10 Fall Wedding-Guest Dresses That Are Perfect For Every Dress Code
Nobody wants to be inappropriately dressed at a wedding — let alone one that has a very specific dress code. But beyond the obvious don't-wear-white rules, there are other issues to contend with. Too short? Too flashy? On top of it all, you've also got to take weather into account — the fall season can be notoriously tricky to dress for as the temperatures often fluctuate between warm and cold, so you'll want a style that's easy to layer or convert into a warmer ensemble if necessary.
With all of this in mind, we went ahead and rounded up the best fall wedding-guest dresses that are perfect for all dress codes and ceremonies — whether you'll be outdoors, inside, or at a more formal affair. We chose our picks based on a range of factors, including price, functionality, and versatility — that way you can buy a formal fall wedding-guest dress that you can wear and rewear long after the ceremony is over. Our selects come from top retailers like Nordstrom, Reformation, Mango, and more. From a long-sleeve wedding-guest dress for fall to autumn wedding guest dresses that align with some of the season's biggest trends, you're bound to find your perfect 'fit ahead.
Browse our picks below and get ready to tackle the fall wedding season in style.
— Additional reporting by Hannah Weil McKinley
Best Affordable Fall Wedding-Guest Dress
BTFBM Sleeveless Wedding Guest Dress ($53)
Shopping for the perfect wedding-guest dress can become a pretty expensive task if you're not careful. Fortunately, retailers like Amazon are home to dozens of formal wedding-guest dresses that are available to shop at a wide range of price points. We love this sleeveless cocktail style because it's easy to team with a coat or winter jacket, which you might need if you'll be attending any outdoor weddings this season. Plus, you can't beat the under-$100 price tag.
Best Off-the-Shoulder Fall Wedding-Guest Dress
Bobi Off The Shoulder Midi Dress ($88)
If you're looking to embody a more sophisticated look for your next wedding ceremony, we recommend opting for something timeless and chic like this black off-the-shoulder dress from Revolve. The style is easy to dress up or down, so you can play around with how you'd like to wear it depending on the ceremony's dress code. Plus, it's versatile enough that you can wear it long after the wedding ends — whether it be for your next date night or even a work event.
Best Midi Fall Wedding-Guest Dress
Floret Studios Floral Ruched Long Sleeve Plissé Midi Dress ($138)
This rust-colored midi dress feels so quintessential for fall, which means it'll make the most perfect autumn wedding-guest dress for your next ceremony or reception. The gown boasts a cool textured design that features delicate floral accents all throughout, while the puff sleeves and drawstring bodice complete the look with a more ethereal silhouette. Pair this with nude heels and a statement evening clutch for a look you'll feel comfortable wearing long into the night — and twirling in on the dance floor, too.
Best Sleeveless Fall Wedding-Guest Dress
Lulus Molinetto Navy Blue Lace Ruffled Tiered Sleeveless Maxi Dress ($99)
Sleeveless dresses might not feel like the most obvious choice for a fall wedding-guest dress, but if your ceremony is taking place earlier in the season (when temperatures are still fluctuating between warm and cold), you'll appreciate having a more versatile option like this ruffled style from Lulus. The sleeveless design on this piece makes it easy to layer a warm coat or shawl on top of in case the temperatures do start to drop.
Best Long-Sleeve Wedding-Guest Dress For Fall
Charles Henry Square Neck Tie Back Puff Long Sleeve Sweater Dress ($89)
Between the reception, ceremony, and after party, weddings can be a notoriously long affair, which makes it all the more important to wear something that you'll feel comfortable in all night. This sweater dress is surprisingly elevated, and per reviewers, it's also remarkably comfortable. Pair with some open-toed mules and a statement crossbody for a look that'll feel so on trend for the fall season.
Best Formal Fall Wedding-Guest Dress
H&M Sequined Dress ($85)
In case you haven't heard, metallics are having a major moment this fall — and it's not just because Beyoncé encouraged fans to wear more silver in honor of Virgo season (though it probably does help). For a look that'll make a statement from the moment you walk into the ceremony, you can't go wrong with this sequined fall wedding-guest dress from H&M. Just make sure to clear it with the bride beforehand — it's a pretty bold look and the last thing you'll want to do is take any attention away from her gown.
Best Maxi Fall Wedding-Guest Dress
Free People Shona Joy La Lune Ruched Maxi Dress ($420)
This maxi wedding-guest dress is simply divine — and with that deep green coloring, it's completely perfect for autumn, too. The style almost looks like it could pass for a bridesmaid dress, which means you'll fit right in with the event's dress code. We'd recommend throwing your hair into a sleek lower bun, teaming the look with some large gold earrings, and letting the slip dress speak for itself.
Best Fall Wedding-Guest Dress With Cutouts
Anthropologie Significant Other Lara Long-Sleeve Side-Cutout Dress ($286)
Among the many colors trending this season, blue is at the top of the list. The shade offers a fun pop color in the midst of a season normally dominated by moodier, darker hues. If you want to stand out at your next wedding ceremony (and ensure you don't awkwardly match with anyone else), opt for a brighter style like this formal wedding-guest dress from Anthropologie. From the sultry side cutouts and high leg-slit to the gown's glossy coloring, there's so much to love about this piece.
Best Halter Fall Wedding-Guest Dress
Mango Textured Jacquard Dress ($200)
It doesn't get much more romantic than this textured fall wedding-guest dress from Mango. The gold floral accents offer the perfect contrast on this sleek black number, while the dainty flower detail at the top makes the gown feel so elevated. Because this halter dress has so many unique accents on it, you can forgo having to wear jewelry or any other loud accessories that might contrast with it.
Best Patterned Fall Wedding-Guest Dress
Reformation Magnus Dress ($298)
Florals for fall? Actually kind of groundbreaking. While the pattern might get all the hype as being a summertime staple, this maxi dress from Reformation proves that it's just as versatile of a design in the fall, too. We love the romantic rose pattern that's featured all throughout, and the side ruching which gives the style some fun ruffles at the hem — perfect for twirling and dancing the night away on the dance floor.