What to Wear to a Fall Wedding as a Guest

Published on September 4, 2024

Wedding dates together wearing fall colors in a men's brown suit and women's blush pink suit skirt.

Autumn Outfits: Fall Wedding Guest Attire

Fall weddings are like a cozy mix of romance and crisp air, with leaves turning shades of gold, crimson, and auburn all around. It's the season where nature's palette offers endless inspiration for your wardrobe. But figuring out what to wear can sometimes be tricky. Should you go bold and bright or stick to more muted tones? Don't stress—we've got you covered. In this guide, we explore what to wear to a fall wedding, offering stylish tips to make sure you're the best-dressed guest at any autumn wedding.

Key Takeaways

Layering is essential for fall weddings due to unpredictable weather; consider stylish coats, jackets, and warm fabrics.
Respect the dress code specified on the invitation, from black-tie to casual, to ensure you're appropriately dressed.
Choose your outfit based on the wedding venue, whether it’s an outdoor garden, a beach, or an indoor ballroom.
Embrace rich, autumnal colors like burgundy, forest green, mustard yellow, and navy blue for a cozy, elegant look.
Black is a versatile and chic option for fall weddings, suitable for both formal and casual settings unless otherwise specified.

What to Wear to a Black-Tie Fall Wedding

Black-tie weddings are the ultimate in fancy celebrations, calling for your most glamorous look. For men, this typically means a classic black tuxedo, while women should go for floor-length gowns or a women’s tuxedo. Understanding the difference between formal vs. black-tie attire is key—formal might require a dark suit or cocktail dress, but black-tie takes it up a notch with an extra level of refinement and polish.

Men's navy tuxedo with autumn boutonnière for fall wedding.

Man and woman at outdoor mountain wedding in fall wearing black tuxedo, gown, and fur shawl.

Men’s Black-Tie Fall Wedding Attire

For men’s wedding guest attire at a black-tie fall wedding, think classic and stylish. A black tuxedo with a crisp white shirt and a black bow tie is the standard when following this dress code. Black-tie attire is often required at venues like elegant ballrooms, upscale hotels, and historic estates. To up your game, add a cummerbund or a waistcoat for that sleek, put-together look.

Make sure your tuxedo is well-fitted to keep things sharp. Little touches like cufflinks and a pocket square can add some personality without straying from the classic look. Since fall can get chilly, bring a stylish overcoat—something in wool or cashmere in a dark color works perfectly. This not only keeps you warm but also keeps your outfit looking top-notch.

Women’s Black-Tie Fall Wedding Attire

For women, black-tie fall wedding attire means embracing the allure of a long evening gown. Go for rich, autumnal colors like emerald green, burgundy, black, or navy to match the season’s energy. Luxurious fabrics like velvet, satin, or silk add an extra touch of elegance. A floor-length gown is essential to nail the black-tie look.

To stay cozy in the fall weather, pair your gown with a tailored coat or wrap. A chic coat in a matching color or a wrap in a luxurious fabric can keep you warm while still looking stylish. Accessorize with statement jewelry and a clutch to add some sparkle without overshadowing your gown. With this ensemble, you’ll be the picture of elegance and warmth at any black-tie fall wedding.

What to Wear to a Formal Fall Wedding

Formal weddings strike a nice balance between elegant and relaxed, offering plenty of stylish options for guests. For men, formal wedding attire typically means a dark suit, while women can choose from floor-length dresses or chic pantsuits. It’s all about looking polished without going overboard. Take a look at what to wear to a fall wedding with a formal dress code below.

Formal wedding guest outfits for fall with burgundy suit jacket, black suit pants, and champagne dress.

Fall wedding guest style in men's red suit and women's velvet dress.

Men’s Formal Fall Wedding Attire

For men's formal fall wedding attire, think classic and sophisticated. A dark suit in navy, charcoal, or black is a great choice. Pair it with a crisp dress shirt and a conservative tie—nothing too flashy, just clean and elegant. Polished dress shoes are a must to complete the formal look.

Accessories like a pocket square, tie bar, and cufflinks can add a touch of personal flair without being too much. If it’s chilly, a nice overcoat in a complementary color keeps you warm and stylish. The goal is to look sharp and well-dressed, showing you put in the effort without overshadowing the wedding party. Remember, men's suits should fit well and be comfortable enough to dance the night away.

Women’s Formal Fall Wedding Attire

For women’s wedding guest attire at a formal fall wedding, there are several great options. A cocktail dress, floor-length gown, or a stylish pantsuit can all work beautifully. Opt for rich, autumnal colors like deep reds, forest greens, navy, or classic black to fit the season.

Materials like chiffon, lace, and satin not only look elegant but also feel luxurious. Accessorize with tasteful jewelry, a clutch, and a wrap or shawl to stay warm. The idea is to look chic and put-together without outshining the bride. Whether you go for a stunning gown or a sleek pantsuit, you’ll fit right in with the formal dress code while staying comfortable.

What to Wear to a Semi-Formal Fall Wedding

Semi-formal weddings are all about finding that sweet spot between dressy and comfortable. For men, this usually means a suit, while women can opt for a cocktail gown or a dressy skirt and blouse. The idea is to look polished but not over-the-top. If you know the difference between formal vs. semi-formal attire, it’ll help you strike the right balance for these occasions.

Semi-formal wedding guest attire with men's teal suit for fall and light purple dress.

Men's fall wedding outfit colors with a dark green suit and black tie.

Men’s Semi-Formal Fall Wedding Attire

Men’s fall wedding guest attire for semi-formal weddings require a suit in a deep or neutral color. Options like navy, gray, or charcoal are typical.

But for the fall time, sporting vibrant (but still dark and refined) color is a great way to get more seasonal and fashionable. Jewel tone suits and earth tone suits were practically made for these dressed up and playful situations. This works especially well because what separates semi-formal attire from formal is the ability to inject a touch of personality. You can also have a little fun with your tie, trying a subtle pattern or a pop of color or a unique pattern. If ties aren't your go-to choice, go for an open neck dress shirt for a more relaxed look.

Accessories like a nice watch, a pocket square, or even a pair of stylish cufflinks can add some personality to your outfit. Because it's fall and the weather can be moody, consider a lightweight scarf or a sleek overcoat to stay warm. The goal of semi-formal wedding attire is to look put-together without feeling too stiff or formal.

Women’s Semi-Formal Fall Wedding Attire

For women’s semi-formal fall wedding attire, think stylish but not overly fancy. A cocktail dress, a dressy skirt and blouse, or a chic pantsuit are all great options. Knee-length or midi dresses in rich fall colors and prints like deep reds, forest greens, or jewel tones work beautifully for the season.

Add some flair with your accessories— elegant jewelry, a clutch, and perhaps a pair of stylish heels, tie an ensemble all together. A chic blazer or a tailored coat can keep you warm and add a polished finish to your look. The idea with cocktail attire is to be elegant and fashionable while keeping things comfortable and fun.

What to Wear to a Casual Fall Wedding

Casual fall weddings are perfect for laid-back vibes and comfortable attire. These weddings often take place in relaxed settings like backyards, gardens, or even beaches, calling for a more relaxed dress code. When it comes to guest attire for a fall wedding, go cozy and stylish but not too formal. Outdoor weddings are a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the season, so dress accordingly and comfortably.

Men's fall casual wedding suit in rust orange with white sneakers and no tie.

Men’s Casual Fall Wedding Attire

For men’s casual fall wedding attire, the goal is to look neat and put-together without being too dressed up. Dress slacks or chinos in neutral colors like khaki, navy, or gray are a great base. Alternatively, go for a lighter or more vibrant color that might not be appropriate for a more strict dress code. Regardless of the base color you choose, you should pair your pants with a button-down shirt, which can be patterned or solid, depending on your style.

A sports coat or blazer can add a touch of sophistication, but it's not always necessary. Loafers or dress shoes are a good choice, and if it’s a bit chilly, a nice knit sweater can keep you warm while still looking sharp. The colors and materials of your garments are also important to consider when curating a casual wedding outfit. Unlike men’s summer wedding attire, which is light and airy, men’s fall wedding attire draws on deeper tones like maroons and dark greens, along with heavier fabrics and materials to keep warm.

Women’s Casual Fall Wedding Attire

Women’s casual fall wedding attire should be comfortable yet thoughtful, showing you put the time and effort to look put together without being too formal. A sundress or a casual dress in autumnal colors or prints is a great choice. Alternatively, a skirt paired with a blouse or a cool, relaxed pantsuit can also be stylish and easygoing.

Keep the jewelry simple with delicate necklaces or bracelets. To stay warm, consider a cardigan, denim jacket, or a light coat. Footwear can be more relaxed as well, with options like flats, ankle boots, or even nice sandals if the weather permits. This casual yet thoughtful outfit will have you looking perfect for a cozy outdoor wedding.

Fall Wedding Guest Attire FAQs

Choosing what to wear to a fall wedding can be tricky, but keeping a few key things in mind can help you nail the perfect outfit. From the weather to the wedding's specifics, here's what to think about.

Weather: Fall weather is all over the place, so be ready for anything. Layering is your friend–a stylish coat or jacket serves as a functional and fashionable addition. Warm fabrics like wool or velvet are great, and don’t forget an umbrella if it looks like rain is in the forecast.
Dress code: Check the invitation for the dress code to determine the dress, suit, or tuxedo style that is most appropriate. Black-tie errs on the fancier side, with tuxedos or evening gowns being the outfit of choice, while semi-formal or casual dress codes allow for a more laid-back. Sticking to the dress code shows you respect the couple's wishes.
Venue: The location of the wedding matters a lot. For outdoor weddings in a garden or on the beach, go for comfortable shoes and be ready for different temperatures. Indoor spots like ballrooms call for more traditional and elegant outfits.
Wedding theme: The theme can give you big hints on what to wear. A rustic barn wedding might look best with earthy tones and natural fabrics, while a beach wedding is all about light and breezy materials. Match your outfit to the theme to blend in nicely with the event aesthetic.

Fall wedding attire draws on the rich, warm colors of the season, drawing on the colors of the changing leaves and autumnal blooms. Think deep burgundy, forest green, navy blue, and plum. Earthy tones like mustard yellow, burnt orange, and chocolate brown are also excellent choices. These colors not only look great but also add a cozy, elegant vibe to your outfit to blend naturally into a variety of fall wedding dress codes.

Yes, go for it! You can wear black to a fall wedding unless the invite says otherwise. Black is extremely versatile and can easily be dressed up or down, depending on the wedding’s dress code. It's a timeless color that works in any season, and going with the cool, dark shade can be a great option for the autumn months after all the bright colors of summer. Black pairs well with different accessories (hello earth tones and layers), making it perfect for seasonal themes and unpredictable fall weather.

Get a Feel for Fall: Perfecting Your Fall Wedding Look

Choosing what to wear to a fall wedding involves balancing the season's unpredictable weather, the specified dress code, the venue, and the wedding theme. Embrace rich, warm colors like burgundy, forest green, and mustard yellow to capture the essence of autumn. Don’t be afraid to wear black, as it remains a timeless and versatile choice for any wedding setting.

For men’s fall wedding attire, options range from classic dark suits to more relaxed dress slacks paired with button-down shirts and blazers. Women can opt for cocktail dresses, casual skirts and blouses, or chic pantsuits, accessorized with simple jewelry and cozy layers like cardigans or light coats.

When it comes to finding the perfect fall wedding outfit, SuitShop has you covered. With our extensive collection for both men and women, you're sure to find something that suits the occasion. Use our Fit Finder and Fit Guide tools that make it easy to achieve your best fit, ensuring you look and feel your best. Step into autumn elegance with SuitShop, and enjoy the wedding season in style.