The 20 Best Wedding Guest Dresses for Fall Ceremonies (2024)

As soon as a hint of cooler weather rolls in, I jump at the chance to wear dresses with a more structured, formal feel. The ruffled hem and high neck give this dress a particularly dressy vibe.

Sizes: U.K. 6–18

Colors: Red

Materials: Poplin

Rosettes were all over the runways for fall, but I love Rouje’s subtle take. It’s a nod to the early ’00s, with a French-girl lean.

Sizes: FR 34–44

Colors: Jacquard double pois noir

Materials: 80% rayon, 20% polyester

Dôen is usually the brand I reach for when I’m having a cottagecore moment, mostly because of the flattering cuts and fabrics. I love that this dress has a slightly dressier feel to it.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: Multi

Materials: 100% silk

Don’t retire bolder colors once summer comes to an end. Something zesty like tangerine orange can be seasonal for fall, especially early in the season, before it starts to get too chilly.

Sizes: 00–14

Colors: Cherry tomato

Materials: 100% polyamide

What reviewers are saying: “Fantastic and versatile dress. Holds up great for lively dancing and the cut allows for a regular strapless bra. I’m 5'2" so the length was not typical ‘midi’ on me but not floor length either.”

Strike a balance between showing off your legs and covering up enough to keep yourself warm with a long-sleeved minidress.

Sizes: XXS–XL

Colors: Oat

Materials: 100% linen

Slinky, sultry, shoulder-baring. This black dress is my top choice for a city wedding where you plan beeline to the bar for a martini once you’re at the reception.

Sizes: XXS–XL

Colors: Black

Materials: 72% viscose, 28% polyester

Green goddess. That will be you in this floaty floral dress with a low neckline and mid-length sleeves. Style with a wrap-up strappy heel to lean into the “goddess of fall” aesthetic.

Sizes: XXS–XXL

Colors: Marais floral green

Materials: 100% viscose

Ruching and ruffles are classic additions to fanciful wedding dresses that won’t read as too stuffy or dowdy. The sky-blue color makes this the sort of dress I’d consider wearing for an outdoor soiree.

Sizes: 0–12

Colors: Blue

Materials: 68% viscose, 32% polyester

If the vibe you desire skews more quaint (for a farm wedding, perhaps), then a quilt-inspired patchwork design is just the thing.

Sizes: XS–L

Colors: Multicolor

Materials: 100% cotton

When you’re considering a new wedding guest dress to buy, the hope is to settle on something that you’d ideally wear again, maybe in a totally different way. This piece’s versatility makes it a worthy purchase.

Sizes: XXS–3XL

Colors: Black

Materials: 100% organic cotton

What reviewers are saying: “The shape is so flattering, like a modern princess, the fabric is light and airy. You can dress it up or down, I wore this dress to the red carpet but could also imagine wearing it to the beach.”

First it was tomato girl summer; soon it will be fire engine fall—the red trend isn’t going anywhere. This drapey jersey dress is elegant without feeling overly fancy.

Sizes: 00–12

Colors: Red

Materials: Crepe jersey

A tiered dress with a botanical motif is classic wedding guest fodder. What I love about this take is that even with all the material on the bottom half, it isn’t overly floofy.

Sizes: 00–24

Colors: Green

Materials: 55% cotton, 45% viscose

What reviewers are saying: “This dress is stunning! The print is not overwhelming, the neckline was actually perfect… and I’m over 60.”

I’m a sucker for tie-dye, but know it doesn’t always make the cut for more formal dress codes. This long-sleeved maxi, however, is polished enough for dress codes that call for cocktail attire. I suggest styling with a thick belt around the middle.

Sizes: FR 34–46

Colors: Red

Materials: 58% linen, 42% cupro

Cabo San Lucas! Portofino! Whatever warm weather your fall destination wedding may have in store you, I love the idea of a mini silhouette with a sophisticated feel.

Sizes: 0–14

Colors: Brown

Materials: 100% cotton

Make your mark on the dance floor wearing this fringy dress. It will wave and swirl as you join in on the festivities.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: Brown

Materials: 95% viscose, 5% polyamide

Romantic draping is Kotal’s callout for fall, and the Reya dress is among her favorites. “Pinks and purples are popping as Barbiecore dominates the zeitgeist,” she says, so don’t expect the color to go anywhere next season.

Sizes: 0–12

Colors: Rose

Materials: 100% viscose

Opt for something a little outside of the prints you’d normally consider as a wedding guest. Abstract birds and artful palms show that you’re open to creative chitchat during cocktail hour.

Sizes: 0–12

Colors: Green

Materials: Viscose, elastane

Romantic silhouettes were a top callout for Kotal, and this dreamy, lightweight style will make you feel like the star of your own rom-com. Your upcoming wedding is now a meet-cute.

Sizes: 34–40

Colors: Yellow

Materials: 100% polyester

Go ahead, show a little skin. The LBD remains the most important dress in your arsenal, and for a formal wedding, this is just the style.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: Black

Materials: 80% viscose, 20% nylon

If you art-school friend is finally marrying her pastry chef boyfriend, she’s going to love seeing you arrive in this dress.

Sizes: XS–L

Colors: Brown

Materials: 92% viscose, 8% elastane