While "wedding season" is traditionally known to start in May, it's becoming increasingly more common to receive save-the-dates for nuptials deep into November, as Gen Z couples stray further away from traditional big-day expectations. With this, shopping for fall weddings is just as important as it is for spring and summer ceremonies.
Searching for dresses for every dress code and venue type during the autumn season introduces an entirely different color palette, complete with rich neutrals, muted florals, and bold jewel tones, as well as long sleeves and structured silhouettes. With several design details in mind, BRIDES' shopping writer, Maddie Barber, spent days narrowing down the dresses and gowns worth investing in for the upcoming fall season, suitable for any style, budget, body type, and dress code. Her curated list, ahead.
Struggling with what color to wear for a fall wedding? You can never go wrong with navy—this A.L.C. option in that hue also has chic off-the-shoulder sleeves to ensure you're dressed appropriately for chilly weather in the later autumn months.
Size Range: 00-8 | Materials: Viscose
Who says fall weddings can't have a floral moment? This Anthropologie gown has pretty flutter sleeves and an even prettier gardenia pattern against navy satin fabric for a more autumnal feel.
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester
If you're partial to bolder hues but want to remain on theme for the fall season, consider this Mango dress in a stunning purple shade (jewel tones offer an autumn-appropriate pop of color). The cowl neck and rosette detail add an extra touch of flair to complete your wedding guest look.
Size Range: 2-10 | Materials: Polyester
We're fans of any black-tie gown that looks just as cool as it does formal—this Delphine gown checks this box for us. Its straight silhouette and delicate bust ruching are sophisticated, but the cropped train gives it a cool-girl feel that helps it stand out from the rest of the black-tie dresses.
Size Range: 0-14 | Materials: Polyester
Chocolate brown is always on our radar during fall, so you can imagine why we love this wedding guest dress for this season. The halter neck, tasteful deep V-neckline, and gathered bust detail make it extra chic.
Size Range: 2-14 | Materials: Polyester
This gorgeous green hue is the perfect pop of color for a fall wedding guest dress for anyone bored of brown, blue, and black. The long sleeves will come in handy for nuptials in the late fall months.
Size Range: 10 UK-20 UK | Materials: Viscose, Lenzing™ Ecovero™
For a darker green hue, consider this City Chic option, which is sleeveless for unpredictable temperatures. The pleated design adds flair for a formal dress code.
Size Range: 14 W-24 W | Materials: Polyester
Equally sophisticated and (appropriately) sexy, this black silk midi will make any wedding guest look and feel good this fall. Its simple design, with a form-fitting sleeveless bodice and straight-leg skirt, allows for easy accessorizing.
Size Range: 00-4 | Materials: Silk, elastane
Despite its easy-going feel on the wearer, this Ulla Johnson gown is anything but simple. Between its gorgeous plissé pattern, dainty shoulder straps, backless design, and elegant shimmery hue, it's one of the chicest black gowns we've seen.
Size Range: 00-16 | Materials: Polyester
Fans of drop-waist silhouettes will fall in love with this gown. This detail is one of the many that this wedding guest dress has to offer, others being a self-tie halter neckline with straps that dramatically drape down your back, a pleated skirt, and a gorgeous terracotta hue.
Size Range: XS-XL | Materials: Polyester
September weddings may feel too early for typical fall hues like deep brown and olive green, which is what makes this Rixo dress perfect for nuptials during this time. The long sleeves and muted floral pattern against navy fabric, combined with pops of red and playful ruffle details, blend summer and fall elements beautifully.
Size Range: 2-16 | Materials: Silk
Teal is one of those underrated hues for fall wedding guest dresses, seen on this chic drop-waist gown from Hutch. The full skirt and thick satin material give it a fancier feel that's ideal for semi-formal wedding dress codes.
Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester
We don't know what we love the most about this gown: the pretty chiffon material, the unique shade of pink, or the perfectly fall floral pattern. The ruffled neckline and matching off-the-shoulder sleeves are bonuses.
Size Range: XXS-XL | Materials: Polyester
If your wedding guest style leans more glamorous, consider this metallic Retrofete gown for formal fall weddings, complete with a drop-waist, halter neckline, and pleated skirt. The green hue feels unique but still falls into the fall color palette.
Size Range: XS-L | Materials: Polyester, elastane
A fancy midi is perfect for weddings requiring cocktail attire—this V. Chapman dress offers the perfect style for this dress code in a stunning chocolate-brown hue. Anyone with ultra-feminine taste will appreciate the corset-style bodice, large bow detail, and elegant floral print.
Size Range: 00-18 | Materials: Polyester
On the other hand, if you need a floor-length option for a formal or black-tie wedding this fall, this Reformation has all the elements you'll need for a flawless wedding guest look: a 100 percent silk construction, a unique, grey-brown colorway, and a sophisticated column silhouette.
Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: Silk
Heading to a wedding in the late fall months? You'll need some (chic) sleeves to ensure you don't freeze while the couple says "I do." The overlay detail on this free-flowing patterned gown works perfectly to keep you looking glamorous and feeling comfortable in chilly weather.
Size Range: 0-14 | Materials: Polyester
If your wedding guest style leans more minimalist and simple, consider Reformation's Maven Dress for upcoming fall nuptials. Its retro vibe, deep shade of brown, and traditional short sleeves and full skirt are perfect for a more casual wedding vibe.
Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: Viscose
A more laid-back dress code for an outdoor venue means you should have some fun with your look, like by wearing this polka-dot print in a playful midi silhouette. The navy hue and satin material keep things formal and fall-appropriate.
Size Range: 0-12 | Materials: Viscose, elastane, polyester
If you prefer a printed option for your wedding guest looks, you'll obsess over this abstract pattern in stunning sunset colors from ASOS. We also can't get enough of the unique back slit detail, which reveals a tasteful amount of skin that even more conservative wearers can appreciate.
Size Range: 14-26 | Materials: Polyester
The combination of teal and blue on this Hutch dress creates the perfect bold pattern for a standout wedding guest look this fall. Its tiers of tulle add the perfect dramatic (but not too over-the-top) flair.
Size Range: 00-14 | Materials: Polyester
This Staud slip dress is one of the most versatile on the list—it can truly be worn during several seasons. We especially love it for early fall nuptials when the weather is still a bit warm and a standard sleeveless option is necessary. The shade of green looks just soft enough to work for the fall.
Size Range: 0-10 | Materials: Silk, elastane
Planning to go all out for a fall wedding of your loved one? This splurge-worthy Zimmermann dress should be on your radar. The chocolate brown colorway will look picturesque in the fall, especially with the pleated design and satin waist detail.
Size Range: 0P-4 | Materials: Viscose, elastane, polyester
We'll never say no to a chic strapless neckline, especially when the rest of the dress has a design as unique as this Simkhai option. Unique floral embroidery lends a cool, modern touch to this typically feminine style, extending the pattern to the hem.
Size Range: 00-14 | Materials: Polyester, cotton
FAQ
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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 stylist Elizabeth Kosich.
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“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 lower second pair for late-night relief.”
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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 not to upstage the bride.”
Why Trust BRIDES
Maddie Barber is a BRIDES writer and shopping expert. She spent days curating a list of the best fall wedding guest dresses from numerous BRIDES-trusted retailers. The BRIDES team consulted stylist Elizabeth Kosich for additional tips on how to dress for the fall wedding season.


