The Best Dresses to Wear to Fall Weddings
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Selecting the perfect thing to wear to a wedding can feel particularly high-stakes: after all, you're not only joining in on one of the biggest days of someone's life, the photos will live on for years, and dress codes can be decidedly hard to decipher. And with fall weddings, with their mutable weather conditions to contend with, on the rise, you may be wondering how exactly to put together a perfect ensemble for an autumn nuptial. Fortunately, there's no shortage of options out there. To prove it, we've scoured the internet for classic looks like satin slip dresses and LBDs you'll be able to wear for years to come as well as on-trend looks that will prove your style cred (spoilers: after several years of maximalist color, brown tones are poised to make a major comeback in fall 2024.) From chic patterns to rich textures, we've chosen a mix of of-the-moment looks and timeless essentials from big name brands and fan-loved finds so you can show up to all of your fall fetes in style. Here are the best wedding guest dresses we're falling for in autumn.
Adiel Wrap Midi Dress
A seasonless dress if we've ever saw one! From fall weddings to spring cocktail soirees to everything in between, you'll get plenty of mileage out of this do-it-all style year round.
Size Range: XXS-3X
Material: Satin charmeuse
Gwyneth slip dress in luster charmeuse
When in doubt, wear a slip dress. Simple, sleek, and sultry, it's a style that won't ever let you down. This version just so happens to be the full-length iteration of the Gwyneth slip skirt our Deputy Digital Lifestyle Director Roxanne Adamiyatt can't get enough of.
Size Range: 00-24
Materials: Polyester
The Somerset Maxi Dress
Available in almost a dozen colors and patterns (not to mention luxe fabrications like lace), this do-it-all maxi dress is sure to be a go-to for weddings and beyond this season. Not enough for you? T&C contributor Lauren Hubbard assures it's also "'nap dress' levels of comfy," and flattering for any body type.
Size Range: XXS-3X
Material: Cotton
Ellis Velvet Dress
For chilly, late-season fetes, a luxe fabric light velvet feels equal parts elegant and cozy.
Size Range: 0-19
Materials: Polyester, spandex, polyester lining
One reviewer writes: "The velvet material is high quality, stretchy and forgiving, the silhouette was flattering. I got the eggplant color, and it was super classy and elegant."
Rayna One-Shoulder Gown
This sage-toned wrap dress (also available in ruby and navy) with a asymmetrical neckline will surely earn you the title of best dressed guest.
Size Range: 0-16
Materials: Polyester
One reviewer writes: "Beautiful gown. Heavy drape and very forgiving.... Looking forward to wearing this as a Mother of the Bride in September."
Mac Duggal Sequin Mesh Sheath Dress
Think of metallics as a more glam version of a neutral—perfect no matter the wedding's color scheme.
Size Range: 4-16
Material: 100% polyester
One reviewer writes: "Beautifully perfect fit, far more beautiful than in the photos, great price for a stunning dress."
Long Camerino Dress
Bring your florals into fall with a dynamic print in a rich rust shade. Long sleeves and a maxi length ensures it will make plenty of impact without any bridal implications.
Size Range: XS-L
Materials: 100% silk
Vintage Ruffle Sleeves Cocktail Dress
Ruffled accents take this neutral dress up a notch.
Size Range: S-XL
Materials: 95% polyester, 5% elastane
One reviewer writes: "Needed a dress to attend a wedding. I used the size guide provided on the website and it was PERFECT. Absolutely love the dress. It fit perfectly and has just the right amount of stretch. Good quality material and flattering for the price."
Illusion Yoke Crepe Cocktail Dress
A transparent shoulder overlay adds some sex appeal and vintage vibes to the simple cap-sleeve silhouette of this little black dress.
Size Range: 0-16
Materials: 96% polyester, 4% spandex with 100% polyester contrast
One reviewer writes: "I purchased this dress for a recent wedding that called for all black attire and this fabulous dress helped me stand out amongst the sea of black! The dress was very flattering and hugged in all the right places. Would definitely recommend!"
Halter Art Deco Beaded Blouson Dress
Delicate beading lends an elegant art deco touch to this navy maxi.
Size Range: 0-20
Material: 100% polyester
One reviewer writes: "I enjoyed having this gown on. It was chic with all the sequins that adorned it. I felt like it fit me well, as I felt it was true to size, and I wore it comfortably with a strapless bra. I believe the quality is excellent for the price."
Catalina Fit & Flare Cocktail Dress
Craving a wedding guest dress that you don't have to reserve for weddings? This A-line burgundy frock is just the ticket.
Size Range: XXS-XXL
Materials: 97% polyester, 3% spandex
One reviewer writes: "Originally meant for my rehearsal dinner this dress got upgraded to wedding dress when ceremony got downgraded to a front yard pandemic affair. There was an audible whispered ripple in the audience of “it has pockets” when I pulled out my vows. Comfortable, cool, and flattering. Also was thrilled to discover machine washable"
Dessa Satin Dress
A creamy mushroom shade offers this double-satin gown an autumnal edge. Careful tailoring and a cowl neck creates a flattering bustline without flashing cleavage.
Size Range: 0-12
Materials: 88% NAIA Renew Acetate, 12% Polyester
Sleeveless Lace Floral Cocktail Dress
When in doubt, a lace dress is always a good choice for a wedding.
Size Range: S-XL
Materials: 65% rayon, 35% polyester
One reviewer writes: "THIS is THE dress! It’s just beautiful!!! Great quality and it’s also very soft and comfortable! The zipper is very nicely stitched into the dress so it’s invisible and the seams lay flat. I have bought several dresses over the past few month for my upcoming honeymoon- and this dress is better than some of the $400 dresses I’ve tried!"
Bow-Tie Maxi Dress
Think of this ruffled dress as a ladylike riff on the bow tie.
Size Range: 00-16
Materials: Cotton, elastane, polyester lining
One reviewer writes: "This dress is adorable. The fabric quality is amazing. The fit is very flattering. The bow gives it an added touch. Can be worn with sandals to dress down or heels for an event. LOVE"
Diana Ruched One-Shoulder Gown
This all-over ruched number (available in almost a dozen shades) is ideal for flattering your curves.
Size Range: XXS-XL
Materials: 95% polyester, 5% spandex
One reviewer writes: "I bought this last year for a wedding, it fit perfect. I am now buying another one in a different color for a class reunion. I am curvy and I didn't have any trouble taking it off or going to the lady's room. I got lots of compliments!!! Love it!"
Midnight Floral Lace Seraphina Dress
A navy and scarlet color scheme brings a seasonal touch to this floral lace short-sleeved midi.
Size Range: XXS-XXXL
Materials: 100% Polyester
One reviewer writes: "Pleasantly surprised. The colors are truly vibrant and exactly as pictured on the site. The feel of lace is substantial but soft, nice generous cut, complimenting length. A winning combination!"
Alfred Sung Strapless High/Low Ballgown
If the occasion calls for a ballgown, this emerald dress (it also comes in black and burgundy) will make you feel just like royalty.
Size Range: 0-24
Material: 100% polyester
One reviewer writes: "This dress is stunning and high quality! It looks even more expensive in person."
Jackie O Belted Dress
This timeless dress isn't just perfect for fall weddings—it's destined to become a wardrobe workhorse.
Size Range: 0-16
Materials: 62% polyester, 33% viscose, 5% spandex
Demi Backless Long-Sleeve Column Gown
Minimalist, yet anything but boring, this gown with balloon sleeves, a twisted front key-hole neckline, and a sultry open back is effortlessly elegant. It also comes in five shades, to go with any dress code.
Size Range: 2-12
Materials: Rayon, polyester, polyester and elastane lining
One reviewer writes: "What a gorgeous, classic dress with some dramatic flare (hello bell sleeves and no back!!). The dress is comfortable, fit like a glove in my normal dress size and hits right around the ankles which allows for heels or flats. I received SO many compliments wearing it and the gold/ bronze color is beautiful and easy to match with. I love this dress."
Cape Sleeve Crepe Sheath Dress
Bring the drama with a glamorous dress with cape-style sleeves. Pair with gold jewelry, a classic pair of pumps, and you'll have yourself a knockout wedding guest look.
Size Range: 4-16
Materials: 94% polyester, 6% spandex
One reviewer writes: "Love love love this dress. Very flattering and there’s a stretch to the fabric. Super comfy and very elegant. Bought it in 2 other colors."
Pleated Long Sleeve Satin A-Line Gown
For a bit of juicy color that still feels appropriate for the latter half of the year, a bold chartreuse is the way to go (though this long sleeved satin maxi also comes in an array of other jewel tones as well.)
Size Range: 0-16
Materials: 100% polyester
One reviewer writes: "The dress was beautiful, comfortable and fit perfectly. I added a gold belt to make it a little more fancy, but otherwise, it was perfection. Loved it!"
Square Neck Sateen Midi Gown
A femme neutral, like this dusty pink, is a perfect option for weddings year round, but the rich satin shine takes this square-necked version effortlessly into fall.
Size Range: 0-18
Materials: 100% polyester
One reviewer writes: "This is a beautiful gown that fits true to size. I purchased a few dresses for my upcoming wedding and this was hands down the star of the show. This classic A line silhouette is perfect for women that aren’t too curvy like myself."
Gathered Side Midi-Dress
For a fit that provides coverage where you need it, this chic asymmetrical sheath (available in five shades) smoothes and flatters the body, while also adding a dressed-up bit of interest with a gathered side ruffle.
Size Range: 2-18
Materials: 72% polyamide, 28% elastane
One reviewer writes: "This dress is perfect. It can be dressed up or down. Great for many occasions. It is fitted but in a flattering way. Love it!!!"
Taj layered draped one-shoulder silk-chiffon maxi dress
Bring some goddess vibes (and get a hint of arm coverage in case of early fall chills) with this drapey, one-shouldered maxi, available in this timeless tan or elegant black.
Size Range: 0-10
Materials: 100% silk
Collection asymmetrical ruched dress in stretch satin
When in doubt, a LBD is always the right answer. This stretch satin number brings sophistication with a fitted bodice that gives way to an artfully draped skirt.
Size Range: 00-24
Materials: 100% polyester
One reviewer writes: "This dress is stunning and comfortable. It is very long though--I am 5'5" and the size 2 reached the floor."
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