22 Fall Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Budget
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This heatwave of a summer is slowly but surely drawing to a close (even if it might not feel like it now) and so too are those summer weddings. Soon, fall weddings are going to start filling up your weekends and new outfits for the seasonal shift and designated wedding dress codes are a must. When it comes to dressing appropriately for the special occasion, celebrity stylist Kim Appelt tells me, “The most important thing is to feel comfortable and confident in your outfit.” After chatting with two fashion experts and celebrity stylists about all things fall weddings trends, I pulled 22 of the best fall wedding guest dresses that are sure to catch your eye, from a gorgeous velvet number from Azazie ($99) to a cocktail option that’s totally Brat-girl summer coded from Revolve by SNDYS ($81).
The Best Fall Wedding Guest Dresses at a Glance
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1. A&F Emerson Floaty Midi Dress
This sweet and flowy dress, which PureWow’s Senior Commerce Editor, Stephanie Maida, wrote a rave review on, is incredibly easy to wear and oh-so flattering, not to mention a perfect pick for that outdoor wedding you have coming up at the end of September. The dress is machine washable and available in petite, regular and tall fits, so there’s no need for a last-minute run to the tailor. It has a ruched bodice that cinches at the waist and tapers into a tiered floaty skirt. And the short, puff sleeves are a godsend on breezy nights when you’re sans a jacket. But that’s not the end of it. You wouldn’t know it at first glance, but this striped blue dress—which comes in four other colors and prints—has pockets that’ll hide away anything you need for your BFF’s big day, like tissues for when she’s saying her vows.
2. BTFBM Sleeveless Cocktail Dress
There’s something James Bond-esque about wearing a high-neck satin dress. Both classy and chic, this BTFBM sleeveless cocktail dress from Amazon elegantly frames the shoulders with beautiful draping at the neck and bodice. The waistband is elastic, which makes it super flexible as you make your way from the buffet table to the dance floor, and it’s supposedly super silky on the skin. “I can’t believe how perfect this dress was for my friend’s wedding, but also how beautiful I felt in it,” writes an Amazon reviewer of this stunner that’s available in a whopping 18 colors. “It fit perfectly. The color was amazing, and I received so many compliments, too. I’m ready to buy in different colors.” Just note that, because it’s made of such a thin polyester and elastane blend, it will hold onto deodorant or sweat stains easily.
3. Norma Kamali Diana Dress
There’s a reason the Diana Dress by Norma Kamali is such a PureWow reader favorite. For one, the off-the-shoulder neckline and asymmetrical hemline look gorgeous together. Even the bunched material looks luxurious and ultra-flattering on the body. But don’t just take my word for it: Reviewer Carolina bought this dress over two years ago in burnt orange and says, “I wore this dress to my friend’s wedding and let me just say…this is so flattering! It bunches in all the right places and has a built-in leotard that snatches you in (which is surprisingly comfortable and doesn’t at all dig into my skin). The fabric is thick but breathable, making the dress look and feel expensive all while being extremely comfortable to wear. I can’t wait to wear this again—this time on vacation!”
4. Lulus Notable Elegance Bustier Midi Dress
“I just bought this floral appliqué beauty for an October wedding with a western-meets-Victorian theme,” Maida tells me, “and it looks so stunning in person. The fitted bodice and overall silhouette are really flattering (and it's petite-approved!).” The lightweight full skirt makes any twirl on the dance floor dramatic in the best way possible, and the butter yellow shade is right on trend for the fall season. But the devil is in the details, as they say, and the star selling points of this bustier midi dress have to be the sheer puff sleeves and intricate mesh floral appliqué.
5. Mango Asymmetrical Satin Dress
There’s something whimsical about satin dresses like this one from Mango, whether it be because of its lustrous, soft fabric or the fluidity it has on the body. It also has the most beautiful asymmetrical neckline and a dramatic extra-long sleeve on one side, which will look unbelievable in photos. While tall women will love that the length of this maxi dress, shorter women will likely need to get it hemmed if they don’t want to have it dragging on the floor. Oh, and did I mention that there’s a slit at the side that’ll up the sex appeal and make it easier to walk (and dance) in?
6. Reformation Frankie Silk Dress
When I think about wedding guest dress shopping for fall, I automatically think about Reformation. The brand’s sustainability and carbon neutral practices are impressive and, most importantly, I always fall head-over-heels in love with the dresses, like this floral Frankie Silk Dress. It’s fitted throughout the body and hugs your curves, creating the illusion of an hourglass figure (even if you don’t have one). The square neckline is flattering on any bust, but especially suitable for women with bigger boobs, and it has a sexy slit in the back of the dress for functionality (aka, making it possible to walk and move). Made with 100 percent silk, the material will slide like butter against your skin, but because it has fixed straps, shorter women may need to make alterations—though you can get this done for free by following Reformation's instructions.
7. Pomander Place Daylily Jacquard Samantha Dress
If you’re headed to a casual wedding where shorter dresses are acceptable attire, this is your sign to consider a fun print and vibrant color palette like this darling Pomander Place number. It’s classy and modest thanks to the long sleeves and crewneck, but in no way boring. Just look at the cuffed balloon sleeves and shift silhouette that make this frock flirty and feminine. But let me put aside the bells and whistles for one second and appreciate the versatility. Seriously, how many of your other wedding guest dresses can be reworn as easily this one? Think: rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, baby showers, engagement parties, dinner dates, you name it. Some buyers have found it runs slightly big, so be sure to consult the size chart.
8. ASOS Floral Embroidered Halter Midi Dress
This classy option is the perfect mixture of sweet and sexy. Not for the faint of heart, it boasts a low back and fringe hem that shows off a good amount of skin and demands attention. (Psst…the twirling in those reels will look unreal.) I’m also obsessed with the floral embroidery and striking blue and purple color combination. And can we hear a little commotion for the back of the dress? It has a breathtaking drape along the back that swoops just below the bra line.
9. ASTR the Label Anora Maxi Dress
“I'm absolutely in love with this dress,” raves Melissa, a Revolve reviewer. “The back is amazing, the shoulders have a little puff (which is really flattering) and the material has some metallic flecks in it that [are] so pretty!” Mimi, another reviewer, was quick to agree, noting how flattering it lays on her body—no doubt, thanks to the ruffled skirt, cinched waist and side slit. Her only qualm is that it falls slightly long against her short stature of 5’3, but nothing a little hemming can’t fix.
10. Lioness Field Of Dreams Dress
If there’s anything I learned this season, it’s that I should never overlook an elegant, timeless piece that has an understated silhouette and neutral color scheme, especially one that has a drop waist. In fact, drop-waist dresses are practically all anyone’s wearing right now, and this sleek maxi from Lioness will stir ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ from your friends and family. The off-the-shoulder frock is just fabulous even without any jewelry to embellish it, though I’d add a tennis necklace or drop earrings for a très chic moment. Buyers say that the fabric is tremendously soft, comfortable and stretchy; however, it’s important to note that while the drop-waist silhouette creates the illusion of a tall, elongated frame, it will show off your curves and accentuate your hips in the process.
11. Zara Long Satin Effect Dress
Zara has tons of dress options available, particularly trendy pieces like this metallic dress that are picture-perfect and exactly what you want to wear for the wedding you have coming up in New York or Los Angeles. In those fashion capitals, this A-line dress with its silver shade and silk-like satin fabric will keep you looking stylish without much effort. Plus, it has a lovely trim cascading down the bodice that breaks up the straight cut of the silhouette and wide straps for extra support.
12. Farm Rio Endless Summer Midi Dress
Farm Rio is known for their bold, bright and vibrant prints, which is why I love the idea of wearing the brand for a fall wedding. If you’re headed to a beach wedding, it’s time to embrace the endless summer vibes and get ready to dazzle in the various reds and pinks that make up this midi dress. What’s more, it’s crafted with a textured embroidery that’ll make it feel extremely luxe and handmade.
13. Rhode Lulani Dress
Confession: I’m absolutely in love with Rhode’s Lulani dress. I wore it to a bridal shower and felt unbelievably confident and cute in it. True to size and slimming, it’s one of those classy pieces that’s 100 percent worth the investment. In fact, I’m hoping to collect all the vibrant prints and colorways if I’m lucky. I’ve found that few modest dresses have a subtle sexiness to them, but this one manages a hint of it with its slender fit of the dress, the playful flared hem and the billowy cap sleeves. Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s undoubtedly an investment piece that’ll last you a lifetime.
14. Mango Fitted Halter-Neck Dress
This affordable Mango midi dress is something I imagine seeing in Elizabeth James’s closet (IYKYK) in the Parent Trap. Understated and eternally romantic, this LBD has a sophisticated bateau-meets-halter neckline and fitted bodice that looks like a ‘90s staple. But what makes this dress so special has to be the fact that it’s made from a blend of cotton and elastane that’s designed to be extremely comfortable, stretchy and smoothing, so you can leave your shapewear behind if you want. Oh, and you can definitely wear a strapless bra, too.
15. ASOS Twist One-Shoulder Midi Dress
Everything about this dreamy one-shoulder midi oozes BRAT…and I’m talking about the good kind. Romantic and elegant, this has a one-shoulder sleeve and twisted details along the ruched bodice for a slimming effect. If you’re into an unconventional floral print, then you’ll love how this motif is not so on the nose compared to other dresses.
16. Anrabess Pleated Evening Maxi Dress
With more than 1,200 five-star reviews on Amazon, this Anrabess maxi dress is a must-have fall wedding guest dress, and not just because it has long sleeves or an eye-catching V-neckline (though that does help). According to one satisfied reviewer, “It’s absolutely gorgeous. I wore it with both heels and sandals during photos to walk around the sunflower patch. It’s a lightweight fabric, [though] I will say you need spandex or something under it because it shows every line, even with no-show underwear.” Even though the fabric is thin and unforgiving, she finds it to be comfortable and “everything I was looking for.”
17. Eloquii Satin Maxi Dress
Let’s face it, finding plus-size wedding guest dresses isn’t always an easy feat when a lot of the options at popular retailer sites end in sizes large or extra-large. However, this Eloquii dress was made for plus-size women in mind, catering to sizes 14 through 32. Wrap dresses are uber-flattering, too, as they cinch in the smallest part of your waist and accentuate your natural curves, while the fluttery sleeves elevate the formality of the dress.
18. Azazie Blair Velvet Floor-Length Dress
This velvet floor-length gown is exactly what you’ll want to wear to a fall wedding that requires black-tie attire. It boasts an elegant boat neck that grazes the tops of your collarbones and cascades like water off the body. And thanks to the gathering along the side of the hip, it’ll help make your waist look smaller and hide a food baby (you know, after you enjoy a slice of cake). My favorite detail is undoubtedly the spicy high slit along the side that your date will love. Azazie is known for having an abundance of sizes, and they also offer custom sizing that’ll be special made to fit your measurements in just a few weeks.
19. V. Chapman Lily Ruched & Ruffled Midi Dress
This dreamy navy V. Chapman Lily dress is darling, from the ruched bodice to the feminine ruffles tiered along the fitted skirt and dainty self-tie belt along the waist. Because of the ruching, you can expect this the material to feel stretchy, making it a great option for expecting mamas. One reviewer writes, “I wore this dress 33 weeks pregnant and it fit great! I ordered two sizes larger than my normal size to accommodate for the bump. The dress was extremely flattering even at this stage of pregnancy.” Others loved how this number fit like a glove.
20. Silk Maison Piano Halterneck Maxi Silk Dress
OK, so you’re headed to Europe for your best friend’s wedding, but you have no idea what to wear. Enter: this stunning Silk Maison number that’s sophisticated and chic. It has a supportive halter neckline that also shows off some cleavage, and an open back for the sultriest surprise. That silky satin against your skin will feel gentle and comfortable, because there’s nothing worse than wearing a beautiful gown that you can’t wait to take off. In fact, Silk Maison reviewer Sarah says, “The silk fabric is so smooth and silky, it feels like a dream against my skin.” From the high slit and black and white halter laces, you’ll be looking like the best dressed guest, easily.
21. SNDYS x Revolve Avani Dress
Because one brat girl dress wasn’t enough, I had to include another, and from one of my favorite brands: SNDYS. I’ve been vocal about my love for SNDYS dresses before, namely the Tahlia dress, but the moment I laid my eyes on this pistachio green satin stunner, I knew it would make a great addition to my formalwear. It’s partially lined, giving you a little more comfort and protection under that that thin fabric, though I’d suggest wearing the Spanx shorts my colleague raves about if you want a flawless finish. And just wait until you see the back of the dress. One word: Wowza.
22. Lulus Molinetto Lace Maxi Dress
From the tiered ruffles to the deep plunge neckline, this Lulus beauty is a sure-fire way to stun the singles table at the wedding. One happy customer writes, “Loved this dress! I received so many compliments on it and I will definitely wear it again…It has a timeless style and could see this being very flattering on ANY type of body. I’m 5’4” with a short torso and (very) flat chest, so I was worried the dress would hang off my upper body or I’d drown in all the fabric but was SO surprised at how good it looked! I added a little bit of clothing tape along the V-neckline and [it] worked like a charm! The length was also perfect with or without heels,” though she does recommend sizing down from your usual size, as she and other reviewers report that it runs slightly big, especially in the chest. In fact, for some buyers with bigger boobs, it might show too much cleavage, but the high-coverage back purportedly makes up for what it lacks in the front.
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