20 Fabulous Fall Dresses for Wedding-Guests (2024)

Fall wedding season is on the horizon, and while beautiful fall foliage is charming, chilly nuptials aren’t always as welcome. A drop in temperature calls for weather-appropriate attire, which means summer options are out. Of course, the day’s forecast is only one factor to consider when planning what to wear to an autumnal affair. Let's crack the dress code, shall we?

If the invite calls for smart-casual, don't be afraid to don fall wedding-guest dresses with shorter hemlines and lighter fabrics. Floral minis and to-the-knee styles are perfectly suitable for afternoon occasions (say, for a 4 p.m. outdoor barn wedding), while midi and even slip dresses are appropriate for co*cktail soirees. Bring the drama for evening black-tie, which calls for maxis, formal gowns, and mid-to-floor-length numbers.

Our Top Picks

• 1

  

  Best Fall Long-Sleeved Dress

  ASTR The Label Anora Floral Tiered Maxi Dress

  $178 at astrthelabel.com

  $178 at astrthelabel.com

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• 2

  

  Best Wedding-Guest Dress on Amazon

  PrettyGarden Long Satin Mock-Neck Dress

  $45 at Amazon

  $45 at Amazon

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• 3

  

  Best Fall Wedding-Guest Gown

  ASOS Design Metallic Texture Halter Tiered Maxi Dress

  $99 at ASOS

  $99 at ASOS

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• 4

  

  Best Printed Fall Wedding-Guest Dress

  Farm Rio Flower Scarves Maxi Dress

  $150 at farmrio.com

  $150 at farmrio.com

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• 5

  

  Best Fall Floral Wedding-Guest Dress

  Hope & Ivy Nadine Floral Midi Dress

  £75 at hopeandivy.co.uk

  £75 at hopeandivy.co.uk

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• 6

  

  Best Velvet Wedding-Guest Dress

  Jenny Yoo Ellis Velvet Dress

  $295 at Anthropologie

  $295 at Anthropologie

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• 7

  

  Best Fall Wedding-Guest Slip Dress

  Petal & Pup Alejandra Cowl-Neck Midi Dress

  $56 at petalandpup.com

  $56 at petalandpup.com

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• 8

  

  Best Boho-Style Wedding-Guest Dress

  Free People Feeling Groovy Maxi Dress

  $168 at Free People

  $168 at Free People

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• 9

  

  Best Plus-Size Wedding-Guest Dress

  Eloquii Satin Kimono-Sleeve Maxi Dress

  $60 at Eloquii

  $60 at Eloquii

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• 10

  

  Best Fall Wedding-Guest Dress for Petites

  Ann Taylor Mixed Print Mock-Neck Belted Flare Dress

  $179 at anntaylor.com

  $179 at anntaylor.com

  Read more

As far as colors go in the cooler months, trade your brights for rich jewel tones and patterns grounded in darker hues. You can also take a cue from peak foliage and try rust, burgundy, or gold for an October or November wedding. For textures, gravitate toward lace, velvet, jacquard, and satin, as this group feels the most celebratory. Then, punctuate the ensemble with

party-ready shoes, fall nail polish, a frizz-reducing hair shine spray, and voilà! You're on your way to being the best-dressed guest at any fall wedding.

If there’s nothing currently in your closet that fits the bill, we've spent hours reviewing hundreds of dress options so you don't have to. Whether your formal style is romantic or minimal, printed or solid, long or short sleeves, we've found the frock for you. Scroll through for our edit of the best fall wedding-guest dresses for all ages and budgets, from affordable finds to splurges you can wear after the season.

We can always rely on ASTR The Label for gorgeous, foolproof wedding guest dresses. Take this just-in, tiered floral maxi with thoughtful details like a smocked waist, dramatic long sleeves, and an unexpected cross-back design.

Get ready to hit the dance floor in this mock-neck satin maxi dress with a flattering elastic waist. Available in a plethora of colors and at an accessible price point, there's a style for everyone.

At under $100, this burgundy tiered gown looks way more expensive than it is. It features an elegant mock neck as well as open-back detailing for a head-turning look. Plus, ASOS offers sizes 0 through 14.

Farm Rio is celebrated for its beautiful prints, and this gorgeous printed V-neck dress tops our list of fall favorites. It's tapered at the waist for a flattering fit and has kimono sleeves for an added touch of glamour.

Female-founded Hope & Ivy makes the prettiest florals that can only come from a British brand. We love this tiered midi dress that can be dressed up with heels or down with an ankle bootie, depending on where the occasion takes you.

Soft velvet in a beautiful burnt-rose hue is just made for fall weddings. The fluttery sleeve and open back add to the romantic feel. Plus, it comes in six different colors and in sizes 0 through 19.

The Alejandra dress from Petal & Pup comes in three colorways — navy, tan, and emerald—all of which would look stunning against an autumnal backdrop. Details worth highlighting include the midi frock’s cowl neckline and subtle-yet-sexy slit up the left thigh. Dancing across the fall-colored base hue is a floral pattern (florals for fall? absolutely), and the piece boasts a satin sheen finish. We especially love this option for mid- to late-September nuptials, when the chill of autumn hasn’t completely overtaken the weather forecast, but you can easily pair the dress with a long coat or cape in brisk temperatures.

For a more low-key affair, this airy bohemian maxi with long sleeves wouldn't look out of place at a rustic farm wedding in October.

We have our eye on just about everything plus-size specialty brand Eloquii puts on the market. What's not to love about this versatile black maxi in a flattering V-neck, flutter-sleeve silhouette?

Available in both classic and petite sizing, this printed midi dress is versatile enough for backyard or destination weddings. Thanks to a belted waist and midi length, you won't have to think twice before dancing the night away.

There's something dreamy about a wrap dress silhouette with sheer, puff sleeves and subtle metallic detailing. If burgundy isn't for you, this dress also comes in orange, green, and black.

Lulus is always a smart starting point if you're on the hunt for a great dress for around $100. This tiered navy midi dress is sophisticated and straightforward: You won't have to buy a crazy bra alternative, and the lengthy layers are ideal for doing your thing on the dance floor.

Reformation is a favorite destination for wedding-goers for good reason. Boasting a wide range of flattering, on-trend styles and sizes, there's something to suit everyone. We love this sweetheart-neckline midi dress that flares and flatters from the waist down in the perfect fall floral.

Whether the nuptials you’re attending are co*cktail or black-tie, this gown will be appropriate for both dress codes. The floor-length silhouette has a slit that starts at the knee, and the dress’s material cascades down the leg with ruffles, giving the skirt more bend and body. And while body-hugging, the body-con garment is made from a blend of polyester and spandex, so it’s comfortable and easy to move around in. What’s more, the dress comes in nine colors, from burgundy to royal blue, so you’re almost guaranteed to find a shade that matches your personal style.

This flattering and versatile V-neck dress's claim to fame is the elegantly tiered lace layers. A classic LBD, you'll be surprised at the number of occasions where this will be your go-to frock. It comes in wear-everywhere black as well as burgundy and olive green.

Reformation makes the prettiest florals, including this fabulous 3/4-sleeve smocked midi. We love that you can wear it with comfortable heels for the occasion and then dress it down with a pair of boots after. It's rare to see a Reformation dress on sale—snag one in your size while you still can!

Think of this slinky slip dress as a blank canvas: It can translate from afternoon to evening wedding with a change of accessories. This cowl-neck design comes in different colors and runs from petite to plus sizes, proving it's a universally flattering silhouette.

From the front, Roari's Bambi dress features a super-flattering neckline and wrap-waist detailing. Thanks to a balance of long sleeves and a long hemline, the open-back detailing feels minimalist and chic.

Another option for anyone looking for a fall wedding-guest dress that can be worn again and again is this number from Good American. Good American's sleeveless turtleneck midi is the perfect example of a done-in-one ensemble that can be dressed up or down. Elements like footwear, jewelry, and outerwear will be key to bringing out the dress’s formal side. But even with minimal embellishments, the body-hugging garment is going to make a statement, for no reason other than its sculpting fabric instills a sense of confidence in the wearer. Plus, with the right layering tactics, the turtleneck design can take you into the colder months as well.

Feather accents are seeing a renaissance this season, and the Aurora dress by LPA displays the detail in a tasteful fashion. Consider the garment an LBD with a twist; a neckline that’s flirty and fluffy. Incorporate a pop of color with vibrant or metallic heels, or opt to go classic and monochrome with a chic black pump.