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 lower second pair 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 not to upstage the bride.”

42 Fall Wedding Guest Dresses Brides' Editors Love

Best Fall Wedding Guest Dresses — Brides / David Hattan

The fall season can be a delightful time for a wedding. In many places around the globe, the turn in seasons gives way to rustic colors in nature and chillier temperatures that create a cozy and romantic atmosphere. Dressing for a fall wedding calls for “a classic cocktail dress that’s stylish and appropriate for the season,” says stylist Elizabeth Kosich. Although black is a chic choice in perpetuity, Kosich 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 sure your dress suits the dress code, so keep that top of mind while shopping. Ahead, Brides’ editors pick their favorite fall wedding dresses in a range of styles, from floor length to midi, as well as off-the-shoulder and lace favorites. Which one will you pick?

Our Top Picks, At a Glance

Best Floor Length: BHLDN Jemma Scoop-Neck Fit & Flare Maxi Dress, $248 at anthropologie.com
Best Cocktail Length: Self Portrait Black Taffeta Embellished Mini Dress, $465 at shopbop.com
Best Midi Length: Adrianna Papell Women's Sleeveless Mid-Length Party Dress, $160 at amazon.com
Best Sleeveless: Sachin & Babi Kayla Halter Gown, $285 at nordstrom.com
Best With Sleeves: Tuckernuck Black Feather Jamie Dress, $328 at tnuck.com
Best With Lace: Petal & Pup Lauren Lace Overlay Dress, $89 at nordstrom.com
Best Off-the-Shoulder: Astr the Label Monroe Dress, $128 at revolve.com

Floor Length

“For black tie or formal weddings, a floor-length wedding guest dress is the best option, hands down. My wedding in 2017 was black tie, and while I did not request that all of my guests wear a floor-length gown, over 90 percent of them did. I personally prefer the elegant look of a floor-length gown, and the additional coverage means I can worry less about the look of my shoes and focus more on comfort. (Yes, I have worn sneakers and wedges under a floor-length gown before.) The only downside is that at 5’1”, I often need to get my floor-length gowns hemmed, but it’s worth the extra effort for me to feel a bit more glam for a night.” — Jessica Mahgerefteh, Brides Director

Cocktail Length

“Cocktail dresses can run the gamut when it comes to length, material, and silhouette—so the question I always ask myself when shopping for a cocktail dress is, ‘Is this going to draw attention away from the bride?’ Admittedly, I’m drawn to the bolder, sexier styles, but I have learned the art of balance. If I’m going for a tighter, more form-fitting silhouette, I try to choose it in subtle, muted colors. Conversely, if I’m looking for a flashier fabric or color, I try to balance it by looking for a more conservative silhouette. All of that to say: Wear what makes you feel confident, but keep the bride and dress code in mind. My go-to? A form-fitting black midi dress with an asymmetrical neckline.” —Christina Oehler, Brides Senior Editor

Midi Length

"With invites to two fall weddings—one in September in Indiana and one in October in Texas—I opted for a midi dress. The style is long enough to accommodate both semi-formal dress codes and is suitable for outdoor ceremonies, especially considering the different autumn weather in both states. Hitting between the knee and ankle and able to style with virtually any shoe, a form-fitting midi-length dress is comfortable and cool whether at a rustic barn on a quaint farm in the Midwest or a Mexican-inspired estate in the South." — Cher Checchio, Brides Copy Editor

Sleeveless

“Sleeveless dresses work for every season and come in various styles, making them a truly versatile option for a wedding guest. Opt for something frilly and feminine for an outdoor garden venue, or consider a timeless, elegant, high-neck style for a formal, black-tie dress code. This is the style I personally gravitate towards when shopping for wedding guest dresses, whether for a ceremony in the middle of August or the peak of brisk temperatures in December. I can always throw on a chic shawl if I’m worried about chilly indoor temperatures. Still, I’m usually grateful for a sleeveless design while sweating on the dance floor during the reception. — Maddie Barber, Brides Writer

With Sleeves

“I own a handful of long-sleeved wedding guest dresses because they’re a practical and stylish option when the weather cools down. I particularly like sleeves that add a little something extra to catch your eye, like a feather accent or a flirty flared design. Depending on the dress code, you can opt for a long-sleeved wedding guest dress that’s more casual or dressy. As a bonus, you can often skip the addition of a shawl or coat, depending on the temperature, and the longer sleeves can keep you warm while indoors as well. I usually end up stealing my husband’s suit jacket before the end of the night because wedding halls tend to be kept at cooler temperatures, but I don’t need it when my dress is sleeved.” — Jessica Mahgerefteh, Brides Director

Lace

"For a more romantic feel, I would consider a lace dress in a rich, fall-inspired tone like sapphire, emerald, burgundy, or burnt orange. Its timeless elegance complements any wedding. I'd heighten its glamour with embellishments like grommets, studs, cutouts, and sheer detailing to differentiate it from looking too bridal. However, skip the floor-length, light-hued styles and opt for a fit-and-flare mini, an A-line midi, or a lace overlay with a scalloped hem to avoid raining on the bride's lace parade." — Cher Checchio, Brides Copy Editor

Off-the-Shoulder

“Off-the-shoulder dresses are the perfect compromise when I want to look and feel sexy without overdoing it. I wore one to a friend’s wedding in late May last year and again a few months later to a mid-October wedding. It was perfect for both seasons—breathable in the heat yet paired perfectly with a shawl once the temperature dropped. Not to mention, it was incredibly easy to style: Both times, I wore my hair up and opted for statement chandelier earrings to accentuate my collarbone and neck, which allowed me to forego additional accessories for a clean, polished look.” — Christina Oehler, Brides Senior Editor

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 cocktail 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.”
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 cool and warm undertones alike.”
Dress Code: Always follow the dress code stated on your invitation.

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 lower second pair 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 not to upstage the bride.”

Why Trust Brides

Jill Di Donato is an Associate Editorial Director for Brides and has been with the brand since 2023, covering beauty, fashion, and bridal gifting. With over 15 years experience in fashion and beauty editorial, she’s written about many of the designers whose dresses top this list and has taught fashion writing at the Fashion Institute of New York City. Additional reporting was provided by Brides contributor, Chelsea Frank.

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.