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Updated Oct 14, 2024Wondering What to Wear to a Fall Wedding? We've Got Examples.
This expert advice is better than pumpkin spice.
Photo: Logan Cole Photography
Temperatures are dropping and inboxes are filling up with invites, which can only mean one thing: Fall (aka wedding season) is near. Lucky for you, you've come to the right place if you're thinking about what to wear to a fall wedding.
The changing of seasons offers the perfect chance for you to mix up your style, but because the weather can be unpredictable, determining what to wear as a guest isn't always easy. To help you on your quest for the perfect look, we've tapped industry experts for their advice on the best colors, prints and styles for fall. We've also handpicked eight shoppable looks to make choosing an outfit an (autumn) breeze. Read on for our helpful tips plus plenty of outfit inspo.
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In this article:
- What to Wear to a Fall Wedding
- Fall Wedding Outfits for Guests
- Where to Buy an Autumn Wedding Guest Outfit
What to Wear to a Fall Wedding
If you're wondering exactly what to wear for an autumn wedding, let the experts help you decide. "Once the fall season hits, we say goodbye to summer brights and start the transition into warm but cheerful color tones," says Blaire Walsh, style director at Rent the Runway. "The fall season gives guests the chance to play with assorted necklines, unique sleeve cuts and heavier fabrics."
Before you choose your autumn wedding attire, look at the invitation and wedding website to get an idea of the dress code. This is one of the most important factors to take into consideration when choosing your look. You'll wear something different for an outdoor wedding in a barn than you would at a hotel rooftop. In addition to the requested wedding attire listed on the couple's invitation, clues like the venue and the time of the event can offer additional fashion insight.
"Location is a huge factor in deciding what to wear," explains SuitShop co-founder Jeanne Foley. "Look into where the ceremony and reception will be taking place, because that's the best indicator of determining the level of formality you can plan for." While you might opt for a casual sundress with a denim jacket or go tieless for a backyard wedding, an evening soirée at an upscale hotel will require more formal attire, like a full-length gown or a tux.
What to Wear to a September Wedding
By September, you might be ready to fully embrace fall fashion, but that won't stop the summer heat from sticking around. Our advice? Opt for lightweight styles and silhouettes, in warmer tones like mustard yellow, burgundy or olive green. For dresses, consider a breathable midi or mini length option. And in case you were wondering, yes—floral prints are perfectly acceptable for September wedding attire. As for suiting, steer clear of heavy fabrics like wool and velvet (those will come in handy later in the season). If you choose to wear a classic navy blue or black suit, you can always give your September wedding guest outfit a seasonal touch through accessories like a paisley-printed pocket square.
What to Wear to an October Wedding
Unless you're attending a Halloween wedding this year, your wedding attire for October shouldn't include a costume. Instead, opt for a stylish burnt orange look. Not only will it get you in the spooky spirit this fall, but it will also look really good. For both dresses and separates, we recommend sticking to long sleeves or layers. October evenings can get chilly, so you'll want to come prepared. When it comes to accessories, you can't go wrong with suede. Whether we're talking boots, belts or bags, the cozy material is sure to add the perfect autumn touch to your October wedding guest outfit.
What to Wear to a November Wedding
'Tis the season to get dressed up. With the holidays on the horizon, you might be eager to break out your most festive looks for November wedding attire. Luckily, jewel-toned frocks, velvet suits and crystal accessories are all excellent options to wear to a wedding in November. Better yet, you can repurpose your look for holiday parties all season long. When putting together a November wedding guest outfit, the most important thing to keep in mind is the weather. If the event calls for outdoor wedding attire, you might want to layer up. Likewise, you might decide to wear a dress or suit made from heavier fabric. Even if the event you're attending is indoors, it doesn't hurt to pack a cozy shawl or light jacket just in case.
Fall Wedding Outfits for Guests
Fall wedding guest attire is most notably associated with jewel tones and rich fabrics like silk and wool, and this won't change any time soon. "This season, expect to see plenty of moody floral prints and deep jewel tones like fuchsia, emerald, mustard, burgundy and plum," says Kristen Schnars, Director of Merchandising for Lulus. "Saturated pop colors like magenta, hot pink and shades of red are trending this year too."
When shopping for stylish fall wedding guest dresses, Schnars recommends looking for designs that feature silk, floral burnouts and jacquard. Puff sleeves, one-shoulder necklines, asymmetrical ruffled hems and tiered skirts will dominate this year, as well as trending internet aesthetics, like cottagecore, regencycore and barbiecore. But if you're looking for classic cocktail attire you can rewear for multiple events, Schnars says you can never go wrong with a timeless wrap dress.
Fall Outdoor Wedding Attire
The biggest factor when deciding what to wear to a fall outdoor wedding? Weather. Depending on the location, you may encounter some rain, low temps and even snow. Our advice? No matter the forecast, be prepared with a shawl, wrap or coat you can wear over a dress or suit. If you're planning on wearing a dress, be sure to choose one that's easy to layer (in other words, nothing overly poofy). For suiting, consider wearing a vest underneath your coat or blazer for an added layer of warmth (that can easily be removed if needed). Most importantly, be sure to check the weather forecast before finalizing your outdoor fall wedding attire, and pack an umbrella just in case. And remember: "outdoor wedding attire" doesn't necessarily mean casual wedding attire. Be sure to stick to the attire guidelines when deciding on your look.
Where to Buy an Autumn Wedding Guest Outfit
Whether you're looking to save some cash or want to splurge on your next fit, there are plenty of places to buy standout options for wedding season. Of course, if your calendar is full of events that range in dress code, you can always go the rental route. Check out some of our favorite places to shop, from men's and women's to nonbinary wedding attire.
Where to Buy Fall Wedding Outfits for Women
Let the shopping commence. Whether you're on the hunt for a black-tie gown or a few fall-worthy wedding guest accessories, the retailers ahead are our go-to spots.
- Lulus: Take it from us: Lulus has it all when it comes to fall wedding guest attire. Not only do they offer on-trend and budget-friendly options, but they also make it super convenient to filter for what you're looking for, whether it be size, silhouette or style. Use code THEKNOT20 for 20% off first-time purchases.
- Nordstrom: From fall wedding guest dresses for over 50 to styles perfect for the bride's bestie, Nordstrom has plenty of beautiful fall wedding outfits for women. You'll find a range of brands, price points and styles, plus great perks like fast shipping and in-store alteration options.
- Abercrombie & Fitch: Abercrombie's wedding shop has the cutest selection of fall wedding guest styles for every formality, from elegant black-tie gowns to laidback, casual frocks. Most importantly, they carry occasion-ready pieces in a range of size options, including standard, petite and plus.
- Neiman Marcus: If you're looking for a showstopping cocktail, formal or black-tie wedding guest look, Neiman Marcus has you covered. Here, you can shop styles from a selection of high-end brands like A.L.C., Teri Jon, Sachin & Babi and more.
- Petal & Pup: Another affordable fall wedding attire spot for guests is Petal & Pup. You'll find a range of casual and formal outfits alike, with many styles ringing up at or under $100. Pro tip: Use code PETALXKNOT for 15% off your purchase.
Where to Buy Fall Wedding Outfits for Men
Fall is such a fun time for suiting. For all the rich fabrics, jewel tones and playful textures you can get your hands on this season, look no further than the retailers that follow.
- Bonobos: When it comes to men's fall wedding attire, Bonobos is the perfect one-stop-shop. They have all the essentials you'll need to earn yourself the title of "best dressed guest," from statement-making suits to dapper accessories. We especially love their selection of sweaters and outerwear for fall.
- Nordstrom: If plenty of options is what you're looking for, you'll find just that at Nordstrom. From stylish fall suits and tuxedos to ties and other accessories, Nordstrom has a large selection of fall formalwear at a range of price points. And with hundreds of locations across the US, you can easily drop by for any alterations you might need.
- Indochino: While Indochino isn't the most affordable suit retailer out there, the prices are pretty impressive considering everything is custom made to your unique measurements. No matter what you're envisioning, Indochino can likely make it for you—and under $1,000 at that. Plus, Indochino regularly has sitewide sales that make the price points even better.
- The Black Tux: Don't want to buy a new suit or tux for every event? We feel you. Renting one from The Black Tux is an excellent way to sport a fresh look and save some cash while you're at it. If you end up loving it, you can buy your rental at an affordable price point.
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SuitShop: One of the most affordable places to buy suits is SuitShop. Prices start at under $200, and options range from a simple, dark navy suit to a stylish olive green tweed pick.
Additional reporting by Kate Boswell.
