“Wedding season” is often associated with summer, but the most popular months to say “I do” actually fall later in the year. Maybe it’s the foliage or the welcome relief from the heat, but fall weddings are definitely a thing. While the colorful leaves make for stunning wedding photos, finding fall wedding guest dresses can be tricky. The goal: something elevated, seasonally appropriate, and comfortable enough to carry you through hours of celebrating (and dancing).
Ahead, we’ve rounded up 24 statement-making fall wedding guest dresses that work for dipping temperatures (think: maxi lengths, long sleeves, and rich fabrics) and every kind of venue (think: luxe halls, breweries, or lakeside). Expect autumnal florals, sweet puff sleeves, and slinky satin picks. Whether you need an elegant gown for a black-tie affair or are craving a trendy plus-size dress for a casual ceremony, your perfect look is just a click away.
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Fall Black-Tie Wedding Guest Dresses
While floor-length gowns are a common go-to for black-tie weddings, luxe fabrications, intricate detailing, and statement design elements can make an ankle-grazing or slightly shorter silhouette just as fitting — especially if a floor-length style falls short on taller frames. This season, look for off-the-shoulder necklines, dramatic sleeves, and lots of sparkle to stand out from the crowd and land on the best-dressed list.
Lulus Plisse One-Shoulder Maxi Dress, $, available at Lulus
Pomander Place Black Marisol Dress
Pomander Place Black Marisol Dress, $, available at Tuckernuck
Bec & Bridge Deija Off Shoulder Maxi Dress
Bec & Bridge Deija Off Shoulder Maxi Dress, $, available at Shopbop
Reformation x Nara Smith Petites Drizzle Dress
Reformation x Nara Smith Petites Drizzle Dress, $, available at Reformation
Hutch Iris Off-the-Shoulder Floral Maxi Dress
Hutch Iris Off-the-Shoulder Floral Maxi Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
ASOS DESIGN Curve Cami Ruffle Detail Maxi Dress
ASOS DESIGN Curve Cami Ruffle Detail Maxi Dress, $, available at ASOS
Mac Duggal Beaded High Neck Bishop Sleeve Satin Gown
Mac Duggal Beaded High Neck Bishop Sleeve Satin Gown, $, available at Mac Duggal
Adrianna Papell Plus Size Linear Bead Cape Column Gown
Adrianna Papell Plus Size Linear Bead Cape Column Gown, $, available at Adrianna Papell
Cocktail Wedding Guest Dresses
Cocktail attire hits that sweet spot between formal and casual, which is why it’s one of the most popular special-occasion dress codes. This opens up your options to plenty of silhouettes, fabrics, and embellishments. For the fall, try satin midi dresses, sleek slip dresses, or elevated minis, plus not-too-summery floral prints, lace trims, and cape- or scarf-like accents. These styles transition effortlessly from afternoon soirees to nighttime events with the right shoes and accessories.
Eloquii Plus Hardware Detail Cape Maxi Dress, $, available at Eloquii
Mare Mare Satin Scarf Mini Dress
Mare Mare Satin Scarf Mini Dress, $, available at Anthropologie
Never Fully Dressed Plisse Desiree Dress
Never Fully Dressed Plisse Desiree Dress, $, available at Never Fully Dressed
The Occasion by Old Navy Flutter-Sleeve Satin Maxi Dress
The Occasion by Old Navy Flutter-Sleeve Satin Maxi Dress, $, available at Old Navy
Free People Botanical Maxi Dress
Free People Botanical Maxi Dress, $, available at Free People
Abercrombie & Fitch High-Neck Crinkle Satin Maxi Dress
Abercrombie & Fitch High-Neck Crinkle Satin Maxi Dress, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
NBD The Heena Gown
NBD The Heena Gown, $, available at Revolve
ASTR The Label Pleated Bustier Midi Dress
ASTR The Label Pleated Bustier Midi Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
Fall Casual Wedding Guest Dresses
For casual weddings — especially daytime ceremonies or laid-back venues like restaurants or breweries — you can keep things relaxed without losing the festive touch. Think cotton poplins, plaid or polka dots, smocked bodices, frilled sleeves, or even a milkmaid dress that you can rewear for other occasions (like the holidays or even to the office).
Quince 100% Organic Cotton Poplin Tiered Maxi Dress, $, available at Quince
Damson Madder Hazel Long Sleeve Midi Dress
Damson Madder Hazel Long Sleeve Midi Dress, $, available at Damson Madder
Coach Outlet Short Dress With Puff Sleeves In Organic Cotton
Coach Outlet Short Dress With Puff Sleeves In Organic Cotton, $, available at Coach Outlet
Gap Lace-Trim V-Neck Crepe Maxi Dress
Gap Lace-Trim V-Neck Crepe Maxi Dress, $, available at Gap
J.Crew Lace Slip Dress
J.Crew Lace Slip Dress, $, available at J.Crew
Wilfred Chiffon Ruffle Babydoll Dress
Wilfred Chiffon Ruffle Babydoll Dress, $, available at Aritzia
Dôen Bijou Dress
Dôen Bijou Dress, $, available at Dôen
Hill House Home The Bridget Dress
Hill House Home The Bridget Dress, $, available at Hill House Home
Lulus Plisse One-Shoulder Maxi Dress
Lulus Plisse One-Shoulder Maxi Dress, $, available at Lulus
TFNC Plus Shoulder Scarf Neck Maxi Dress
Tfnc Plus Shoulder Scarf Neck Maxi Dress, $, available at ASOS
Staud Calluna Dress
Staud Calluna Dress, $, available at Shopbop
Petal & Pup Selma One-Shoulder Satin Gown
Petal & Pup Selma One-Shoulder Satin Gown, $, available at Nordstrom
Free-est Dixie Maxi
free-est Dixie Maxi, $, available at Free People
Reformation Plus Frankie Silk Dress
Reformation Plus Frankie Silk Dress, $, available at Reformation
ASTR The Label Pleated Drop Waist Dress
ASTR The Label Pleated Drop Waist Dress, $, available at Nordstrom
Gap Satin Lace-Trim V-Neck Maxi Slip Dress
Gap Satin Lace-Trim V-Neck Maxi Slip Dress, $, available at Gap
Hill House Home The Gia Mini Nap Dress
Hill House Home The Gia Mini Nap Dress, $, available at Hill House Home
Zara Polka Dot Midi Dress with Belt
Zara Polka Dot Midi Dress with Belt, $, available at Zara
Fall Black-Tie Wedding Guest Dresses
While floor-length gowns are a common go-to for black-tie weddings, luxe fabrications, intricate detailing, and statement design elements can make an ankle-grazing or slightly shorter silhouette just as fitting — especially if a floor-length style falls short on taller frames. This season, look for one-shoulder sleeves, dramatic draping, and voluminous mesh overlays to stand out from the crowd and land on the best-dressed list.
Adrianna Papell Plus Size One Shoulder Jacquard Dress, $, available at Adrianna Papell
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