Fall wedding season is upon us, and if you’ve got multiple invitations on your calendar, you may be stressing about what to wear to all of them. It’s a magical time of year, but fluctuating temperatures and confusing dress codes can make it hard to get your outfit right.
Don’t fret: With rich jewel tones like emerald and burgundy, luxe textures like velvet and silk, or even a little bit of sparkle if you’re looking to shine, there are plenty of photo-worthy options for every autumn wedding. With inspiration from this fall’s top trends, we put together this collection of outfit options, from formal gowns to velvet pantsuits to pleated jumpsuits. Whether you're attending a vineyard wedding at golden hour or a romantic candlelit affair, here are 24 outfit ideas that will make you the best-dressed guest.
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Dark Florals
Dark florals are a perennial fall favorite. On a co*cktail dress silhouette, they’re just right for a wedding reception.
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Classic Black
Yes, you can wear black to most weddings, and for a fall wedding in particular, you can’t really go wrong with a quintessential little black dress.
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A Formal Groutfit
Gray outfits — or “groutfits” (sorry) — are going to be everywhere this fall, perhaps as a counterpoint to the Barbiecore that dominated summer. It’s a perfect choice for a fall wedding if you want a neutral tone that’s a touch less harsh than black. Try combining it with another fall trend like a turtleneck.
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Velvet Suit
Be the most glam guest with an elegant velvet suit. The luxe material is perfect for fall, and a suit is fresh and unexpected.
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Ruched Floral Midi
A tea-length dress is another great option if you want the smooth, warm texture of velvet in a more classic wedding style.
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All Red
Tomato Girl Summer is becoming Tomato Girl Fall, as head-to-toe red styles are still going strong into the new season. It’s a dramatic look for a wedding.
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Sequin Pants
Break out of the dress habit! Pants are a great wedding option as long as they’re formal enough to be appropriate for the dress code. Sequin pants in a rich color palette should do the trick for a co*cktail attire celebration.
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Velvet Gown
For an autumnal black-tie affair, a gown like this has everything: a seasonal jewel tone, a sumptuous texture, and unique sculptural details in the collar.
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One Shoulder
Try a striking asymmetrical neckline to stand out in a crowd. With this one, you’ll enjoy a little more warmth than a sleeveless gown.
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Sparkly Plunge
A sexy, sparkly co*cktail dress is the way to go when you know the wedding reception is going to be a true party.
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Silk Gown
If the dress code calls for a full-length dress, a silky floral gown will do nicely. Just add some heels and a pair of dangly earrings.
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Pleated Jumpsuit
For a wedding with disco vibes, you can’t find a better outfit than a pleated jumpsuit.
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A Sheer Overlay
For a fashion-forward fall wedding where a simple sheath won’t do the trick, feel free to mix it up with unexpected shapes and layering, like this sheer overlay on top of a long-sleeved dress.
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Burgundy Backless
If you’re comfortable showing a little skin, a backless gown in a rich fall color like burgundy is just the bombshell style for you.
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Fringe
Got a wedding where you know the dance floor will be busy? Find a dress with some textured fringe to swing around with you all night long.
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Pumpkin Spice
Don’t fight the seasonal dominance of pumpkin spice — embrace it for the warm, cozy, autumnal vibe. An orangey hue is lovely for a fall wedding.
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Silky Wrap Dress
While we’re thinking about our warm, seasonal drinks, a café au lait-inspired shade is another solid choice. A wrap dress silhouette can work for practically any venue, from a rustic barn wedding to a more formal church setting.
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Strapless and Sequined
This sweet and sparkly little dress would be perfect with a wrap around your shoulders for an autumn wedding. The T-strap Mary Janes are so on-trend at the moment, or you could pair it with a simple pump for a more classic look.
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Brown Leather
Leather is big this fall. In a streamlined and sophisticated shape, it can absolutely work for a wedding guest, particularly at a trendy city wedding reception.
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Purple Floral
Make a statement in a bold gown, be it a rich shade of purple, an oversized floral detail, or both!
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Off the Shoulder
Tops and dresses with off-the-shoulder necklines are trending this season. It’s a sexy but not-too-revealing cut that would work in multiple venues and for varying levels of formality.
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Fall Sunset Vibes
Why pick one fall color when you can choose them all?
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Peplum
Yes, peplums are back this season. Done right, it can be an eye-catching detail for a special occasion.
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Bow
Another trend from the fall runways that’s just begging to go to a wedding? Bows! Try a dress with an oversized one for maximum effect.