Your Fall Wedding Outfit Cheat Sheet

Whether you're attending backyard nuptials or a City Hall ceremony.

fall wedding guest dresses
(Image credit: Image Source)

If you've got several save the dates—or, more likely, change of dates—stuck to your fridge, you're not alone: Fall wedding season is just around the corner. It's finally time to rekindle with family and friends IRL—in a fab fall-appropriate dress and a long-neglected pair of comfortable but chic heels, nonetheless. From colorful maxi gowns to shorter, dance-the-night-away outfits, try one of these wedding guest ensembles with elements that can be mixed and matched as you please.


The Dress Code: Black Tie Optional

Taking some liberties with a black tie dress code is a-OK in our style book. Opt for a fluttery maxi length gown that can be dressed up with sophisticated jewels and gold-flecked accessories.

wedding guest outfits

Chanel Couture Fall 2021

(Image credit: Courtesy of Chanel)

The Outfit


The Dress Code: Tropical Destination Wedding

If you've traveled a long way to watch your friends tie the knot, you might as well look great doing so. Go for a whimsical print that will lend itself to the view. Accessorize with fun silhouettes and bold pops of color you can wear throughout the trip.

wedding guest outfits

Luisa Beccaria Fall 2021 Couture

(Image credit: Courtesy of Luisa Beccaria)

The Outfit


The Dress Code: Outdoor Soirée

Consider this your permission to show off some skin before the winter months have us swaddled in sweats again. For an outdoor wedding, lean into floral motifs and natural fabrics like linens and straw.

fall wedding guest dresses

Giambattista Valli Fall 2021 Couture

(Image credit: Courtesy of Giambattista Valli)

The Outfit


The Dress Code: Courthouse Cool


Spend your afternoon at City Hall in a sophisticated separates look that you can incorporate into your wardrobe again and again. Get away with a darker hue by incorporating fun fabrics and florals that will read smart, yet celebratory.

fall wedding guest shopping

Fendi Couture Fall 2021

(Image credit: Courtesy of Fendi)

The Outfit


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Sara Holzman
Style Director

Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, covering runway trends and tracking down the latest finds to buy and wear. When she’s not writing about fashion, she pens about the best places to jet-off to. Over her six years with Marie Claire, Sara has reported on the ever-evolving world of fashion— covering both established and emerging designers within the industry. Sara has held fashion positions at Lucky and SELF Magazine and was a regular contributor to Equinox’s Furthermore website, where she wrote across their style, wellness, and travel verticals. She holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and currently resides in Manhattan. Follow her along at @sarajonewyork.