coverage when the breeze picks up, while also adding an elegant touch to your gown. Opt for a shawl in a neutral colour, such as black or beige, to ensure it complements your dress without overshadowing it.
Chic Blazers
For a little more coverage, a stylish blazer is a great option. A blazer will keep you polished and classy while still allowing your dress to shine. Go for an oversized or cute cropped style, and choose a neutral colour like black or beige to match the autumnal vibes.
Cozy Wraps
For chilly October or November weddings, a cozy wrap will keep you warm and stylish. A faux fur wrap is a perfect choice for a fall wedding guest dress, adding a touch of luxury to your outfit.
Statement Earrings
While not specifically a layer, statement earrings can be a great way to accessorize your look, especially if you're wearing a dress with a high neckline or an off-the-shoulder style. Feel free to go as big and glitzy as you like—there are no rules against being glamorous!
Remember, the most important factor when choosing your attire is to match the dress code on the invitation. For a black-tie optional event, a dark floor-length gown is appropriate, while a flowy wrap dress is perfect for a semi-formal wedding.
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Accessories: statement earrings, heels, sparkly jewellery
When it comes to accessories, statement earrings can be a great way to elevate your look. Opt for a pair that complements your dress and personal style. For instance, you could go for a bold, colourful pair or something more delicate and sparkly.
Heels are a popular choice for wedding guests. If you're attending a fall wedding, closed-toe heels might be a good option, and you can find styles with gorgeous details such as pearls or bows. For a timeless look, black or nude-coloured heels are versatile and can be paired with various dress styles and colours. Alternatively, a pair of black strappy sandals, or slingbacks in a timeless colour like black or tan, can be elegant and comfortable, thanks to their supportive ankle straps. For a more casual look, kitten heels are a great choice and can still be dressed up for a formal occasion.
Sparkly jewellery can add a touch of glamour to your outfit. Consider a statement necklace or a delicate bracelet with some sparkle to catch the light. You could also opt for a sparkly hair accessory, such as a headband or hairpins, to add some extra shine to your look. When choosing jewellery, consider the overall style and colour palette of your outfit to ensure a cohesive and elegant look.
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Frequently asked questions
The most important factor to consider is the dress code. Choose an outfit that matches the dress code on the invitation. If the invitation doesn't specify a dress code, use the venue as a guide. It's also important to wear something that reflects the time of year and the climate.
Earthy colours, rich hues, and darker jewel tones are all good choices for fall wedding guest dresses. Black is also a fool-proof option. It's best to avoid wearing white unless the bride has specifically requested it.
For a formal or black-tie wedding, you can opt for a full-length evening gown or a fancy cocktail dress. Rich, darker colours like emerald green, black, navy, and burgundy are all appropriate. You can also wear something whimsical or with a beautiful colour.
For a casual fall wedding, a pretty, laid-back dress or jumpsuit is a good choice. A flowy wrap dress or a simple, flowy dress with sleeves are also great options.
For a warmer fall wedding, a lightweight flowy shawl is a perfect addition to your outfit. You can also wear light and earthy colours, such as a chic orange dress.
