20 Best Fall Wedding Guest Dresses to Wear in 2023

For a London Soiree

The Vampire’s Wife There’s No Place Like Home Dress

For a London Soiree

The Vampire’s Wife There’s No Place Like Home Dress

As soon as a hint of cooler weather rolls in, I jump at the chance to wear dresses with a more structured, formal feel. The ruffled hem and high neck give this dress a particularly dressy vibe.

Sizes: U.K. 6–18

Colors: Red

Materials: Poplin

For a Laid-Back Rehearsal Dinner

Rouje Diane Dress

For a Laid-Back Rehearsal Dinner

Rouje Diane Dress

Now 20% Off

Rosettes were all over the runways for fall, but I love Rouje’s subtle take. It’s a nod to the early ’00s, with a French-girl lean.

Sizes: FR 34–44

Colors: Jacquard double pois noir

Materials: 80% rayon, 20% polyester

For a Colorful Dress Code

Dôen Marlene Dress

For a Colorful Dress Code

Dôen Marlene Dress

Dôen is usually the brand I reach for when I’m having a cottagecore moment, mostly because of the flattering cuts and fabrics. I love that this dress has a slightly dressier feel to it.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: Multi

Materials: 100% silk

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For September Parties

Cinq à Sept Neena Midi Dress

For September Parties

Cinq à Sept Neena Midi Dress

Now 60% Off

Don’t retire bolder colors once summer comes to an end. Something zesty like tangerine orange can be seasonal for fall, especially early in the season, before it starts to get too chilly.

Sizes: 00–14

Colors: Cherry tomato

Materials: 100% polyamide

What reviewers are saying: “Fantastic and versatile dress. Holds up great for lively dancing and the cut allows for a regular strapless bra. I’m 5'2" so the length was not typical ‘midi’ on me but not floor length either.”

For a Short-Hem Situation

Nanushka Gilia Dress

For a Short-Hem Situation

Nanushka Gilia Dress

Strike a balance between showing off your legs and covering up enough to keep yourself warm with a long-sleeved minidress.

Sizes: XXS–XL

Colors: Oat

Materials: 100% linen

For Classic Cocktail Hour

Filippa K Off Shoulder Knit Dress Black

For Classic Cocktail Hour

Filippa K Off Shoulder Knit Dress Black

Now 50% Off

Slinky, sultry, shoulder-baring. This black dress is my top choice for a city wedding where you plan beeline to the bar for a martini once you’re at the reception.

Sizes: XXS–XL

Colors: Black

Materials: 72% viscose, 28% polyester

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For a Boho Ceremony

Rixo Amina Dress

For a Boho Ceremony

Rixo Amina Dress

Green goddess. That will be you in this floaty floral dress with a low neckline and mid-length sleeves. Style with a wrap-up strappy heel to lean into the “goddess of fall” aesthetic.

Sizes: XXS–XXL

Colors: Marais floral green

Materials: 100% viscose

For a Brunch Party

Ulla Johnson Lali Ruffled Maxi Dress

For a Brunch Party

Ulla Johnson Lali Ruffled Maxi Dress

Ruching and ruffles are classic additions to fanciful wedding dresses that won’t read as too stuffy or dowdy. The sky-blue color makes this the sort of dress I’d consider wearing for an outdoor soiree.

Sizes: 0–12

Colors: Blue

Materials: 68% viscose, 32% polyester

For a Farm Wedding

Sea Louie Patchwork Puff Sleeve Smocked Dress

For a Farm Wedding

Sea Louie Patchwork Puff Sleeve Smocked Dress

Now 40% Off

If the vibe you desire skews more quaint (for a farm wedding, perhaps), then a quilt-inspired patchwork design is just the thing.

Sizes: XS–L

Colors: Multicolor

Materials: 100% cotton

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For a Quick Transition

Mara Hoffman Shaina Dress

For a Quick Transition

Mara Hoffman Shaina Dress

Now 65% Off

When you’re considering a new wedding guest dress to buy, the hope is to settle on something that you’d ideally wear again, maybe in a totally different way. This piece’s versatility makes it a worthy purchase.

Sizes: XXS–3XL

Colors: Black

Materials: 100% organic cotton

What reviewers are saying: “The shape is so flattering, like a modern princess, the fabric is light and airy. You can dress it up or down, I wore this dress to the red carpet but could also imagine wearing it to the beach.”

For a City Get-Together

Proenza Schouler Crepe Jersey Ruched Dress

For a City Get-Together

Proenza Schouler Crepe Jersey Ruched Dress

Now 75% Off

First it was tomato girl summer; soon it will be fire engine fall—the red trend isn’t going anywhere. This drapey jersey dress is elegant without feeling overly fancy.

Sizes: 00–12

Colors: Red

Materials: Crepe jersey

For an Oceanside Event

J.Crew Collection Leafy Floral

For an Oceanside Event

J.Crew Collection Leafy Floral

A tiered dress with a botanical motif is classic wedding guest fodder. What I love about this take is that even with all the material on the bottom half, it isn’t overly floofy.

Sizes: 00–24

Colors: Green

Materials: 55% cotton, 45% viscose

What reviewers are saying: “This dress is stunning! The print is not overwhelming, the neckline was actually perfect… and I’m over 60.”

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For a Thursday Night Welcome Party

Altuzarra Lyddy Dress

For a Thursday Night Welcome Party

Altuzarra Lyddy Dress

I’m a sucker for tie-dye, but know it doesn’t always make the cut for more formal dress codes. This long-sleeved maxi, however, is polished enough for dress codes that call for cocktail attire. I suggest styling with a thick belt around the middle.

Sizes: FR 34–46

Colors: Red

Materials: 58% linen, 42% cupro

For a Backyard Barbecue

Rhode Pia Dress

For a Backyard Barbecue

Rhode Pia Dress

Cabo San Lucas! Portofino! Whatever warm weather your fall destination wedding may have in store you, I love the idea of a mini silhouette with a sophisticated feel.

Sizes: 0–14

Colors: Brown

Materials: 100% cotton

For an All-Night Dance Floor

Khaite Jacinta Maxi Dress

For an All-Night Dance Floor

Khaite Jacinta Maxi Dress

Make your mark on the dance floor wearing this fringy dress. It will wave and swirl as you join in on the festivities.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: Brown

Materials: 95% viscose, 5% polyamide

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For a Classic Event

Reformation Reya Dress

For a Classic Event

Reformation Reya Dress

Romantic draping is Kotal’s callout for fall, and the Reya dress is among her favorites. “Pinks and purples are popping as Barbiecore dominates the zeitgeist,” she says, so don’t expect the color to go anywhere next season.

Sizes: 0–12

Colors: Rose

Materials: 100% viscose

For a Tropical Destination

Johanna Ortiz Spiral Nebulas Dress

For a Tropical Destination

Johanna Ortiz Spiral Nebulas Dress

Opt for something a little outside of the prints you’d normally consider as a wedding guest. Abstract birds and artful palms show that you’re open to creative chitchat during cocktail hour.

Sizes: 0–12

Colors: Green

Materials: Viscose, elastane

For a Romantic Backyard Event

Siedrés Denis Dress

For a Romantic Backyard Event

Siedrés Denis Dress

Now 35% Off

Romantic silhouettes were a top callout for Kotal, and this dreamy, lightweight style will make you feel like the star of your own rom-com. Your upcoming wedding is now a meet-cute.

Sizes: 34–40

Colors: Yellow

Materials: 100% polyester

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For a Black-Tie Soiree

Christopher Esber Salacia Dress

For a Black-Tie Soiree

Christopher Esber Salacia Dress

Go ahead, show a little skin. The LBD remains the most important dress in your arsenal, and for a formal wedding, this is just the style.

Sizes: XS–XL

Colors: Black

Materials: 80% viscose, 20% nylon

For a Cool-Kid Wedding

Paloma Wool Maddi Knit Dress

For a Cool-Kid Wedding

Paloma Wool Maddi Knit Dress

If you art-school friend is finally marrying her pastry chef boyfriend, she’s going to love seeing you arrive in this dress.

Sizes: XS–L

Colors: Brown

Materials: 92% viscose, 8% elastane

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