What to Wear to a Fall Wedding (2024)

As the seasons change, get ready to embrace the warm, earthy hues and deep jewel tones of fall. Fall is the perfect season for weddings, thanks to picturesque backdrops, crisp air, and romantic settings. If you're attending a wedding in autumn, you may be wondering how to pick the perfect outfit.

Fall wedding attire for guests can showcase the festive ambiance of the season by incorporating richer colors, luxurious fabrics, and skillfully layered pieces. To strike the perfect balance between elegance and comfort, it’s important to keep a few key factors in mind.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the intricacies of fall wedding guest attire, from how to dress according to the weather to fun outfit ideas. Keep reading to discover how you can expertly blend seasonal colors with stylish accessories for any type of autumn wedding.

How to Dress for a Fall Wedding

The fall season calls for rich hues, smart layers, and a balance between comfort and style. With that in mind, there are many options for fall wedding guests. By considering the venue’s ambiance, event dress code, weather, and seasonal trends, you can create a memorable and stunning look for an autumn wedding.

Dress code

The first thing you should consider when deciding what to wear to a fall wedding is the dress code since this can guide your outfit choices. Here are a few common wedding dress codes:

Black-tie: Black-tie weddings are sophisticated events that require formal attire. Typically, men wear tuxedos and white shirts with polished dress shoes. For women, full-length evening gowns or elegant co*cktail dresses are popular options. Embrace the colors of the season by donning a rich burgundy full-length gown.

Formal: Formal wedding attire is less strict than black-tie dress codes, requiring elegant clothes with fewer constraints. Men can wear dark suits with ties, while women can choose from floor-length gowns, co*cktail dresses, or dressy separates.
co*cktail: co*cktail dress codes allow for a more relaxed yet chic approach. Men can wear suits with a dress shirt or opt for dressy separates like a blazer and trousers. Women can get more creative and choose from knee-length or midi dresses, stylish separates, or elegant jumpsuits paired with heels. Because it’s less formal, you can play with fall textures and colors while keeping it classy.
Casual: As the most flexible dress code, casual weddings allow men to pair slacks or khakis with a dress shirt or polo, while women can wear casual dresses, skirts, or pants and blouses.

Location and venue

When choosing your fall wedding attire, keep the location and venue in mind. Your outfit should not only adhere to the dress code but also complement the ambiance and setting of the wedding. From layering to choosing colors and materials, here are some of the key considerations regarding location and venue:

Indoor venues: If the wedding is indoors, you’ll likely want to wear layers to account for cooler temperatures traveling to and from the location and warmer temperatures inside. An elegant shawl or jacket can complement your dress while allowing you to remove it if it gets too hot inside. Many indoor venues, including grand ballrooms, luxury hotels, and upscale restaurants, require more formal clothing.

Outdoor venues: Casual chic or co*cktail attire may be suitable for outdoor fall weather. Consider the possibility of temperature changes so you're prepared. If the wedding is at a garden or vineyard, opt for floral dresses or earthy tones to match the location. Outdoor weddings at barns or rustic settings might have more casual dress codes, allowing you to play with textured fabrics or fun patterns.
Destination weddings: If the fall wedding takes place in a warmer climate, choose breathable fabrics and lighter colors. Cooler destinations like mountain resorts or countryside retreats call for warmer fabrics to keep you comfortable.

Time

The time of day also impacts fall wedding guest attire. Morning or daytime weddings are great occasions for lighter colors and fabrics, such as soft hues or pastels. Men can ditch traditional dark suits and opt for playful, lighter-colored suits in shades of gray or blue. Women may prefer floral prints, softer tones, or lighter fabrics like chiffon or silk. Daytime weddings are typically less formal, meaning guests can choose semi-formal or co*cktail attire for more casual looks.

As the day progresses, consider transitioning to slightly richer tones and more refined silhouettes. Men can opt for darker suits, while women can wear more decadent jewel-toned dresses or separates. Late-afternoon weddings may lean towards co*cktail attire, but evening weddings are when formal garments shine.

During the fall season, men can wear dark suits or tuxedos, and women can shimmer in floor-length gowns or co*cktail dresses in deeper hues. Luxe fabrics like velvet or satin are perfect for fall fashion at evening events.

Weather

After determining the location and venue, check the weather to ensure you’re dressed appropriately. Fall is a transitional season, meaning you can expect a mix of warm and cool weather. In some regions, the rainy season peaks in fall, while other areas stay relatively warm.

If it’s still warm during the day but gets cooler at night, layer up to accommodate changing temperatures. Choose a lighter fabric for your base layer and add a chic cardigan, shawl, or coat for added warmth. As fall progresses toward November, the weather tends to get much colder. Thick and warmer materials, such as long-sleeved dresses and heavier suits, are good options.

Seasonal trends and colors

Embracing the colors of the season ensures a stylish appearance that also aligns with the event's ambiance. To avoid sticking out, align your fall wedding guest attire choices with popular seasonal colors and trends, including:

Rich jewel tones: Think deep burgundy, emerald green, navy blue, mustard yellow, plum, and burnt orange. These are all essential fall shades that evoke the warmth and richness of the season.

Earthy and neutral tones: Earthy tones like taupe, camel, olive green, and brown complement the changing foliage and offer a cozy, autumn vibe.
Metallic accents: Add a touch of glamor to your fall wedding guest outfits with gold, bronze, or copper accents.
Textured fabrics: Fabrics such as velvet, tweed, wool, satin, and suede are popular during fall since they add depth and warmth, perfect for cooler weather.
Seasonal prints: Floral patterns with dark backgrounds, paisley designs, and plaids are stylish choices for fall.

Fall Wedding Guest Attire Ideas

Dressing up for a wedding can be fun as long as you know how to prepare. Remember to tailor your outfits to fit your personal style and comfort level while adhering to the dress code and considerations mentioned above. Here are a few ideas to inspire your fall wedding look:

Formal evening wedding in a grand ballroom: A floor-length emerald green velvet gown paired with gold statement jewelry, a sleek clutch, and classic heels.
Outdoor vineyard wedding in the afternoon: A knee-length floral dress in fall hues accessorized with a camel-colored shawl and versatile shoes.
City co*cktail wedding: A chic knee-length co*cktail dress in burgundy paired with elegant Mary Jane flats.

Accessorizing Your Fall Wedding Look

Complete your guest attire for a fall wedding with refined accessories. While accessorizing is a great way to elevate your outfit, it’s important to strike a balance and avoid overdoing it. Choose accessories that enhance your style and make you feel comfortable and confident.

Here are some tips for what accessories to wear to a wedding in the fall:

Statement jewelry: Incorporate bold, eye-catching pieces to add a bit of extra flair to your ensemble, whether it’s a chunky necklace, statement earrings, or cuff bracelets.

Shawls: A cozy shawl made from luxurious fabrics like cashmere or velvet provides warmth and refinement to your wedding attire.
Embellished belts: Cinch your waist with an embellished belt to accentuate your silhouette.
Small purses and clutches: Bring along all of your essentials in a small purse or clutch. Play into the fall theme by choosing bags in seasonal colors or textures.
Weather-appropriate footwear: Make sure your shoes complement your outfit while considering the weather. Women’s flats for dresses are an excellent option for fall weddings, along with elegant boots or stylish loafers.

Dress to Impress at Your Next Wedding

Dressing for an autumn wedding involves considering factors like dress code, venue, weather, and more. Choosing what to wear to a wedding in fall is about enhancing the overall experience and feeling confident while celebrating.

Choose from Rothy’s versatile range of stylish footwear to ensure a sustainable wedding style. Whether choosing flats or loafers, Rothy’s shoes are crafted using recycled and natural materials, helping you elevate your style while making sustainable fashion choices. With chic designs suitable for various dress codes and locations, Rothy’s is the ideal choice to complete your fall wedding guest ensemble.

FAQs

What is acceptable to wear to a fall wedding? ›

According to Lisa Grotts, an etiquette expert, "A formal fall wedding requires a man to wear a tuxedo [or suit] and a woman to wear a formal gown. Women do have wiggle room because a traditional co*cktail dress can also work, or even a dressy pantsuit."

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What do you wear to a fall wedding without a dress code? ›

Season. When it comes to deciding what to wear to a wedding with no dress code, think about what time of year the wedding will take place. If it's a fall date, chances are a strapless, short dress is not the ticket. Opt for something with more coverage, such as a tea-length dress.

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How do you answer a wedding dress code? ›

“The wedding is casual, so please feel free to wear whatever you'd feel best in!” “The wedding is semi-formal, so we encourage you to wear co*cktail attire [for evening events] / Sunday best [for daytime events].” “The wedding is formal, so we encourage you to wear black tie attire.

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What kind of shoes do you wear to a fall wedding? ›

Peep-toe shoes are great for fall and winter—and a classic pump is most ideal, but you can get away with strappy stilettos or heels as long as they aren't a bright color or white. If you ask me, wearing black or a darker color is more appropriate, but nude is always OK.

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What should a female guest wear to a fall wedding? ›

A chic jumpsuit with flats feels dressed up and ready for hours on the dance floor. Adding a few shiny flourishes like rhinestone earrings or a sleek blazer makes it evening appropriate. For a daytime affair, a wrap dress always looks put together and lovely with some bold jewelry.

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What not to wear to a fall wedding guest? ›

It doesn't matter if the dress code requests "casual" attire, jeans, T-shirts, shorts, flip-flops, and sneakers are never appropriate to wear as a wedding guest. Show respect for the bride and groom by dressing formally. Sabatino suggests that men show up in a jacket and tie, even when the invitation says casual.

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Is it inappropriate to wear black to a fall wedding? ›

Consider The Season

If the wedding is outdoors, it simply may be too hot to wear black. Skip a black dress for a cooler color that will reflect the sun. In fall or winter, darker colors like black are more appropriate.

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What color dress should a guest not wear to a wedding? ›

White or Ivory

Of course, there's always an exception, so if—and only if—the bride has called for guests to wear white, never wear this color to someone's special day.

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What color dresses not to wear to a wedding? ›

Err on the side of formality and subtlety when in doubt, and stay far away from outfits in these colors:

White.
Off white or ivory.
All black.
Bright colors.
Bold, colorful prints.
Wedding party colors.
Mother of the nearlywed's color.

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What is dressy casual for a wedding? ›

Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual

Women can wear below-the-knee dresses, slip dresses, a dressy skirt and top, or an elegant pantsuit (styled with heels, nice wedges, or formal flats). As for men, opt for a dress shirt and slacks, with the option to wear a tie.

Can I wear jeans to a wedding? ›

According to Lisa Lyons, an event planner and etiquette advisor, jeans are inappropriate to wear as they're generally deemed as casual and informal. "Weddings are typically formal or semi-formal events, and wearing jeans may be seen as disrespectful and not in line with the dress code," she explains.

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What is dress code answer? ›

: a set of rules about what clothing may and may not be worn at a school, office, restaurant, etc.

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What color shoes for fall wedding? ›

Fall wedding shoes are available in many different colours. If you are a bride, the best fall wedding shoes are off-white, ivory, pale gray, or metallic tones such as champagne, pale gold and silver. Metallic touches can make an fall wedding shoe feel refined, sophisticated and elegant.

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Can I wear open toed heels to a fall wedding? ›

You can also wear boots or open-toe heeled shoes to a fall wedding if that's more your style. But again, Lee urges to "think about where you'll be walking." "Open versus closed-toe heels are simply a style choice and matter of personal preference," says Walsh, but they're generally better suited to indoor events.

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Is it OK to wear boots to a fall wedding? ›

The short answer is yes. In fact, fall may be the most appropriate time to wear less heavy-duty boots that can double as dress shoes.

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What should a guest wear to an October wedding? ›

October is peak fall, so go ahead and embrace a seasonal look (you know, if that's your vibe). Warm Earth tones are the perfect choice for dresses, suits and separates alike. No matter the weather, you can always lean into the spooky season vibes by opting for classic October hues like burnt orange, plum and black.

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Is it OK to wear black to fall wedding? ›

I actually just invested in a classic black suiting option that will be my go-to for fall weddings.” Alexandra Macon, Vogue contributor and co-founder of Over-The-Moon, agrees: "It is perfectly acceptable, and chic, to wear black to a wedding—as long as it's festive and not funereal," she says.

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Can you wear open toed shoes to a fall wedding? ›

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