STYLE

What to Wear to a Fall Wedding

September 30, 2025

Be the best dressed wedding guest this fall, with looks and tips from expert and contributing fashion editor Cynthia Cook Smith.

Meet Our Expert: Cynthia Cook Smith

During her days at Vogue, Cynthia had a first-hand glance at everything from fashion shows to The Met Gala, dressing those around her for their special events. Fast forward almost ten years later, Cynthia styles her clients not just for their weddings, but also for their everyday lifestyles.

Learn more about cynthia

The key takeaways? Go for jewel-tones or deep neutrals and choose rich fabrics like satin, crepe, and velvet. The dress codes to know and how to style them? Black-tie: a floor-length gown with stylish layers. Cocktail: midi or knee-length dress with dressy accessories. Semi-formal: polished mini or midi. Our best tips? Avoid bridal whites, creams, and ivories along with spring pastels and always wear a shawl or topper for outdoor evenings. Want to see more? Shop our collections of wedding guest dresses, cocktail dresses, and black-tie dresses.

What Should I Wear?

Fall is the season when black tie feels not only appropriate, but expected. A formal dress code sets a glamorous tone from the start. Tuxedos and evening gowns lend a uniformity that reads timeless against autumn backdrops. No other time of year calls for velvet opera coats, satin mules, or brocade skirts quite like fall. These fabrics bring dimension and warmth. If summer weddings are all chiffon and lightness, fall is the moment to lean into sumptuousness.

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Fall Wedding Musts

Look at the invitation. If it doesn’t explicitly spell out the dress code, it should give you some hints as to what’s appropriate to wear.

Consider the location. Is the wedding inside or out? Starting before sunset or after? These clues should also help you decide what to wear.

Find your color crush. Go for a palette that compliments both your personal style as well as the brides and look to our inspiration.

Know the theme. Fall and themed weddings go hand-in-hand. Whether or not it’s a winery wedding or a formal affair, these looks will help you get dressed.

Layer up. A wrap or shawl is essential to wear as the weather grows cold. Especially if you’re attending a wedding outdoors.

Dos and Don’ts

Do:
• Embrace jewel tones and moody neutrals. Think forest green, oxblood, espresso, and midnight navy. An ice-blue gown works too, but it should skew cool and sculptural, not pastel.
• Choose statement textures. A velvet clutch, satin slingbacks, or a fur-trimmed coat are just the right amount of indulgent.
• Layer intelligently. A cashmere wrap or cropped jacket feels elegant and saves you from shivering during an outdoor ceremony.

Don’t:
• Wear florals that belong to April. Anything pastel will look out of place.
• Reach for brights or neons—there’s nothing less flattering against candlelight.
• Choose summery footwear; silk mules or grosgrain slingbacks are infinitely chicer.