The Best Dresses for a Fall Wedding

Fall Wedding Season has officially begun and I’m here to help you get a leg up on the wedding guest outfit craziness. I’m a planner by nature and the second I get a wedding invitation I tend to start shopping for a dress (most of the time even before I drop my RSVP in the mail), but I know a majority of people aren’t like me (including all of my friends who tend to wedding dress shop in my closet the night before a wedding). So today I’m rounding up the best dresses for a Fall wedding that will hopefully give you a leg up when that first invitation of the season shows up in your mailbox and stop you from that dreaded moment of standing in front of your closet an hour before you’re suppose to leave with “nothing to wear”.

Best Dresses for a Fall Wedding

What to Consider when Shopping for a Dress for a Fall Wedding:

Color

I’m sure your go-to dress for a wedding is probably an LBD, but honestly I try to avoid black at a wedding when I can (unless it’s black tie in the Winter). I have nothing against a great little black dress, but you know I’m all about color, so if I had a choice between a black dress and a burgundy one I’m going to more than likely go for the color!

To me the best dresses for a Fall wedding are ones that incorporate “fall” colors. Rich jewel tones like emerald green, magenta and sapphire, autumn leaf colors like burnt orange, mustard yellow and grenadine, and dark favorites like wine and navy. I’m not sure how I was lucky enough to find a print dress that has multiple fall colors, but I feel like I hit the jackpot with this wrap dress!

Length

As far as dress length, I tend to gravitate towards flowy midi dresses no matter what the season because it’s really just what I’m most comfortable in (especially if I’m going to spend a majority of the night on the dance floor), but depending on the dress code I may opt for a floor length gown or maxi dress. I’m never one to wear a mini dress to a wedding (or anywhere), but if the location of the wedding is casual like a beach then I might consider it.

Sleeves

I feel like all bets are off when it comes to choosing a dress with sleeves or not! Honestly unless the wedding is outside I wouldn’t really worry about finding a dress with a certain type of sleeves when you’re shopping and just concern yourself with finding something you’re comfortable in and something you love!

I’m not really too particular when it comes to sleeves. I love long sleeves on dresses, off the shoulder necklines, strapless dresses, cap sleeve dresses, spaghetti straps like you see here and everything in between!

Material

The only fabric I would really avoid when it comes to shopping for a fall dress is linen or a casual cotton, everything else is fair game. Some of my favorite fabrics to shop for in the Fall and Winter are plush velvet, chiffon, satin and silk.

Some of my favorite options include a silky slip dress that will never go out of style, or something embroidered or beaded especially if it’s a nighttime wedding. And if you want something trendy for this year I’d go the puff sleeves route, they’re fun and definitely statement making!

Now it’s your turn to find the best Fall wedding guest dress (or dresses) for all the weddings that are filling up your calendar so that you’re the best dressed guest! I find that Anthropologie, Nordstrom, Lulu’s, Petal & Pup (use code: JACKIE for 15% off) and Revolve all have great options for Fall weddings at a range of price points so I rounded up some of my favorites to help you shop. I tried to include a variety of dresses for all types of weddings, but if you’re looking something more specific please don’t hesitate to reach out. And if you’re like me and love to wear something new to every party I suggest renting a dress from nuuly (learn more about my favorite clothing rental service where I rent pieces from Anthro, Free People and more HERE) or Rent the Runway!