These Dresses Are The Reason Why Fall Weddings Are The Absolute Best

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Getting an invitation to a fall wedding in the mail can take you through a rollercoaster of emotions. The first—excitement. Weddings are basically a designated time to party, eat, drink, and celebrate love with friends and family, and who doesn't love that? But once that initial flutter of euphoria and excitement fades, dread may set in as you try to figure our how in the world you'll find the perfect fall wedding guest dress.

Choosing an outfit you feel confident in and comfortable wedding shoes you can actually dance in can be a bit tricky. The good news: There are a ton of affordable and comfortable fall wedding guest dress options for you to say yes to the (guest) dress—no matter the weather forecast or venue—from destination boho beach weddings to elegant black tie ones.

"Regardless of the season, I always tell my clients to consider the venue, the overall vibe of the couple, and what the invitation says," says Lesley Brickman, a bridal stylist and founder of The One Gown. With all that in mind, just choose something you absolutely love. Whatever your style or price point, these are the 25 best fall wedding guest dresses of 2023, according to rave reviews, and fashion experts we spoke with.

Half Sleeve Boat Neck Swing Dress

This long sleeve option has a modest hemline and a hot off-shoulder neckline. Burgundy is a stunning color for fall, and this retro-style silhouette was basically made for twirling to the music.

Rave Review: "I got a lot of compliments on this dress. It fit really well and looked great! The material is thick and feels sturdy, but still has stretch to it for movement, dancing etc."

Sizes: S-XXL | Material: Polyester, spandex

Long Sleeve V-Neck Floral Ruffle Dress

Seasonal colorway and print? Check. Covered elastic waist with drawstring? Hallelujah! A dark floral pattern never looked more chic. Do pay special attention to the sizing chart, though, as some customers report this dress may run big.

Rave Review: "This dress was definitely out of my comfort zone, but it made me feel comfortable and confident. The color was beautiful and the material was stretchy! It was thin, but not see-through."

Sizes: 4-22 | Material: Polyester, spandex

Belted, Pleated Flounce Sleeve Dress

Hello, twirls. This pleated dress features a high neckline, airy sleeves that are great for hot weather, and a belted waist. It reads "put together, yet knows how to relax." Plus, it looks way pricier than it really is.

Rave Review: "Wore this to a wedding and it was so comfortable! Easy to accessorize and can wear a regular bra and underwear underneath it. No need for shapewear!!"

Sizes: XS-XXL | Material: Polyester

Westerly Velvet Dress

This velvet beauty will truly have you looking like the queen of fall. It's designed with tie straps, a square neckline, and a side split, and pairs beautifully against any autumnal backdrops.

Rave Review: This dress does not have any reviews on its site, but it's an editor's pick, chosen by Women's Health fashion director Kristen Saladino.

Sizes: 0-12 | Material: Rayon, silk

Cocktail Party Dress

A dress in deep burgundy is so autumn. A high-low hem adds a bit of oomph to this classic style. It's available in a whopping 45 colors, too!

Rave Review: "This is the most beautiful and comfortable dress ever. Plus, it has pockets!!"

Sizes: S-XXL | Material: Polyester, elastane

Kennedy Mini Dress

A puff sleeve paired with a shoulder-baring side makes this dress chicly unique. The emerald dress is also designed with a bow accent at the waist, which gives it a touch of that something extra.

Rave Review: "The fit was true to size and very flattering. I wore it to a fall wedding and received so many compliments. I'd recommend pinning the bow to keep it secure."

Sizes: XXS-XL | Material: Polyester

Lace V-Neck Sleeveless A-Line Dress

Under $50 and the color of marigolds, this A-line dress checks all of the boxes. Pair it with some cute gold shoes and a matching clutch for a glam, autumnal look.

Rave Review: "This dress is as stunning on as in the picture. It fits perfectly."

Sizes: S-XXL | Material: Polyester, spandex

Nelle Knit Dress

Think of this as your little black dress—upgraded. The white straps and sweetheart neckline on this dress beautifully contrast the rest of its black silhouette to make you one of the best dressed guests in attendance.

Rave Review: This dress does not have any reviews on its site, but Saladino says she loves this dress.

Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Cotton, spandex

V-Neck Plus-Size Cocktail Dress

hot and versatile enough to dress up or down depending on the shoes and jewelry you pick, this lace dress is swoon-worthy for its fit and flare style. It’s a dress you’ll want to wear again and again, so pick it up in a few colors.

Rave Review: "As a plus petite, I find it hard to find clothes that fit, but this dress was perfect (even for my larger bust) and was even more flattering on! I receive compliments every time I wear it."

Sizes: 14 Plus-28 Plus | Material: Polyester, nylon, spandex

Empire Waist V-Neck Dress

This V-neck and V-back dress features an empire waist and a floor-grazing bottom. It's a classic silhouette you can stylishly wear for years to come. This also makes a great choice for a bridesmaid dresses.

Rave Review: "This dress is beautiful. If you have a bigger bust, it holds quite well. It’s simple, but it’s so cute."

Sizes: 0-26 | Material: Chiffon, polyester

Chloe Organza Dress

A playful, yet formal option, this organza dress won't only make you feel pretty, but its roomy silhouette makes it very comfy to wear, too. You can also accessorize it with an organza flower tie.

Rave Review: This dress doesn't have reviews on its site, but it was hand-picked as a fave fall wedding dress by Saladino.

Sizes: XS-L | Material: Polyester

Floral Wrap Dress

This oh-so-comfy maxi dress is a fave for fall weddings, thanks to its v-neck, red floral pattern, and tie waist. Bonus: It pairs well with cowboy boots for more casual outings.

Rave Review: "This dress is perfect. Perfect fit. Comfortable. Light and breezy. Good quality. I have worn this dress many times and always get compliments on it."

Sizes: S-XXL | Material: Polyester

One-Shoulder Ruched Split Midi Dress

If a black tie wedding is on your calendar, get glam with this beautiful fire-red dress. The modern silhouette along with the one-shoulder design allow you to show off a bit of skin.

Rave Review: "I love this dress! I’ve worn it to two weddings and got a lot of compliments. It’s very flattering, especially for curvy girls, and covers up your tummy area."

Sizes: S-XL | Material: Polyester, spandex

Midi Evening Dress

Doesn’t this look scream fall wedding? With three-quarter sleeves, a floral design, and a midi length, scream it from the fall foliage-covered mountaintops. Bonus: It has pockets!

Rave Review: "This dress is good quality, a good value, at a good price, and overall good! The material feels and looks very nice. Pockets are a great feature."

Sizes: S-XXL | Material: Polyester, spandex

Floral High-Low V-Neck Midi Dress

Best for a cute backyard wedding (hi, 13 Going On 30), this high-low dress is equal parts flouncy and flirty. The red floral print is classic, but it's available in dozens of other styles, too.

Rave Review: "I'm very particular on fabrics and this is a nice lightweight fabric. I'm a few months postpartum, and I love the forgiving elastic waist and that I can breastfeed in the dress."

Sizes: XS-XXL | Material: Rayon

Violetta Dress

A high-low hem is perfect for the shifting temps during the fall season. This silver satin dress is designed with a scoop neck and back and an invisible zipper on the side to keep it fitted and secure.

Rave Review: This dress also doesn't have reviews on its site, but it's one of Saladino's fave fall wedding guest dress picks.

Sizes: 0-10 | Material: Polyester

Batwing Backless Belted Midi Knit Dress

A sweater dress that hugs your curves? It's great for a more casual wedding. And again, it's one of those versatile dresses you could easily dress up or down with your choice of accessories.

Rave Review: "I got this and I wore it, and it's so beautiful. Definitely recommend. I got so many compliments and I definitely will order again in a different color."

Sizes: S-XL | Material: Viscose, nylon

Off-Shoulder Tiered Chiffon Midi Dress

From the fall-ready tiered look to flowing pleats, this floral-patterned midi is a dream, like floating on cloud nine all reception long. You can even get it in nearly 50 different colors and patterns, including several off-shoulder options.

Rave Review: "I love this dress! Its cascading layers are very flattering and forgiving. It can be paired with a number of accessories and shoes. It looks more expensive than it is and is very chic. The material is great, too."

Sizes: S-XL | Material: Chiffon

Chiffon Halter Dress

Headed to a beach wedding this fall? This stylish number features a ruffle front finish you'll love. If the temperatures are still hot where you are, the airy chiffon and halter neck combo is a good bet for staying cool, too.

Rave Review: "I wore this to a wedding in Jamaica and got a lot of compliments. It's a pretty color and was very flattering."

Sizes: 4-16 | Material: Polyester

Asymettrical High-Neck Bodycon Dress

So, the couple didn't specify a dress code, and you don't want to bother them by asking. I hear ya. This dress is a classic that works for nearly any type of wedding from a backyard bash to an elegant affair.

Rave Review: "I am in love with this dress. It is so pretty and comfortable. It can be worn as a business outfit or dressed up with jewelry for an event. It has the perfect amount of stretch and the green color is beautiful."

Sizes: S-XXL | Material: Polyester, elastane

Off-Shoulder Chiffon Ruffle Dress

There's so much love in the air—this frock included. Ruched puff sleeves, tiered Mulberry silk, and a beautiful scoop neckline will garner you endless compliments.

Rave Review: "Seriously obsessed with this dress. It feels very high-end. The fabric is amazing, and the sleeves give it such a princess feel."

Sizes: S-XXL | Material: Polyester, spandex

Halter Turtleneck Side Slit Gown

This backless turtleneck dress is the "business in the front, party in the back" of evening gowns. Opt for a slick bun and your fave pair of earrings to complete the chic, glam look.

Rave Review: "It's hot, fits perfectly, and is comfortable. Absolutely love it. I would give it 10 stars if I could."

Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, spandex

Reception Dress

Sometimes you just gotta step out in the red dress. This one has "showstopper" written all over it. The asymmetrical hemline also adds a fun touch.

Rave Review: "Wow factor dress—got so many compliments at the wedding I bought it to wear at. Material is modern and the cut was flattering. I LOVED the button detail down the back."

Sizes: XS-XL | Material: Polyester, spandex

Halter Neck Maxi Dress

Designed with bold florals, this dreamy organza dress oozes romance and femininity. The sleeveless vibe is great for a hot destination wedding.

Rave Review: "This dress is so pretty and flattering! The high neckline is unique and I just love it. I get excited when I have things to go to to wear it at."

Sizes: 0-16 | Material: Polyester

Lala Dress

Handcrafted in Senegal and custom-sized to your height, this piece is a showstopper. It's designed in a midnight blue pattern with warm pops of color.

Rave Review: "I love my dress. I'm not sure if I'm tying it correctly, but it's a beautiful dress—love the colors and how it feels."

Sizes: XS-3XL | Material: Polyester, spandex

How we chose the best fall wedding guest dresses

For the last few months, WH editors, including commerce editor Jasmine Gomez and editorial assistant Olivia Evans, have been researching the best dresses to wear to a fall wedding. Our team spoke to stylist Lesley Brickman, founder of The One Gown, and Women's Health fashion director Kristen Saladino, and vetted thousands of reviews to find the best options available online.

What should I keep in mind when shopping for a fall wedding guest dress?

There are two very important things to keep in mind when shopping for any wedding, according to Brickman. First, put yourself in the bride's shoes. "Think of your friend's [perspective] and say, 'would I want my friend to wear this to my wedding?'"

Then, wear something that's also comfortable for you. "Be yourself, but elevated," Brickman says. "Don't try to play a role or wear a costume because [your discomfort] is going to show on your face."

What should someone wear to a fall wedding?

Brickman says the perfect fall wedding dress has sleeves, an a-line cut, and hits at about midi length. "[Midi] is the perfect do-it-all length," she says. "An a-line silhouette can be formal without looking too formal. It can be just the right amount of casual, but still feel elevated."

But, ultimately, you should wear something that you feel good in for the occasion. If it's a more formal event, go for the ball gown. If it's more casual, go sleeveless. Read the room and make a decision from there.

What should someone wear over their dress for a fall wedding?

First, Brickman suggests opting for a dress with sleeves for a fall wedding. "A dress with some type of sleeve is going to be more appropriate, simply to help the woman who's wearing it to feel more comfortable in the environment," she says. As for how to accessorize over your dress, she recommends a pashmina, wrap, or a silk blazer to really level up your outfit.

What shoes should you wear to a fall wedding?

Obviously, go with whatever suits your style the best. You should wear something comfortable, yet classy. Brickman suggests a sturdier heel over a stiletto, and avoid any materials like suede or satin, that could be damaged in bad weather.

What colors are best for a fall wedding?

This season Brickman says she predicts that a bright, fire engine red will probably be in for fall weddings. "That can be flattering on a lot of different people," she says. "Red can work for just about every woman." But be wary of the kind of wedding you're going to, she adds, as red is a bridal color at Indian weddings, for example.

You can also go for something with a darker floral pattern for fall. "A black or a green [dress] with a beautiful floral print on top is going to be really big this year," Brickman says. At the end of the day, there really are no rules to fashion. Just make sure you feel good in what you're wearing without stepping on the bridal party's toes.

Read more about the best wedding-related products

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