What to Wear to a Fall Wedding as a Guest

A bridal stylist breaks it down.

It’s no surprise why so many couples choose to have a fall wedding. The cool, crisp weather and autumnal natural palette bring a different feel to a wedding that simply cannot be achieved any other time of the year. Plus, fall fashion is unbeatable. And as a guest, that gives you more to play with.

"I think that fall is really the best season for fashion," says New York-based bridal stylist Jackie Avrumson. "The wedding guests have an opportunity to really step up their look because they can layer in the fall. And that's why you can really just like have a little bit more fun with it."

What to Consider

Still, not every outfit is appropriate when it comes to a wedding. This is why Avrumson recommends starting your outfit search with the wedding invitation. This should be considered your go-to, where you can find details about the dress code, location, and time of day the celebration will be held. “That will set the tone,” she says, adding that the type of venue should also influence your look.

Sticking to the guidelines from the wedding invitation shouldn't be a deterrent to flexing your sartorial muscles, though. “A guest shouldn't be scared to wear what they want to wear to a wedding and I think they should be playful with their fashion,” Avrusom says. “They should not be afraid to step outside the box.”

Ahead, Avrumson details everything you need to know about dressing for a fall wedding.

Dealing with the Cool Temperatures

Similarly to how we approach everyday fashion, Avrusom says that cooler temperatures allows guests to play with the silhouette of their outfit. One particular silhouette she suggests is the high-neck, open-back style, which gives an air of glamour and sophistication to a look. She also recommends a square-neck, V-neck, or a crew-neck, which Avrusom says go well with a sleeve.

Of course, a jacket can also be part of your fall wedding outfit. Avrusom suggests bringing a tuxedo jacket, which you can drape over a gown for a chic "borrowed from the boys" look, as well as a faux fur shawl that also adds a luxe element.

Lean Into Fall

When it comes to colors, fall is perhaps the season with the most lush set of tones. This is why Avrusom recommends using the autumnal palette as inspiration. “I think you should lean toward darker hues and jewel tones; something that has a that's a little bit bolder,” Avrusom says. The same story goes with materials and silhouettes: "I think texture is something that you can definitely do in the fall because you have the ability to wear something that might be a little bit heavier without worrying if it's an indoor wedding," she says, suggesting materials like velvet or taffeta.

Contrary to summer weddings, fall nuptials are more typically celebrated during the evening, which is why Avrusom recommends betting big on statement jewelry. "They could really dress it up with huge earrings, a bold necklace," she says. Avrusom suggests chunky gold necklaces, fun gemstones,

No Open-Toe Shoes

We all love boots when the fall hits, but our day-to-day seasonal footwear just doesn't cut it for weddings. So how can you stay warm in a formal heel? Avrusom suggests going for a "sexier shoe," highlighting ankle-strapped and pointed-toe silhouettes.

Still, she says that if the venue and dress code allow it, then you could wear boots. "Unless of course, the wedding is somewhere where it's outdoor on a farm or something then you can wear boots," she says, adding that she'd still recommend a client stick to high heels.