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Updated Mar 06, 2025The 23 Best Fall Wedding Guest Dresses for Guests Over 50 Who Want to Be on Trend
Opt for autumnal colors, chic prints and gorgeous silhouettes.
Photos, left to right: Kay Unger, Mac Duggal, Johnny Was
If you're headed to a wedding in October or November, you'll want to take part in all the cozy fall vibes, regardless of your age. Shopping for fall wedding guest dresses for over 50 means taking the weather, venue, theme and up-and-coming trends into consideration. The transitional weather of autumn months can make picking clothing difficult, so if you're wondering what fall wedding attire to wear, remember to choose something you'll be comfortable in whether it's super chilly, warmer than normal, or somewhere in between. And remember: even if you're looking for a more mature style, you can still opt for a fall wedding guest dress that feels trendy and exciting. Just keep reading for some examples.
In this article:
Where to Shop for Fall Dresses for Women Over 50
Fall dresses for women over the age of 50 don't need to be frumpy, boring or completely traditional. There are tons of options out there, whether you're looking for something mature and elegant, fun and trendy, or chic and timeless. The below brands and retailers are a great place to start shopping.
- Sachin & Babi: This designer brand creates beautiful gowns and less formal dresses that can be simple and classic or more unique and fun. This is a great spot to look for gowns for a black-tie wedding, but they also have great cocktail dresses and midi dress options as well. Many pieces are super versatile and everything is well made. You can expect to spend several hundred dollars on a dress as most prices range between $400 and $800, but it will be something you'll have for many years.
- Nordstrom: Nordstrom's website offers a huge selection of wedding-appropriate dresses for shoppers of all ages. You'll find brands like Adrianna Papell, Alex Evenings, Dress The Population, Betsy & Adam, Mac Duggal and so much more, and prices can range from around $100 to over $800, so there is really something for most budgets.
- Macy's: Expect to find thousands of options on Macy's website—literally. The department store offers many options from brands like Adrianna Papell, Betsy & Adam, DKNY, R&M Richards, XSCAPE and more. If you're looking for something more affordable, this is a great place to start, since they have formal dresses for $100 or less—they offer more expensive options as well.
- City Chic: If you're looking for trendy plus-size options, City Chic is a great online retailer to dive into. They offer a wide variety of plus-size clothing, including formal dresses that would be great for fall wedding guest dresses and beyond. You may not find a black-tie gown here, but for more casual weddings, it's great. The prices are also reasonable and many styles are a good mix of mature and young.
- Teri Jon: Shop Teri Jon's site for dresses that are elegant, stylish, mature and unique. You'll find classic silhouettes that cover you up more, like collared dresses and long sleeves, as well as trendier gowns and cocktail dresses that show more skin. Prices are a bit higher, with most around $700 or so.
23 Best Fall Wedding Guest Dresses for Over 50
Ideal fall dresses for over 50 will be comfortable, versatile and beautiful enough to elicit plenty of compliments. For the most stylish look, keep trending colors in mind—this fall, red, chocolate brown, burgundy and deep green are all very in. Other trends that ruled the runways include anything with a boho vibe, faux fur and leopard print. To help you decide what to wear to a wedding in the fall, we found a selection of gorgeous dresses, paid close attention to these fall trends and also looked for a variety of styles, including fall wedding guest dresses for over 50 with sleeves, as well as size inclusivity.
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Donna Karen New York V-Neck Cape Gown
Photo: Macy's
For a more formal gown, this is a fun choice with a built-in layer. It features a more plunging neckline and a slit up the front, so it's an option for those who don't mind showing some skin. The attached cape offers some dramatic flair and keeps you warm if there's a cold breeze.
Size Range: 2–16
Sachin & Babi Schylor Gown
Photo: Sachin & Babi
Classic and undeniably elegant, this gown works for a black-tie wedding or something slightly less formal. It features a satin crepe bodice with a stretch Mikado column skirt, as well as a black belt that cinches in at the waist. The dark floral pattern is perfect for moody fall days and nights, but could also work well for a spring wedding down the line.
Size Range: 0–22
Farm Rio Heart Forest Black Long Sleeve Midi Dress
Photo: Farm Rio
If a funky print is more your vibe, you'll love this unique midi dress, which features a magical floral design and embroidered details. Vibrant shades of blue, orange and pink mix surprisingly well and make this feel even more different. The long sleeves keep you warm, while the shorter length and relaxed fit give it a more casual feel.
Size Range: XXS–XL
Chiara Boni La Petite Robe Beaded Grid-Print Bodycon Dress
Photo: Neiman Marcus
Plaid and fall basically go hand in hand, and while this bodycon dress isn't exactly plaid, it's a close second. The grid print and dark colors make it great for autumn without feeling too cutesy or casual, and it offers comfortable longer sleeves with a pretty beaded trim. This is perfect if you know the weather is going to be chilly.
Size Range: 2–16
Teri Jon Textured Jacquard Fit and Flare Dress
Photo: Teri Jon
Fall weather generally calls for heavier fabrics, so jacquard is a great choice for the season. This jacquard dress has some really interesting texture that makes it more fun, along with a timeless fit and flare style that you can easily dress up or down. Since it has a metallic print, a pair of gold or silver heels would be beautiful with this.
Size Range: 2–22
Tuckernuck Hyacinth House Smocked Smythe Midi Dress
Photo: Tuckernuck
The olive leafy pattern of this midi dress makes it the perfect choice for a fall wedding. It features a smocked bodice, puff sleeves and a keyhole cutout in the back. Wear this with boots for a casual celebration or heel and gold accessories to elevate the look.
Size Range: XXS–XXL
Johnny Was Velvet Effortless Midi Dress
Photo: Johnny Was
Velvet is a heavier, thicker fabric that is reserved for the cold nights of fall and winter, so this is a nice choice for a late fall wedding guest dress. Boho styles were huge on fall 2024 runways, and this cocktail dress is a good mix of formal and bohemian. The coffee brown color is also on trend, while butterfly and floral embroidery make this super unique and feminine.
Size Range: XS–XXL
Betsy & Adam Lace Ruffled Gown
Photo: Macy's
Available in a beautiful deep plum shade, this gown works for a black-tie wedding or a slightly less formal affair. The sparkly lace is a really pretty detail, and the ruffle down the front makes this more comfortable to wear, even considering how form fitting it is.
Size Range: 4–16
Mac Duggal Beaded Overlay A-Line Gown
Photo: Mac Duggal
For a black-tie wedding, you'll want to find a gown rather than a cocktail dress, and this one is a lovely choice. The simple skirt pairs nicely with the beaded, sparkling cape-like top that drapes over the shoulders. This has a more mature and elegant look to it, keeps you covered up for chillier days and doesn't have an overwhelming amount of fabric. The burgundy color is on trend, but you can also opt for the icy blue if you prefer that.
Size Range: 4–20
Dress the Population Holly Long Sleeve Metallic Plisse Dress
Photo: Nordstrom
One easy way to lean into fall trends without looking like you're trying too hard is to opt for a popular color. This metallic dress comes in the chocolate brown shade that was all over the runways for this season and offers a bit of shine to make it even more interesting. The shorter length makes it great for a cocktail attire dress code, while a high slit keeps things alluring.
Size Range: XXS–XXL
Farm Rio Green Elephants Maxi Dress
Photo: Farm Rio
If you love the fact that boho is back in style, then you'll love this printed maxi dress. At first glance, it almost looks like it's covered in florals, but it's actually multi-colored elephants, making this super unique and fun. It's perfect for a more casual wedding or a destination wedding, and the flowy silhouette makes it comfortable and easy to move around in.
Size range: XXS–XL
Adrianna Papell Embroidered Floral Midi Dress
Photo: Macy's
A dark floral print is always a win for a fall wedding guest dress. This one is a really pretty choice if you're looking for a shorter hemline, and it's also great for warmer fall weather thanks to the sleeveless style. The square neckline and floral print is romantic and you can easily wear this with a shawl as a light layer.
Size Range: 4–16
City Chic Soft Ruffle Dress
Photo: City Chic
Simple and versatile, this ruffle dress has a timeless faux wrap style and short flutter sleeves. The fabric is stretchy and comfortable, with a more relaxed and flowy fit, and the elasticized back is pretty flexible. Get this in emerald green, black, or navy—the plus-size fall wedding guest dress for over 50 is something you can wear at many other events.
Size Range: 12–24
Kay Unger Mirabel Tea-Length Dress
Photo: Kay Unger
Sophisticated and elegant, this tea-length dress is available in a unique color combination: emerald green and blue. The delicate floral pattern is inspired by tulips, and it's made of a beautifully textured jacquard fabric with a slightly more structured fit. This is great for a daytime fall wedding, but would work for night and a spring event as well.
Size Range: 0–18
Teri Jon Jacquard Shirt Dress
Photo: Teri Jon
A more formal shirt dress is a classic option for a wedding guest dress for women over 50, and this has a bit of a modern spin. It features a collared neckline, a metallic floral pattern and a flouncy skirt. This is another look that could be great for fall or winter.
Size Range: 2–22
Alex Evenings Embellished Ruched Sheath Cocktail Dress
Photo: Nordstrom
Go for simple and classic with this petite fall wedding guest dress for over 50 that's perfect for cocktail attire. It's elegant and put together, with longer sleeves and a V-neck, and you can easily add some fun accessories to brighten it up or keep it more minimalist. The jeweled brooch is a nice embellishment too.
Size Range: 4–16, petite sizes available
Johnny Was Lizzy Ruffle Maxi Dress
Photo: Johnny Was
Made from 100% silk, this maxi dress has a more elevated feel to it than other floral maxi dresses. There's a deep V-neckline that complements the longer length and tiered skirt and the puffed sleeves are a nice addition. Dress this up with heels and some nice jewelry, or keep it more casual for other events.
Size Range: XXS–XXL
Mac Duggal Pleated Caplet T-Length Dress
Photo: Mac Duggal
The pleated satin fabric of this dress is what really makes it stand out in a crowd—it's different and interesting and really works with the added shine. The cape sleeve is also unique and offers coverage for chilly days. Go for a more neutral option with the midnight blue shade or opt for bold and bright with the apple green color.
Size Range: 2–20
Kay Unger Marcella Tea-Length Dress
Photo: Kay Unger
The gold color of this dress is appropriately called "fall gold," and when you think about it, it does feel reminiscent of the leaves that fall from the trees during autumn. The textured jacquard, pleated waistband and longer length make this women's fall wedding guest dress for over 50 so elegant and chic.
Size Range: 0–18
City Chic Ivana Maxi Dress
Photo: City Chic
Black and gold feels perfect for crisp autumn nights, and this dress also features longer sleeves and a comfortably relaxed fit that make it a dream for dancing the night away. It's also available in a blue, gold and black print if you're interested in a little more color.
Size Range: 12–24
Ralph Lauren Belted Georgette Flutter Sleeve Gown
Photo: Ralph Lauren
Opt for minimalist sophistication with this solid gown. The lightweight georgette fabric makes it a good fit for a slightly warmer day and it has a pretty ruffle down the skirt for movement. The gold detail at the belt adds some shape while the flutter sleeves help cover your arms.
Size Range: 00–18
Aidan Mattox by Adrianna Papell Off-The-Shoulder Mikado Midi Cocktail Dress
Photo: Nordstrom
Red may not seem like a typical fall color, but it's trending this year and can be a fun and bold choice for a wedding guest dress. This one is made of a silky fabric for some shine. The off-the-shoulder neckline and sheath style skirt make it elegant and glam.
Size Range: 0–14
Sachin & Babi Martine Dress
Photo: Sachin & Babi
Jump right into fall trends with this leopard print dress. The midi length and A-line skirt make it feel more formal, but this could easily be dressed down a bit too. The fall dress for over 50 has cap sleeves and a higher neck and the skinny belt cinches in at the waist for some shape.
Size Range: 0–22
