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    1. Fashion
    2. Fall fashion

    Your Fall Wedding Outfit Cheat Sheet

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

    Sara Holzman's avatar
    By Sara Holzman
    Published 30 July 2021 In Features

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    fall wedding guest dresses
    (Image credit: Image Source)
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    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.

    Latest Videos FromMarie Claire
    Watch full video here:

    wedding guest outfits

    Chanel Couture Fall 2021

    (Image credit: Courtesy of Chanel)

    The Outfit

    fall wedding outfits

    Ulla Johnson Narcissa Ruffle Gown
    $1150.00 AT BERGDORFGOODMAN.COM

    fall wedding guest dresses

    Awe Inspired Tear Drop Chain Earrings
    $135.00 AT AWEINSPIRED.COM

    fall wedding guest outfits

    LAFAYETTE 148 Satin Pochette Clutch
    $598.00 AT NORDSTROM.COM

    fall wedding outfits

    Loeffler Randall Camellia Knotted Lamé Sandals
    $395.00 AT SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM


    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.

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    wedding guest outfits

    Luisa Beccaria Fall 2021 Couture

    (Image credit: Courtesy of Luisa Beccaria)

    The Outfit

    wedding guest outfits

    Agua by Agua Bendita Chocolate Anturios Cut-Out Maxi Dress
    $800.00 AT INTERMIXONLINE.COM

    wedding guest outfits

    Bardo Collective Via Bag
    $260.00 AT BARDOCOLLECTIVE.COM

    wedding guest dresses

    Khaite Palmero Ruched Pumps
    $312.00 AT FARFETCH.COM

    fall wedding guest shopping

    Etsy Straw Lemon Earrings
    $42.00 AT ETSY.COM


    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.

    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    fall wedding guest dresses

    Giambattista Valli Fall 2021 Couture

    (Image credit: Courtesy of Giambattista Valli)

    The Outfit

    wedding guest outfits

    Zimmermann Floral Strapless Linen Midi Dress
    $650.00 AT SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM

    fall wedding guest shopping

    Prada Bow-Trimmed Leather Mules
    $995.00 AT SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM

    fall wedding guest outfits

    Oscar de la Renta Swarovski Crystal Peapod & Stone Earrings
    $290.00 AT SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM

    wedding guest dressing

    Rejina Pyo Nane Woven Tote Bag
    $308.00 AT FARFETCH.COM


    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

    fall wedding guest dresses

    Cinq A Sept Floral Print Blazer
    $297.00 AT FARFETCH.COM

    fall wedding guest dresses

    TOVE Farren Strapless Top
    $510.00 AT SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM

    fall wedding guest dressing

    Tove Nola Silk Wide-Leg Trousers
    $535.00 AT SAKSFIFTHAVENUE.COM

    fall wedding outfits

    kacey pumps
    $89.00 AT KATESPADE.COM


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    Sara Holzman
    Sara Holzman
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    Style Director

    Sara Holzman is the Style Director at Marie Claire, where she oversees fashion coverage spanning seasonal trends, celebrity style, designers, Fashion Month, and shopping. With more than a decade of experience in fashion media, she has held roles at Condé Nast’s Lucky and Self and contributed style and travel coverage to Equinox’s Furthermore. A graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism, Sara is based in New York City, where she writes about fashion through both an industry and personal lens, including the realities of getting dressed as a working mom. Follow her on Instagram at @sarajonewyork.

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