10 stylish and comfortable fall wedding guest dresses

Choosing what to wear to a fall wedding can be tough — you want to be warm enough and comfortable, but you also need to look the part. Learning the dress code is the first step to finding the perfect dress. Once you know this, you can think about appropriate colors and prints for fall as well as suitable materials. 

In this article: DKNY Tie Neck Dress, Calvin Klein Solid Sheath Dress and BerryGo Boho V-Neck Dress.

Wedding-guest dress codes

You've been given a dress code to adhere to, but what does it mean? The dress code should be listed on your wedding invitation. If not, you might want to get in touch with one of the folks planning the wedding to clarify. 

• White tie and black tie: If the dress code is white or black tie, only a floor-length gown cuts it. These dresses might not always be the most comfortable, but you can look for ones made from breathable materials, and getting the fit right goes a long way.   
• Formal: You can go for a floor-length gown for a formal wedding, but there's a little more leeway to opt for a shorter, but still dressy, cocktail dress. 
• Cocktail: For a cocktail-attire dress code, choose a cocktail dress. This is a smart dress at or just below knee-length. This is similar to formal wear, but gowns would be considered too dressy. 
• Semi-formal or dressy casual: You have the option to go more or less smart with this dress code. Cocktail-type dresses are great here, but you can also wear less tailored dresses and those in prints and less formal colors. 
• Casual: A casual dress code doesn't mean you can turn up in jeans and a T-shirt, but you can choose a more relaxed dress. Chiffons and other floaty materials are fine here as are shorter hemlines. 

Fall wedding-guest dress colors

While you can wear any color to a fall wedding, some are more fall-appropriate than others. Fall-inspired neutrals such as taupe, copper, bronze and earthy orange-browns are great for the season. For formal attire, it's best to stick to darker hues, such as black and navy. Rich jewel tones are also great for fall. If you're going to a semi-formal or casual wedding, you can get away with prints such as polka dots and florals, particularly in fall-like colors. 

Naturally, you should always steer clear of white, and there may be other inappropriate hues depending on the cultural heritage of the people getting married. For instance, you shouldn't wear black or red to an Indian wedding. 

Fall wedding-guest dress materials

Some materials are more comfortable and fall-appropriate than others for wedding-guest dresses. 

• Cotton: Cotton is breathable and comfortable to wear. You can even choose corduroy or other heavy cottons for cold fall days. 
• Chiffon: Light and flowy, chiffon is great for fall weddings on the more casual end of the spectrum. It's not uncommon to find chiffon dresses with elasticated waists, which are extra comfortable. 
• Velvet: Velvet dresses can help you feel comfortably warm at a fall wedding, and this fabric looks appropriate for the season. 

Best fall wedding-guest dresses

R and M Richards Off-The-Shoulder Lace Gown

This attractive lace gown is ideal for a black-tie or formal fall wedding. It comes in merlot, mocha, navy or champagne, but the latter is too close to white for wedding attire. It is lined and contains spandex for stretch, which adds to its comfort.

Sold by Macy's

Tommy Hilfiger Belted Pleated Fit and Flare Dress

Made from a blend of spandex and polyester, this dress is comfortable for all-day wear but looks smart enough for a fall wedding. It's available in either black or aubergine.

Sold by Macy's

DKNY Tie Neck Dress

The loose fit makes this dress comfortable to wear while remaining a stylish choice for a casual or smart-casual wedding. The long-sleeve versions are ideal for fall with black, red and navy available.

Sold by Amazon

SL Fashions Illusion Soutache-Trim Party Dress

Thanks to the stretchy bodice, this dress is extremely comfortable to wear, while the gorgeous soutache trim on the skirt makes it wedding-appropriate. Since it's sleeveless, it's best paired with a jacket or wrap.

Sold by Macy's

Calvin Klein Solid Sheath Dress

This simple, understated dress is stylish and comfortable since the fabric has a little stretch. The chiffon bell sleeves give it some extra flair, while the black, navy or red hues are all great for weddings — just stay away from white.

Sold by Amazon

BerryGo Boho V-Neck Dress

This effortlessly stylish velvet wrap dress is great for a fall wedding. It's available in a range of fall-appropriate colors, including a gorgeous earthy orange.

Sold by Amazon

Calvin Klein Burnout Velvet Faux-Wrap A-Line Dress

The stunning velvet burnout fabric feels extremely autumnal as does the deep twilight blue hue. The ruffled hem and sleeves are nice touches, while the faux-wrap V-neck style is highly flattering.

Sold by Macy's

Alex Evenings Rosette A-Line Gown

If you're looking for a gown for a white-tie, black-tie or formal wedding, this one fits the bill. It has a classic cut that looks stylish but not over the top. The navy and merlot versions are especially great for fall weddings.

Sold by Macy's

Kensie Velvet Faux-Wrap Long-Sleeve Dress

Available in black or an array or rich jewel tones, this velvet dress is a perfect fall wedding choice. The tie detailing and embellishment at the neckline add to the overall effect. 

Sold by Macy's

Tommy Hilfiger Margo Floral-Print Chiffon Dress

For a casual fall wedding, this is a gorgeous choice. There are ties at both the split neckline and at the waist, and the semi-sheer sleeves are a nice touch. 

Sold by Macy's

Worth checking out

• The SL Fashions Sequined Lace Midi Dress is great for a semi-formal evening wedding. 
• If you're looking for something with a vintage style, the Dresstells Floral Tea Dress is ideal. 
• You'll look stylish in the Betsy and Adam V-Neck Short-Flutter-Sleeve Velvet Gown. 
• The R and M Richards Cape-Overlay Velvet Dress comes in black and a range of jewel tones. 

Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews. 

Sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter for useful advice on new products and noteworthy deals. 

Lauren Corona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.