When we think of weddings, we usually think of them as black tie affairs. But, one of the refreshing things about a calm fall wedding is that many of them are more casual affair, giving off a relaxed take on the classic idea of a wedding. Bright skies, comforting scents of crunchy leaves, and the sound of a calming fall breeze gives any fall wedding a more relaxed feel, which allows attendees to get more creative with their ensembles.
But, that doesn’t mean getting dressed for a fall wedding is easy. First off, the key concept to attending a fall wedding is that you have to find that fine line between underdressing and overdressing. Even for a black tie event, you need to play things right and still keep that laidback feel we love so much about the fall season.
For those not in the wedding party, this gives a lot of freedom in what to wear to a fall wedding. Of course we have to always follow the dress code, but for anyone still unsure on what you’re wearing to your friend’s or family’s fall wedding, we’ll break things down for you a bit.
This is how we’re dressing for a fall wedding this season:
White Tie
White tie weddings typically mean you should wear a full-length ballgown and a long-tail tuxedo for your date. How does that fit into your fall routine? Try a ball gown with a floral pattern or done in a deep, autumnal hue.
THEIA
V-Neck Digital Print Ballgown
NINE WEST
'Tatiana' Pointy Toe Pump, Size 9 M - Black
CARMEN MARC VALVO INFUSION
One-Shoulder Ballgown
TED BAKER
Savio nude patent leather pointed pumps - Beige
For the boys, add a touch of color to your look by opting for a maroon jacket or gray bowtie.
LANVIN
Shawl Lapel Wool Blend Tuxedo
MEZLAN
'Concerto' Oxford, Size 10.5 EE - Black
LUBIAM
Diamond-Print Tuxedo Jacket
MAGNANNI
Toecap Oxford Shoe
Black Tie
A step less formal than a white tie wedding, the black tie attire still calls for a formal evening gown for the ladies and a tuxedo for the gentlemen. To make this style right for a fall wedding, we suggest a gown with a little bit of flair to it. Find something with an intricate texture or ruffles.
PARKER BLACK
Miranda Tiered Sequin Tulle Formal Gown Dress
HEAD OVER HEELS
Pumps
RICKIE FREEMAN FOR TERI JON
3D Floral Popover Lace Gazar Trumpet Gown
TRUE DECADENCE
Satin Pearl Detail May Jane Heeled Shoes - Pink
For men, make your look a bit more relaxed by opting for evening slippers rather than Oxfords or Brogues.
BURBERRY
Millbank Tuxedo
LANVIN
Patent Leather Evening Slippers
ARMANI
Classic Tuxedo
MAGNANNI
Toecap Oxford Shoe
Black Tie Optional
Possibly one of the most confusing wedding dress codes, if not THE most confusing, when you see the words “black tie optional” on a wedding invite for the first time, it raises a few questions. Does this mean I can wear black tie attire if I want, but I don’t need to? If I choose not to wear black tie, does that mean I can just go with a cocktail dress? Not quite.
Despite it’s unclear wording, black tie optional just means another step down in the formal dressing tiers. You should still go for a floor length dress, but a T-length is also appropriate. Nowadays, you can also wear a formal jumpsuit to a black tie optional fall wedding.
For men, a tuxedo is still appropriate, but you can also opt for a dark colored suit for a black tie optional event.
With this attire, bring seasonal tones into your look. Use a fall wedding as an excuse to buy red heels. Also, high-low lengths are an excellent choice with black tie optional.
CHI CHI LONDON
Lace Yoke High/low Cocktail Dress
VALENTINO GARAVANI
Tonal Rockstud Three-Strap Heels
LIKELY
Cabrera Gown
UNITED NUDE
block heel pumps - Neutrals
And then in menswear, consider a navy instead of a black. Also, deeply colored brown shoes can work great for a fall wedding.
ASOS DESIGN
skinny suit jacket in navy - Navy
RALPH LAUREN
Alesky Calfskin Oxford Shoe Dark Brown 7.5
HUGO BOSS
Alerius Suit Jacket
O'KEEFFE
Algy Polished-Leather Wingtip Brogues - Black
Semi-Formal
Semi-formal attire is just like it sounds: half formal, halfway to black tie. While you can pick a floor length dress, you are by no means limited to that. We love a knee or mid-length. For fall, play around with warm tones. Deep red always works, but also try out a neutral beige. Men should wear suits and ties, but a tuxedo is definitely not necessary.
ZIMMERMANN
Silk Cold-Shoulder Dress
JIMMY CHOO
Romy 100 Suede Pumps - Womens - Nude
HALSTON HERITAGE
Cowlneck Floral Dress
ASOS DESIGN
Wide Fit Paris pointed high heels - Beige
Try a subtle stripe detailing and play around with colors for a semi-formal dress code.
THEORY
Malcolm Slim-Fit Pinstriped Suit Jacket
TED BAKER LONDON
Senapen Wingtip Derby, Size 13 M - Beige
STRELLSON
Long-Sleeve Heathered Suit Jacket
ZANZARA
Monticello Perforated Plain Toe Derby, Size 10.5 M - Brown
Cocktail Attire
The next step down, cocktail attire is a fun one to prep for, especially in fall. Pick a fun color on your cocktail dress, and stay around knee-length or just a bit higher for a daytime affair. Men should still wear a suit and tie, but can get more playful in jacket patterns and tie colors.
DRESS THE POPULATION
Marcella Cap-Sleeve Sequin Cocktail Dress
CUSHNIE ET OCHS
Adrian Suede Slingback Heels
JOIE
Mahesa Colorblock Cocktail Wrap Dress
COS
BALLERINA HEELS
A check pattern is a fun one to bring into your look for a fall wedding. Also try out gray or brown shoes.
TOPMAN
Skinny Fit Check Suit Jacket
MAGNANNI
Gerardo Medallion Toe Derby, Size 9.5 M - Grey
TOPMAN
Skinny Fit Suit Jacket
GORDON RUSH
Percy Wingtip, Size 10 M - Black
Casual
Casual dressing is the most easiest attire to plan for, especially for a fall wedding. With this laidback dress code, you can even opt for ankle boots if you pick a pair with a pointed toe and small heel. For fall weddings, definitely go for a long sleeve dress. In menswear, you do need to wear a blazer, but you can usually get away without a tie.
THE KOOPLES
Long Sleeve Crepe Dress
NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD
Casati Pearl Heeled Leather Loafers - Womens - Nude
LIKELY
Victoria Smocked Bell-Sleeve Cocktail Dress
SPLENDID
Nettie Pointed Toe Leather Kitten Heel Booties
We love a crisp black blazer over a clean-lined white shirt. Light gray is another good choice for casual wear.
COS
SLIM-FIT LINEN BLAZER
LLOYD
Marian Wingtip, Size 13.5 M - Black
CIVIL SOCIETY
Two-Button Knit Blazer, Gray
