What to Wear to a Fall Wedding as a Guest

Figuring out what to wear to a fall wedding can be tricky. That's because the strapless gowns and backless dresses that wowed in the summer can leave you shivering in the fall, and the soft pastels that were perfect in the spring turn completely gauche as the leaves start to change. Essentially, new seasons call for new styles—and wedding guests should understand the "fashion rules" associated with autumn nuptials. But if you're unsure of what to wear to your friend or family member's big day, don't worry, we're here to help.

Ultimately, when figuring out your fall wedding guest wardrobe, always be mindful of the dress code and the couple's overall day-of theme. Attending a classic, formal fall event? Opt for a ball gown in rich jewel tones, like fuchsia, sapphire, or emerald, to really lean into the season (or a tuxedo with fall-inspired accessories—such as leaf cufflinks—for men). You can also take color inspiration from the changing leaves and go with an autumn orange, mustard yellow, or deep maroon. Want a more muted look? Consider a charcoal, caramel, or a sophisticated black gown (that's right, you can wear black to a wedding).

But that's not all, which is why we consulted with fashion and etiquette experts on what to wear to a fall wedding—plus, we share tips on how to accessorize your look and what to avoid when dressing for this type of celebration.

What to Wear to a Fall Wedding

Here, we explain everything you need to know when dressing for a fall wedding, based on the most popular dress codes.

Black-Tie

Though you may be inspired to wear an ensemble that's festive to the fall season, if the invitation you received says "black-tie," your main priority should be finding the fanciest floor-length gown or tuxedo to dress the part. Simply put, there isn't much wiggle room when putting together an outfit for this style of event, as guests are required to wear their most formal pieces, no matter the season. This means opting for a gown over a midi or mini dress or a tuxedo over a suit.

Black-Tie Optional/Formal

According to Lisa Grotts, an etiquette expert, "A formal fall wedding requires a man to wear a tuxedo [or suit] and a woman to wear a formal gown. Women do have wiggle room because a traditional cocktail dress can also work, or even a dressy pantsuit." However, if the dress code is black-tie optional, women are required to wear a floor-length ensemble, while men can choose between a tux or a suit. Fashion stylist Anita Patrickson also adds that short dresses are discouraged for both formalities, and guests should stick with at least a midi-length dress if attending a formal event.

Semi-Formal

Semi-formal dress codes call for guests to really have fun with their day-of attire. Women have the freedom to wear midi or mini designs in jewel-tone hues, while men can tap into their personal styles, as colorful and printed suits are recommended and encouraged (tuxedos should be avoided). When shopping for a dress, Patrickson specifically notes, “I love brands like Joanna Ortiz and Zimmerman for day or destination weddings. And, something more streamlined like Khaite and Alessandra Rich for a city affair.” This is also a perfect opportunity for guests to experiment with their footwear, like chunky heels, heeled sandals, loafers, and derby shoes.

Casual

Casual weddings call for outfits that show off your personality within reason. Think: Printed mini dresses and menswear looks without a jacket and tie. As for the details? Grotts recommends anything chiffon, colorful solids, or floral fall prints.

However, since weddings are special celebrations, it's better to be overdressed than underdressed when styling yourself for this type of dress code. “When it comes to weddings, I usually like to stay on the side of making more of an effort rather than less. It feels a little more courteous to the couple, and the extra energy you are putting in goes a long way to show how special and important you acknowledge the day to be,” explains Pattrickson.

How to Accessorize Your Look for a Fall Wedding

Designer Pia Arrobio says dressing for a wedding (whatever the season) is all about blending personal signatures with a few trending essentials. "I hate feeling like I have to sacrifice personal style at weddings," she says. "Obviously you want to remain classy and respectful, but feel like yourself." Thus, if you plan to wear accessories, stick with pieces that show off your personality, like statement earrings or a bracelet that holds special meaning. You can even have fun with your shoe selection which is always a safe bet.

Nonetheless, Grotts shares that less is always more when it comes to accessories, especially if your dress or suit is a print. “A good rule of thumb is to wear a chandelier earring or a necklace, but not both together. They will each stand out on their own,” she adds. What's more, since the fall and holiday seasons are all about metallics, Arrobio suggests that women carry a silver or gold bag for the occasion.

Lastly, with fall comes plummeting temperatures and, thus, the need to stay warm. But what do you do when you want your look—and don't want to freeze as a result? That's where a cute, cropped jacket comes into play. It's just the thing to keep the autumnal chill at bay while letting your ensemble play center stage. You can also invest in a beaded or lacy capelet, as they pair nicely with floor-length gowns and add a touch of vintage glamour to any ensemble.

What Not to Wear to a Fall Wedding

While being mindful of the dress code is vital, making sure that your outfit is season-appropriate is just as important. Meaning, stay away from dresses that provide minimal coverage and opt for looks with thicker fabrics if you're likely to be cold the entire time. You should also stay away from anything too revealing, even if it’s an adult-only wedding. “A wedding isn’t a chance to show off your body. Instead, “remember that a wedding is a sacred ceremony and reflect that in your outfit selection,” etiquette expert Elaine Swann shares.

One last reminder before you start adding selections to your cart: “Take into account the location and time of day the wedding is at. And, never wear white to upstage the bride!” Patrickson emphasizes.