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Written By Katie Mander
I’ve been getting a lot of calls and messages lately asking the same general question…”I received the invitation to (fill in the blank) and now I’m panicking” - AKA what should I wear for a fall wedding, party, or benefit?
For many of my personal styling clients, and I’d imagine for many of you, events such as weddings are back in full swing. Event season is officially here, with gusto, and that begs the question - what should I wear??
Picking an outfit for a wedding is a challenge anytime of year. But in the fall, it gets even trickier. Why? Well, because transitional dressing, when the seasons change, is hard. Even with everyday clothing - let alone event dressing. The calendar says one thing and the weather often says another.
In summer we know lighter fabrics, bright colors and possibly more skin showing. And in the winter rich colors and fabrics such as velvet. But what in the world are we supposed to do in autumn? The quick answer is finding something that feels special and celebratory while also bridging the gap between seasons. Darker florals, warm autumnal colors, sleeves and fabrics that have some texture or heft while not making you sweat.
While it might seem like an impossible task, never fear! I did some “market research” at Saks Fifth Avenue and found a slew of great options!
Fall Wedding Guest Outfit Checklist:
Color - look for dresses in more autumnal tones - rust, green, dark florals
Fabric - opt for fabrics that are multi season such as chiffon, silk, and cotton. Stay away from seasonal fabrics like linen or velvet.
Skin - look for a sleeve or have a topper handy. Showing less skin can help an outfit feel more “fall”. And as the temps get colder, it can also keep you warm.
Shoes - open toe shoes are completely appropriate for fall events. Especially when paired with a transitional dress.
Bag - don't let the bag and other accessories be an afterthought. A bag is a great way to add some personality and color to your outfit.
My Fall Dress Try On at Saks
While I love (almost) everything I found, this outfit is definitely my favorite.
This dress is the epitome of fall - dark moody florals yet made from a cotton eyelet. It’s gorgeous and feels so good on! This combo offers so much versatility - I’d wear it with heels and a fun clutch to a formal wedding and then pair it back to this cropped denim jacket for “dressy casual” “rustic chic” or “festive” dress code.
SHOP THE LOOK:
The richer colors and longer sleeves combined with the chiffon fabric make this a winner for fall events as well. These sandals are amazeballs - they have a cutout gold block heel that is both sturdy to walk on and more delicate to look at. Also, pairing this with a darker bag, like this navy clutch, helps this outfit feel more transitional.
SHOP THE LOOK:
I needed to include a little black dress, of course! This one is gorgeous and kinda bootylicious (in a good way). The higher neck and cut of the sleeve helps it bridge seasons - although I’d absolutely wear this fall, winter and spring, just maybe not in the middle of summer. Another bonus of this dress is that if you pop on a blazer and pumps, it can feel more corporate if needed.
SHOP THE LOOK:
This dress is very “me.” I love the bold color and how it pairs back to black and white. And the sleeves have elastic so they can be adjusted according to mood, weather and occasion. The other winner is the shoe - it is a kitten heel that looks beautiful on the foot/leg and is comfortable to wear. Gotta love a lower heel for an evening on your feet!
SHOP THE LOOK:
The fabric of this dress is really interesting. It’s sort of an athletic, windbreaker material. And the juxtaposition of that with a more formal silhouette is really cool! I can picture pairing this back to a fluorescent bag or going more subdued with a metallic too.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Yes, some events are more formal and call for a dress. And some might require a suit. I fell in love with this white satin number. Even though we are talking fall, the substantial nature of this fabric makes it perfect for autumn. Here I paired it with a dark floral top for a more professional look. And I’d also put a cami under it for a party. Versatility is the name of the game friends.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Proportionally, this suit is a little overwhelming on my 5’4” frame. But I LOVE the color, and the slit of the pants. I could easily have the hem of the jacket taken up a few inches and this suit would be perfect. Brown is a color you’re going to see more and more fashion-wise, so think about incorporating a few pieces into your wardrobe now. You’ll thank me later!!
SHOP THE LOOK:
Shop the Fall Saks Try On
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Katie Mander
