What To Wear To A Fall Wedding
Summer may be the busiest wedding season, but Autumn is arguably the prettiest. With the cooler temperatures come falling leaves and the most romantic backdrop for a wedding ever!
I can vouch for this because I was married in October!
Here’s what to wear to a fall wedding to look lovely and appropriate.
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1. Choose Rich Hues
Spring and summer weddings are all about bright, cheery colors or soft watercolor pastels, but as we move into fall, the color story changes. Nature is the best place to find inspiration when shopping for fall wedding cocktail dresses.
Dark Green, Gold, Brown, and brick are just a few of the gorgeous earth tones that are perfect for a fall wedding.
Wedding guests dress in fall harvest shades like plum, brick, deep blue, teal, pumpkin, wine, eggplant, and black to look rich and luxurious. It is also beautiful this time of year – metallics like gold, copper, and silver add depth and warmth.
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2. Consider a Dress with Sleeves
You may want more coverage as the temperature drops, especially on your arms.
This long, sheer-sleeved black dress is lovely because it camouflages arm flab but the semi-sheer fabric gives it a youthful, modern look since some skin shows through.
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3. Embrace Luxe Fabrics
Breezy, light fabrics worked in the summer, but in the Fall, you’ll look lovely if you embrace rich, luxurious fabrics like lace, taffeta, heavy satins, and brocade.
Velvet is always special and looks great in a deep Autumn shade in the Fall. This gorgeous plum velvet dress with a sleek wrap waist is one of many Fall dresses for weddings that are perfect for women of any age.
4. Take a Wrap
This is the time of year when it can be quite nippy outside, so a lovely wrap comes in handy and is very elegant, too.
An off-the-shoulder dress is stunning, but you don’t want to be shivering in the church or reception hall.
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5. Switch to Fall Shoes
Strappy sandals are favorites for a summer wedding or early September, but fall brings many gorgeous closed-toe pumps or peep-toe pumps that are fine, elegant, and lovely for this time of year.
You’ll find fall evening shoes in darker hues and luxurious fabrics, including suede and velvet. Of course, metallic and crystal-embellished pumps always work too.
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Shop more fall wedding guest dresses
Time flies, and the big day will be before you know it. Deciding what to wear to a fall wedding and then shopping early on will save you a lot of heartache.
The wedding invitation goes out 6-8 weeks in advance, so don’t waste time once yours arrives. There’s nothing worse than being stressed out because you can’t find a dress, or you have to settle because you have run out of time!
Are you going to a Fall wedding? What will you be wearing?
Deborah,
I love your website.
Boy, do I need help. I’m attending my 67-year-old boyfriend’s son’s wedding in November in Georgia. I have a pretty knee-length dress. Do I wear pantyhose or bare legs? m 62; most people don’t wear hose. W t’s the style? Pl ease, help me. The k you.
Hi Laura,
This is such a common problem. It depends on your legs. If you feel you need a hose, then, by all means, wear them. Try ultra sheer hose. (You may have to test out a few pairs to find the right color before the wedding- I like Donna Karan nudes), Be sure to wear a closed-toe shoe if you wear ultra sheers. Open toe and any hose are not flattering. Have a wonderful time.
The ideas that you shared were perfect. I will remember the several ideas you shared when I attend my next summer wedding.
Hi Deborah! What is your opinion about wearing one outfit to the wedding ceremony and a different one to the reception? So many weddings now are in the afternoon with an evening reception. It’s sometimes nice to wear something cocktail-like in the evening, but it doesn’t feel appropriate in the early afternoon. We have a wedding to attend in early October, and I’m trying to decide what to do. Thanks!
Hi Liz
I’ve seen this at a few weddings, and I think it is okay. There aren’t many occasions left when we have an excellent reason to dress up. Go for it! Cheers, Deborah
Hello, Do you have anything on winter wedding dresses?
Hi Susan, Winter weddings are so pretty. Yes, I have a post here that should help:https://www.fabulousafter40.com/what-to-wear-to-a-wedding/.
We’re invited to an October wedding that is black tie. Should I wear a long gown, or is a dressy cocktail dress appropriate? Thanks!
Hi Lori, It is confusing. Either is appropriate. I have an article here you may like to read:https://www.fabulousafter40.com/wear-evening-wedding/. Have a wonderful time!
Thank you so much for all the great info.
I know how you feel about your son going to college. I will have an empty nest this year.
Great post. Thank you. I’m attending a wedding with a country-western theme. The venue is a ranch/barn. What on earth should I wear? I’m the bride’s stepmother.
Hi Carel, A country and western theme. How fun! What about a pretty floral dress in fall colors for a fall wedding? That’s more casual than a solid-colored dress and feels country. That would be my first choice. A dress with a touch of lace would also be pretty. Country western is casual but feminine, so keep that in mind. Lovely and relaxed is the key to this theme. Have a wonderful time.