These Wedding Guest Dresses Are Perfect for Every Type of Fall Event—And Many Can Transition to Winter, Too (2024)

These Wedding Guest Dresses Are Perfect for Every Type of Fall Event—And Many Can Transition to Winter, Too (1)

While the winter, spring, and summer months all have their allure, there’s something particularly enchanting about attending a fall wedding. But when it comes to dressing for autumn nuptials, it can be tricky for wedding guests to find an outfit that's both stylish and season-appropriate. Fortunately, there are plenty of fall wedding guest dresses out there that are practical and fashionable—even for outdoor ceremonies.


If you’re not quite sure where to begin, “a classic co*cktail dress is a stylish and appropriate choice for a fall wedding,” says stylist Elizabeth Kosich. She also encourages you to think beyond the little black dress. “Remember it’s a festive celebration so your attire should reflect that—think flirty frocks in jewel tones, happy primary colors, or deep, rich hues that echo autumn's seasonal color palette.”


Besides the color, you want to make your dress suits the dress code and weather, which can be tricky as fall days can range from warm to chilly. When researching the best dresses, we looked for both breathable and warm materials, and a range of styles to suit all kinds of ceremonies. We’ve rounded up our favorite fall-appropriate wedding guest dresses in a variety of styles, aesthetics, and body types to make shopping easy.

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In This Article

  • Our Picks

  • What to Look For

  • FAQ

  • Why Trust Brides

For an easy, breezy, boho fall wedding guest dress, try this gorgeous Farm Rio maxi dress that’s perfect for transitional weather. It features long sleeves, a plunging v-neckline, a vintage-inspired, moody and abstract floral print, and light ruffling at the sleeve and hemlines.

Size Range: XXS-XL | Materials: Viscose | Colors: Floral/Multi

Minimalists will love the simplicity and versatility of this little black dress. It's easy to wear, flattering, and can be dressed up or down according to the dress code. While it's definitely suited for autumn events, it's also still lightweight enough to keep you comfortable on the dance floor.

Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: Viscose, Rayon | Colors: Black

What’s more whimsical than a fairytale? This "Fairytale Gown" features gossamer puff sleeves with cinched cuffs, flowy tulle organza fabric, and a high-low skirt that has a leg-baring slit front. The adjustable extended train creates even more whimsy, and the light pink print is inspired by antique French curtains. Say no more.

Size Range: XXS-6XL, Petite | Materials: Polyester | Colors: Renaissance Girl

For the guest who tends to lean towards classic styles, this halter neck silhouette will definitely complement your timeless aesthetic. It offers a twist on a classic black dress for an unexpected yet timeless look. Style it with shoulder-grazing earrings to highlight the elegant neckline.

Size Range: 0-26 | Materials: Polyester | Colors: Black, Midnight, Dusty Blue, Moss, Sedona, Champagne, Dark Berry, Dark Emerald

For a full-coverage gown that still sparkles and shines, look no further than this beaded number. This modest dress features long sleeves, a maxi hemline, and an abstract leaf pattern throughout, made of beads and sequins. Jewels dot the neckline for an added touch, and it comes in four beautiful colorways to suit your vibe.

Size Range: 4-24 | Materials: Polyester | Colors: Charcoal, Mocha, Olive, Platinum Gold

Thinking about a fun jumpsuit to shake things up? Crafted out of textured plissé fabric in a vibrant lime green colorway, this jumpsuit is stylish, fashion-forward, and definitely cool. It features a hidden back zipper closure, crisscross back straps with tie closure, and a sexy plunging neckline finished with a waist-emphasizing thin band.

Size Range: XXS-XL | Materials: Polyester, Spandex | Colors: Lime

We love the idea of wearing a long sleeve mini dress to a fall wedding. The Bronx and Banco "Casey" lace mini dress features a scalloped hem, jewel neckline, sharp padded shoulders, and long sleeves for added warmth. It also has diagonal bust darts for shape and a fit-and-flare silhouette for balance. It’s finished with a two-way zipper on the backside.

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Viscose, Cotton | Colors: Navy

The Reformation Hermia Dress is like a sophisticated disco ball in dress form—perfect for the guest who’s ready to turn up the party! It features a turtleneck top for added warmth in the chillier fall months, and a mini length to maintain that fun party spirit (and frees up your legs to get down on the dance floor). We especially love the gold sparkle colorway and mini side slit.

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester, Rayon, Spandex | Colors: Gold

This dress is nothing short of a showstopper. Made in France from the iconic brand Balmain, it features a fitted silhouette with a thigh-high slit, shimmering geometric sequins throughout, and maxi length. It’s finished with delicate spaghetti straps. A true work of art!

Size Range: 2-8 | Materials: Polyester | Colors: Black Multicolor

Made from slinky and soft velour fabric, this slip dress is the perfect fall jewel tone—a rich golden yellow that feels like a moodier move from more bright, summery hues. It features a low back that comes to a V, plunging neckline, maxi length, and delicate spaghetti straps with a diamond shape at the bodice.

Size Range: 2-12 | Materials: Polyester, Elastane | Colors: Marigold

Crafted from 100 percent viscose, this unlined halter neck style features a metallic print that makes it the perfect classy party dress. It features a button loop closure, and the open knit fabric is covered with metallic sequins to shine bright, even when the lights go down. There’s also a fun fringe trim that starts above the knee and flows to the ankle.

Size Range: XS-L | Materials: Viscose | Colors: Metallic Tannin

Made from a high-quality, velvety fabric, this formal dress is perfect for the cooler fall months. The flattering wrap style features a deep V-neckline, has long sleeves and a maxi hemline for added warmth, and is available in sizes 0-16. You can’t go wrong with either the navy or emerald green hues.

Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Fabric | Colors: Navy, Emerald

We chose this dress because it comes in four different prints that can be worn year-round and cross-seasonally. It features adjustable straps and a scoop neckline, with a maxi length and fitted silhouette. Throw a chic blazer or shag over it in the cooler months, and dress it up with heels and statement jewelry.

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Viscose | Colors: Lottie, Anaconda, Admire, Faye

Elegant and timeless, this off-the-shoulder gown is perfect for a formal fall wedding. We love that the body-hugging mermaid silhouette is utterly flattering. Thanks to the mid-weight jersey fabric, you'll stay warm throughout an outdoor ceremony.

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester, Spandex | Colors: Black

Available in sizes XXS-XL Petite, this flattering fit and flare dress is perfect for shorter guests. It falls right below the knee and has a vintage-inspired charm with a classic sweetheart neckline, buttoned bodice, and cap sleeves. It’s available in several beautiful prints and colors.

Size Range: XXS-XL Petite, XXS-3XL Standard | Materials: Viscose, Linen, Cotton, Elastane | Colors: 6

This versatile style works for a variety of venues and themes. It features a modern square neckline, tiered ruffle skirt, and stretchy fabric that stays close to the body. Thick straps offer ample support while smocking in the back adjusts for the ideal fit.

Size Range: XXS-3XL | Materials: Viscose, Linen, Cotton, Elastane | Colors: 4

Featuring a high neck, cut-out panel, and sexy thigh-high slit, this made-for-tall bodies dress comes in a gorgeous chocolate brown that feels chic and autumnal. It’s made from a polyester jersey fabric that’s soft and stretchy for a comfy fit.

Size Range: 2-16 | Materials: Polyester | Colors: Chocolate

The “Arcana” colorway on this sophisticated dress is perfect if you’re looking for a moodier floral print. It features back smocking, a pretty sweetheart neckline, back slit, back buttons, back zipper, and back ruching. The lightweight drapey crepe fabric has a slinky nature and a dry hand feel.

Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: Viscose, Rayon | Colors: Forest, Arcana, Lima

The Kyrie piped tuxedo dress from Alice + Olivia features a double-breasted silhouette with a notch lapel, long sleeves, and front patch pockets. We love that this is a chic, timeless, and versatile style that can be worn for years to come.

Size Range: 0-14 | Materials: Polyester, Elastane | Colors: Black Off White

We love this gorgeous and great-for-in-between weather dress; the velvet fabric, high neck, and maxi hemline offer a bit of warmth, while the open back and back slit offer a great amount of airflow. Dare we say business in the front, party in the back?

Size Range: XXS-XL | Materials: Polyester, Spandex | Colors: Black, Nude

With a black base and abstract floral print, this body-contouring, long-sleeve dress features a turtleneck, detachable slip lining, mesh fabric overlay, and a midi hemline. And at under $70, it’s also budget-friendly!

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester, Elastane | Colors: Black Multi

For a retro look that will make a big statement, The L'IDEE Soiree 90's Sleeved Gown is a pull-on style with pleated fabric and a lettuce-edge trim. It features a one-shoulder design with a turtleneck and button loop closure. We love the grape colorway for a pop of color.

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester blend | Colors: Grape

What’s a more autumnal vibe than the rich, reddish brown, rust-colored dress? This stunner features an attached bodysuit lining with bottom snap button closure, boned bodice with underwire cups, and a show-stopping tiered ruffle tulle hem with a side slit. It zips up with a hidden back zipper, and comes in sizes XS-XL.

Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester, Nylon, Spandex, Silk | Colors: Rust

This cute and flirty mini dress comes in a Tiger Red colorway that’s bold and dramatic—without trying too hard. It’s made from a satin fabric that’s smooth and comfy, with pull-on styling and a boat neck style neckline.

Size Range: XXS-XL | Materials: Polyester | Colors: Tiger Red

Is it even possible to wear a dress with pockets without screaming “it has pockets!” This gorgeous maxi-length A-line gown features a sleeveless top, v-neckline, pleated waist, and full skirt. There’s a front slit for breathability and functional side pockets for convenience. It comes in two different pink colorways.

Size Range: 2-10 | Materials: Polyester | Colors: Pink, Pink Combo

A dress fit for a fairytale, this feminine and elegant dress is perfect for a European destination wedding. It features a vintage-inspired corset bodice with a tie at the waist, back stretch ruching, adjustable ruffle straps, and a midi silhouette with a slit. It’s crafted from luxe floral brocade and is available in several colorways.

Size Range: 0-14 | Materials: Polyester brocade | Colors: 5

Featuring a strapless crop top with trim detail and matching midi skirt, this super fun two-piece set is perfect to party all night long. It has an invisible center back zip, inner rubber grip tape at neckline edge to keep it all in place, and fringe detailing that elicits some serious twirls.

Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester | Colors: Pink, Cobalt Blue, Black, Red, White

What to Look for in a Fall Wedding Guest Dress

  • Fabric: “There’s a sophistication to fall weddings that allows for daring fashion moments,” says Kosich. “Consider a co*cktail dress in a rich brocade, lace, or tulle and don’t shy away from appliqués or statement details like a belt, ruffle or fishtail hem.” We love how Farm Rio Red Rooster Leaves Long Sleeve Maxi Dress has an oversized flower belt.
  • Color: “Color palette can range from brights to earth tones, so pick a hue compatible with your undertone,” Kosich explains. “When in doubt rely on universally flattering emerald green, teal or mint, all of which flatter both cool and warm undertones alike.” Coming in either navy or emerald in a rich velvet fabric, Showpo Sloane Long Sleeve Wrap Maxi Dress is the epitome of a fall dress.
  • Dress Code: Always be sure to follow the dress code, which should be stated on your invitation. For more relaxed ceremonies, you can opt for a mini length (we’d suggest a turtleneck or longer sleeves to keep warm) and more casual fabrics like cotton. With its shorter length and cotton makeup, Bronx And Banco Casey Scalloped Lace Fit-&-Flare Mini Dress is fitting for a casual ceremony. For a more formal or black tie affair, choose a floor-length hemline and luxurious fabrics like silk, velvet, and brocade. Decked out in sequins, Balmain Sequined Slit Column Gown is a dress to remember.

FAQ

  • How do I stay warm at a fall wedding?

    Fall weddings can be tricky weather-wise, as depending on the location, it can be warm during the day and cold at night. To combat this seesaw, it’s best to bring a piece of outerwear. “To maintain a sophisticated look, pair your party dress with either a velvet blazer or faux fur cape, or consider the chic juxtaposition of a menswear-inspired, oversized blazer and frilly dress—a fashion-forward, on-trend pairing that looks straight off the fall runways,” suggests Kosich.

  • What shoes are best for a fall wedding?

    “Choose your footwear carefully given how much standing (and dancing!) weddings require,” says Kosich. “Shop wedges or platforms for more stability, or even a classic block heel. For a fashion-forward, avant-garde look, pair a metallic open-toed, high-heeled sandal with bright colored tights. And if your stilettos are sky high, consider bringing a second pair that's lower for late night relief.”

  • Can I wear a floral dress to a fall wedding?

    While florals are often associated with spring and summer, they can easily be worn in the fall when in the right colors and designs. “Take cues from the fall color palette and shop earthy hues like plum, olive, and rust and opt for abstract floral prints that are slightly blurred,” suggests Kosich. “The overall effect is softer and gentler, and is sure to not upstage the bride. Farm Rio Vintage Wave Long Sleeve Maxi Dress shows how to do fall florals right.

Why Trust Brides

Chelsea Frank has been a comedy and lifestyle writer for nearly 10 years. She’s contributed to dozens of online publications, researching and writing on several topics from clean beauty and fashion to travel and wellness. For this article, the Brides team spoke to a fashion industry expert for their tips and insight:

  • Elizabeth Kosich is a certified image stylist offering head-to-toe wardrobe consulting to men and women, and commercial styling to brands. She holds credentials from FIT and AICI, and founded Elizabeth Kosich Styling in 2019.

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