What to Wear to A Fall Wedding for Guests: 30+ Dress Ideas
Who doesn't love a fall wedding? It’s the most popular season to get married for a reason. Between the crisp air, changing leaves, and cozy venues, fall weddings always feel extra special. So if your calendar is filling up with invitations this season, I’ve got you covered with exactly what to wear to a fall wedding as a guest.
Whether the dress code says cocktail or black tie, or you just want to look on trend without stealing the show, I’m sharing all the outfit ideas and inspiration you need. Plus, we’ll go over what’s trending this wedding season so you can find the perfect dress (or dresses) to match the vibe.
P.S. If you're not quite sure what a dress code like "cocktail attire" or "formal dress" really means, be sure to check out my wedding guest dress code guide for a full breakdown.
Fall Wedding Guest Dresses by Dress Code
Cocktail / Semi-Formal
If the invitation says cocktail or semi-formal, you have a lot of wiggle room to show off your personal style while still looking polished. Think cocktail wedding guest dresses that hit around the knee or midi length, with breathable fabrics that can handle the change in weather.
Some more great choices for this dress code include:
A classic midi dress in a rich jewel tone like burgundy, forest green, or navy
A wrap dress with long sleeves and delicate details like lace or subtle shimmer
Floral dresses in darker color palettes (floral prints work year-round if you choose the right tones)
A dress with a high slit and statement jewelry to elevate the look for a more evening feel
Cocktail attire is the perfect balance of dressy without being too formal, so don’t be afraid to try something fun like polka dots or a dramatic neckline. Pair your outfit with a small clutch and dress shoes or heeled boots.
Formal / Black Tie
Formal events or black tie weddings call for a more elevated look. This is the time to lean into floor-length gowns or luxurious fabrics like velvet, satin, and silk. You’ll want to keep your look elegant, but that doesn’t mean boring.
Some more ideas for formal wedding guest dresses include:
A floor-length gown in a jewel tone like emerald, deep purple, or sapphire
A formal dress with a high slit or off-the-shoulder neckline for a little drama
A black dress with delicate lace, sheer sleeves, or metallic details
Crushed velvet gowns or maxi dresses in dark colors like navy, chocolate brown, or deep red
If you’re not into gowns, a long jumpsuit in a dressy fabric can also work well. Pair your outfit with formal accessories like bold earrings, a clutch, and polished heels.
Formal weddings are also a great opportunity to try out new tops and tailored separates. A long sleeve top with dramatic sleeves or subtle sparkle, paired with a maxi skirt, creates a fresh and elegant silhouette.
Fall Wedding Guest Dresses by Trend
If you love to stay on top of what’s trending, these dress styles are showing up everywhere this season. These are perfect for guests who want to make a statement while still respecting the occasion.
RELATED: 16 Fall Fashion Trends for 2025 You’ll Actually Wear
Sash Scarf Neckline
This romantic trend is flattering and adds a soft, vintage feel to any dress. Look for dresses with a sash tie at the neck, or a built-in scarf detail that drapes down the back. It’s a great choice for fall because it adds coverage and looks especially elegant when paired with breezy fabrics.
Pair with delicate earrings and soft curls for a timeless, put-together look. Bonus points if you find one in earthy colors or forest greens.
Crushed Velvet
Velvet is one of the best things about dressing for fall weddings. It’s warm, luxurious, and always looks elevated. Crushed velvet adds texture and richness to your look, and works especially well for evening weddings or formal affairs.
Try a deep red or green dress, or go for a sleek black velvet midi dress with long sleeves. It’s perfect for cooler evenings and can be paired with a cropped jacket or faux fur stole if it’s extra chilly.
Basque & Drop Waists
This trend is a nod to vintage silhouettes and has been popping up in bridal and guest fashion alike. A basque waist dips into a subtle V-shape, while a drop waist sits lower on the hips to elongate your torso.
If you like a more tailored, classic look, this is the trend for you. Look for this style in luxurious fabrics like crepe or silk blends. It's flattering, especially on taller frames, and pairs beautifully with formal accessories.
Polka Dots
Yes, polka dots are back and they’re surprisingly chic for weddings. To avoid looking too casual, go for smaller, subtle polka dot prints in dark colors or earth tones. A black dress with tiny white dots or a navy midi with sheer sleeves feels playful without being too loud.
Pair with classic heels, a sleek bun, and a bold lip to keep things grown-up and polished.
Additional Fall Styling Tips
Layer Smartly: Fall weather can be unpredictable. Bring a cropped blazer, shawl, or a light trench you can throw over your shoulders without hiding your dress.
Earth Tones Are Your Friend: Brown dresses, muted oranges, and olive greens fit right in with the fall aesthetic and look beautiful in wedding photos.
Long Sleeve Tops & Dresses: When in doubt, long sleeves are a great go-to choice for fall weddings. They keep you warm and add a touch of elegance to your look.
Mix Fabrics: Combine lightweight fabrics like chiffon or tulle with structured elements to get the best of both worlds. Airy fabrics move beautifully, especially in outdoor ceremonies.
Choose Shoes Wisely: Avoid stilettos if you're going to be walking on grass. Block heels, wedges, or heeled boots are a better pick.
Repeat Dresses Thoughtfully: If you’ve got several weddings lined up, there’s nothing wrong with re-wearing a dress. Switch up your accessories, add a statement necklace, or layer a short sleeve top underneath to create a fresh look.
Fall Wedding Colors to Try
Some of the best colors for fall wedding guest dresses include:
Forest greens
Deep reds
Rust or copper
Navy and black
Jewel tones like emerald and sapphire
Dusty rose and muted pinks
Earth tones like camel, taupe, and chocolate brown
Avoid white dresses unless you're told otherwise, and go easy on pastel colors unless the wedding vibe is light and casual. If you’re ever unsure, reach out to the couple or check the wedding website.
Finding the perfect fall wedding guest dress doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you're attending a formal affair or a casual outdoor wedding, the key is to choose a dress that fits the vibe, keeps you comfortable, and makes you feel confident. From cocktail dresses to floor-length gowns, jewel tones to polka dots, there's something for everyone this season.
So get ready to dance the night away in your perfect fall wedding guest dress. Just don’t forget to pack your new shoes, your favorite statement jewelry, and your best smile to celebrate the happy couple in style.
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