Fall wedding season is upon us, and mine is looking particularly busy. From now through November, I have five weddings—and zero looks for any of them. But luckily, it's my job to scour the internet, so while this guide to the best fall wedding guest dresses is technically for you, dear reader, it's also my personal shopping cart for the season.
Two of the weddings I have are in Mexico, one is black tie, and the other two are cocktail attire. So below, you'll find options for each of these dress codes and then some.
For A Beach Wedding:
I'm so looking forward to the beach weddings I have on the horizon because they offer an opportunity to play with brighter hues and sexier silhouettes. The options I'm gravitating towards here sit right at the ankle, so you won't have to worry about them dragging in the sand.
Baobab Zoe Maxi Dress
A dress that's form-fitting and has fringe details? There's really no need to look further. This dress feels perfectly appropriate for an evening spent dancing in the sand.
Rat and Boa Odessa Green Dress
I've been eyeing this Rat & Boa dress for a while now—and it's currently on sale, so I'm considering that my sign. I love the bright hue and the slouchy top detail.
Silvia Tcherassi Jenifer Dress
Silvia Tcherassi has become one of the most beloved brands for warm-weather weddings, and for a good reason. The styles are bright, oftentimes with playful resin details that take the whole look to the next level.
Bec and Bridge Odea Maxi Dress
You can show some skin at beach weddings—I actually encourage it! And this Bec and Bridge number perfectly toes the line between too risky and wedding appropriate.
Entire Studios Purple Encase Maxi Dress
Lavender has been rising on the color trend boards for some time now, and this long-sleeve gown has me sold on the shade. I imagine it'll pair perfectly with a sunset-painted sky
For A Black-Tie Wedding
Black-tie weddings often feel like a lot of pressure when getting dressed. Is this fancy enough? Am I capitalizing on the opportunity to go all out? These gowns ease all concerns; they're fun, formal, and a touch sexy.
Delphine Florence Satin Charmeuse Gown
I saw this Delphine dress land on Moda Operandi recently, and it's been stuck in my head for a wedding I have in New York City. The burgundy color makes it feel just right for the season. Plus, the draping details and satin fabric make it destined for a night of romance.
Rachel Gilbert Ryn Off-Shoulder Velvet Gown
Rachel Gilbert is a brand I turn to when I have nothing to wear, yet I want to impress. This off-the-shoulder number is classic, elegant, and makes for the perfect companion for a black-tie affair.
Proenza Schouler Isaline Dress in Crepe Satin
Proenza Schouler makes some of the most flattering gowns, and the ruching on this number is proof. The burgundy hue makes it perfect for the season, while the floor-skimming length makes it feel elevated for a black-tie wedding.
Fforme Mila Bias-Cut Maxi Dress
When this Fforme dress walked the runway, I immediately added in to my moodboard for fall. Its glimmering gold shade paired with the elevated drop waist makes it the perfect choice for an upscale evening.
Significant Other Exclusive Devlyn Satin Gown
The chiffon scarf trend came in with gusto and hasn't left—and we're grateful. As seen on this Significant Other gown, it adds both drama and softness to the dress.
For Wedding With Cocktail Attire
Another dress code that people often feel tripped up by is cocktail attire—sometimes, it means a mid-length dress, sometimes it means black-tie optional. No matter what it means, these dresses are cocktail-attire appropriate. You have our guarantee.
Rachel Comey Dalling Dress
Yellow and jacquard? Sign me up. The combination is elegant and unexpected at the same time, with the mustard hue making it feel particularly fall forward.
Helmut Lang
Brown Silk Tie Scarf Midi Dress
This Helmut Lang silk dress hits right above the ankle, making it perfectly appropriate for cocktail attire. I love the draping on this dress, and the rich chocolate brown feels perfect for fall.
Staud Bisou Silk Dress
This Staud gown is fun, playful, and designed to dance in—aka, all you need in a cocktail attire dress to earn you the title of the evening's MVP.
A.L.C. Mailie Dress
The burgundy hue paired with the semi-sheer fabric makes the ALC dress a showstopper. I love the high-v neckline and the long sleeves for cooler temperatures.
For A Wedding In The Mountains
The fall season often calls for weddings surrounded by mountains and colorful leaves. Whether that's in upstate New York or the English countryside, the destination has a dress code itself. Typically, something with a bit of additional coverage to ensure you stay warm, plus a rich autumnal hue to go along with it.
Siedres ALIN Velvet devoré open back maxi dress
This velvet Siedres gown has all of the mountain wedding essentials covered; it's velvet, features fall colors throughout, and has a touch of sex appeal with the low-cut back.
Markarian Neroli Satin and Velvet Gown
Markarian is my go-to for gowns that make me feel sexy, and this velvet-trimmed number offers just that. The cut is relatively simple, leaving room for accessorizing to your liking.
Simkhai Reannon Draped Gown
This glowing, velvet Simkhai dress feels perfect for a wedding in the mountains. The velvet fabric will ensure you stay warm as the temperatures drop, while the backless silhouette adds a sultry feel.
Zimmerman Ascent bow-detail gathered lace gown
Lace has been trending as of late, and this Zimmermann gown brings it perfectly into fall wedding guest season. The semi-sheer material will ensure you don't overheat if the weather is warm while the sun is still up.
Kallmeyer Roma Gown
The Roma gown from Kallmeyer hugs you in all the right places, so you'll be comfortable for a full day of wedding festivities. The bluish-gray hue makes it the perfect option for mountain weddings where it's not too cool just yet.