Play Around With Seasonal Colors
If you’re stuck on what color suit or dress to wear to a fall wedding, there are lots of places to draw inspiration from. “Fall is a time for richer tones that mimic what we’re seeing outdoors,” says Lee. The Birdy Grey founder isn’t the only one who suggests using the great outdoors to inspire your look. “Shades that match the autumnal landscape, like burgundy, brown, and olive, are stylish seasonal options,” says Handspiker.
Of course, deep browns, oranges, and greens aren’t the only way to go. If you’re someone who appreciates a bright pop of color, Walsh suggests muted yellows and flirtatious fuchsias. She says these “warm but cheerful” hues are the perfect transitional colors between summer and fall. Similarly, you don’t have to leave pretty prints and patterns behind with the summer months. According to Lee, florals can work all year round. For fall, she suggests prints anchored in autumnal colors or a floral brocade with metallic details.
Lulus Evalina Floral Print Mock Neck Midi Dress
Look effortlessly put together in this frilly mock-neck midi dress, which has a flattering smocked bodice and a midi skirt that’s punctuated with ruffled tiers. And, not to mention, the print is simply perfect for the season. “Floral prints with darker backgrounds are always a great option for fall weddings,” Schnars explains.
Black Tie Optional Wedding Attire For Men
What It MeansThe black tie in Black Tie Optional isnt as optional as it sounds. Basically, this dress code lets wedding guests off the hook if they absolutely cannot wear a tuxedo. In that case, a dark suit and tie would be acceptable black tie optional wedding attire for men, but wear a tux if you can. You can dress it down, thoughtry a black satin necktie or a black and white bow tie in a pattern. You can even mix it up with a tux in midnight blue.
What to Wear
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Best Velvet Moment: Closet London Plus Tie Waist Velvet Mini Dress
Courtesy of ASOS
Size Range: 14-24 | Length: Mini | Shipping: Free on orders over $49.99 $4.99 flat rate on orders under $49.99 | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days
Nothing says winter more than velvet! This luxe-looking mini dress from ASOS features a high neckline and splits in the cap sleeves for a flattering look.
Best Mini: Reformation Marlowe Dress
Courtesy of Reformation
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Mini| Shipping: Free | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
Fun and flirty, this mini dress from Reformation will have people asking “where did you get that?” all night long. The simple silhouette paired with a small slit blends sexy and classy.
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Rust Gingham Shirred Midi Dress 42 River Island
You can always rely on River Island for purse-friendly fashion for any type of wedding, and this gingham midi would look just as good at a county hall reception as it would in a boho barn. Top it off with coordinating metallic accessories and a low bun to show off that Peter Pan collared neckline.
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Adrianna Papell Plus Size Floral Printed Midi Dress
Allow us to formally make the case for wearing a blush wedding guest dress in fall. This size-inclusive frock has a regal mock neckline that leads into a blouson bodice and flowing skirt. But the best part about this dress is the ethereal blush pink floral print. We love the idea of wearing this plus size floral dress for a fall wedding in a backyard or garden setting.
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Cocktail Wedding Attire For Men
What It MeansImagine your work is business casual, but youre going out for the evening and cant stop home to change your outfit first. Cocktail attire is that happy medium dress code that covers all bases. If thats too vague, just make sure your outfit shows a little more personality than your office 9 to 5 go-to.
What to Wear
To A Formal Or Black Tie Fall Wedding
No matter the season, formal is formal. When a fall wedding invitation says black tie, that means youre wearing a formal gown or your fanciest cocktail dress. According to Lisa Grotts, an etiquette expert, you absolutely need to dress the part. “A formal fall wedding requires a man to wear a tuxedo and a woman to wear a formal gown. Women have wiggle room because a short, traditional cocktail dress can also work, or even a dressy pantsuit,” she explains.
Try to stick with fabrics like silk and tulle for an elegant look. Also, be mindful of the shoes you pair with your formal attireit makes all the difference. Opt for a sleek stiletto heel or a chic pair of slingback heels.
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What To Wear To A Fall Wedding In The Mountains
Specific venues come with their own unique requirements, especially if it’s in a remote location. According to Lee, “A mountain wedding feels more grand and luxurious by nature of the scenery.” She believes a faux fur jacket is a great way to level up your attire.
For a mountain wedding, there are a few functional aspects to take into account too. “Typically, climates in the mountains tend to get a bit cooler as the sun goes down,” shares Biya. He recommends adding an overcoat, scarf, and/or gloves to your ensemble to help keep warm. If it’s a destination wedding, Handspiker advises picking out a suit that’s designed to travel well without getting too creased.
Loveshackfancy Popover Mini Dress
You might associate LoveShackFancy with summer wedding guest dresses, but the whimsical brand has plenty of fall-appropriate options too. Consider this ditsy floral print long sleeve mini dress for a wedding on the cusp between summer and fallwe love its cinched waistline and flounced skirt. Pair this easy fall cocktail dress with strappy sandals or nude booties to complete the look.
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Best High Neckline: Lulus Copper Satin Dress
Lulus
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Floor-length | Shipping: Free on orders more than $50 | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days
This luxe gown from Lulus pairs a high neckline with a timeless silhouette. The twin side slits break up the fabric and allow you to show a bit of leg.
So What Exactly Do You Wear To An Autumn/winter Wedding Four Industry Experts Share Some Valuable Advice
The wedding industry is in a constant state of flux, but even the experts agree that in the last few years, there’s been a major shift towards less traditional celebrations of marriage. From tropical destination weddings to a three day festival for every couple opting for an alternative wedding, there’s dozens of perplexed, stressed out guests unsure of what to pack.
‘Ive noticed a rise in more individual and alternative weddings over the last five years,’ says Susie Young, the founder of wedding planning company Knot & Pop. ‘This may be because couples are self-funding weddings more, so are less bound by their parents stipulations or traditions. it means the dress code can be rethought.’
Don’t let the “C” word fool you casual weddings still come with loose dress codes. ‘Even if the invite says casual, jeans and T-shirts are not appropriate,’ says Young. Lucy Hume of Debrett’s believes that certain shades are still off-limits. ‘It doesnt matter how casual the wedding, white and cream are still no-go colours for guests,’ she says. ‘Black can look too sombre, so should generally be avoided unless combined with lighter colours.’
Mini bags have been all the rage for the last few seasons thanks Jacquemus which means there’s so many great alternatives to the battered satin clutch you’ve had since your teens. London brand Shrimps has got you covered with its pint-sized, pearl covered bags.
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Cello Dress 285 Reformation
Okay, so we appreciate that the Reformation collection doesnt come cheap, but if youre going all out for the wedding of the year, take a look at the Cello. Every single element of this dress has been designed to make you feel like a million dollars, so if you can afford it, it could be the best investment youve made in a long time.
Holiday Wedding Attire For Men
Holiday weddings work best when they include subtle reminders of the days festive motifs, and the same goes for your outfit. Holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, New Years and Valentines Day should inform your look, but dont go full Santa suit. I repeat, do not go full Santa suit. Dont even go Santa beard you lucky, beard-growing machine.
What to Wear:
In a perfect world, we would all have closets overflowing with gorgeous, high-end suits and tuxedos for every possible occasion. If you live in that world, take me there.
The rest of us might need to rent that ruby velvet jacket when we need it, and as most of us know, renting can be a hassle. Thats why we made it simple. Whether you want that suit for a week or for keeps, just answer a few questions, order online, and well deliver your outfit to your doorno tux shop required. Plus, itll actually fit. Sound good?
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What The Experts Say
Despite the seemingly simple nature of this discussion, color and psychology experts have also weighed in on what colors should and should not be worn to weddings and why that may be.
Were going to explore the rich history behind wedding customs, where they came from, and why color is so important at weddings today.
To start, in Clare Finnells dissertation on the subject entitled A History and Analysis of Weddings and Wedding Planning, she goes into great detail on the origins of current cultural traditions for Western weddings.
Originally, the idea of the traditional western wedding originated in Medieval Europe. Finnell explains that At the time, what we now think of as a wedding was typically just a nice feast, not necessarily even one with decorations or special outfits unless the couple was very wealthy, in which case occasionally new or matching outfits would be worn for the wedding during this time period.
As Finnell stated, color was not even an issue in early Western weddings. So, when did it become so important?
Indeed, the major concern of early weddings was security. Finnell goes on to explain that the groomsmen were originally knights whose job it was to protect the bride from potential kidnappings. Thankfully we dont have to worry about that in modern times.
Knights were the original groomsmen at weddings.
Beach Wedding Attire Dos & Donts
- Please guys, no shorts ever! Its not appropriate wedding guest attire unless it explicitly says so on the invitation.
- Ladies & Gents it should go without saying, but Ill say it anyway just in case it slips your mindif youre wearing open-toe shoes, please get a pedi.
- Gals, make sure that you dont wear a dress that is too short & loose/flared or you might end up inadvertently flashing everyone with just the slightest wind gust.
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If Youre An Evening Guest
So, you didnt make it to the main event but take that not as a slight, but rather hours of small talk mercifully swerved. It goes without saying that you need to look like youve made an effort, but you dont need to go in all guns blazing. A grandad collar shirt will do the trick, and you can even try a patterned design, while a black or charcoal roll neck jumper will strike that perfect balance between relaxed and refined. PSA: no trainers and no jeans and yes, that includes black jeans.
Made You Dream Maxi Dress 110 Sister Jane
If you want to keep your colour palette super seasonally appropriate, it doesnt come much more festive than this Sister Jane sequinned dress. The relaxed midi silhouette is sensational, and literally no one will be able to compete with the wow-factor of those shimmery stars.
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Where To Buy Fall Wedding Guest Dresses
We’ve hand-picked some of the best seasonal styles belowbut if you’d rather browse the web for yourself, these are our favorite places to shop for dresses to wear to a fall wedding:
- ASTR The Label: ASTR The Label’s stylish midis are a staple in any wedding guest’s wardrobe. The brand’s beautiful dresses are brimming with flirtatious details like ruffles, floral prints, and puffy sleevesperfect for anyone who loves romantic style.
- Lulus: If your style is a little more on the edgy side, Lulus is the place to look. The online retailer has a wide selection of outfits with sultry leg slits, plunging necklines, and form-fitting silhouettes. The best part? There are lots of affordable options.
- Rue La La: Love a bargain? Rue La La’s online boutiques are chock full of awesome discounts on designer clothing. You might have to do a little digging to find the perfect fall wedding guest dress, but it’ll be totally worth it.
- Nordstrom: If you’re not sure exactly what style you’re looking for, department stores like Nordstrom are a great starting point. You can browse fashionable dresses from a wealth of designers at different price points.
- CoEdition: CoEdition specializes in plus-size clothing for pretty much any occasion, from everyday attire to outfits for special occasions. The site’s selection of wedding guest dresses features a range of designers from City Chic and Chi Chi London to Adrianna Papell.
What Should A Plus
In recent years, retailers have made an effort to become more inclusive, creating a wide range of sizes in almost every design. You are not limited in choice because you are plus size and can look and feel gorgeous in a long gown. To show off your curves, try out a fitted fishtail gown, or if you prefer a more flowy and relaxed fit, then a maxi dress is a wonderful choice.
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Do I Need To Wear Stockings To A November Wedding
A November wedding is wonderful no matter what the location and weather. You can wear stockings or go bare-legged to a November wedding. Today there are few hard and fast rules regarding fashion.
In cold weather, stockings will keep your legs warm. In warm climates, there is no need to wear stockings if your legs are good-looking and have a nice color. When you wear stockings you will have a more polished look.
When wearing closed-toe style shoes you can go bare-legged or wear stockings. Open-toe and strappy styles can be worn with colored stockings, tights or without stockings. It is not considered chic to wear nude color stockings with open-toe or strappy sandals.
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Should I wear stockings to a formal wedding?A formal wedding does not require stockings. However, if you are not planning to wear stockings to a formal wedding, you should have good-looking legs that have a nice color. If you are wearing a floor-length dress stockings are optional. Stockings are not necessary in hot humid weather. Also if you wear toe-less shoes or strappy sandals it is not chic to wear nude/neutral color hosiery. Colored hosiery works with closed-toe, open-toe shoes, or strappy sandals. Stockings give your outfit a more polished look when wearing a cocktail dress with closed-toe pumps or closed-toe slingback style shoes, and they keep your legs warm in cold weather.
