Autumn Event Dressing

As we approach the season of celebrations, our calendars are quickly filling with special occasions that call for something more elevated than everyday style. From baby and bridal showers to elegant evenings at the ballet, chic gallery openings, and even black-tie weddings, autumn offers no shortage of opportunities to dress up. This roundup gathers my favorite outfit ideas for every kind of festive fall event—ensuring you feel polished, stylish, and seasonally appropriate no matter what’s on your agenda.

Baby and Bridal Showers

• This bias-cut slip dress in a beautiful brown and black lily of the valley print is a four-season favorite you'll reach for again and again. As cooler weather hits I'm pairing with chocolate or black suede accessories like the suede bag and heels I'm wearing above. So chic!
• I love the soft floral on this silky midi dress. Dress it down for daytime events with a pointed toe flat, or dress it up with strappy burgundy heels for date night!
• This wine colored eyelet dress will solve all your wardrobe woes this autumn and winter. Just the thing for a shower, church, dinner party...whatever you have on your social calendar, this is it!
• This silk dress (on sale) has been my-go to for special occasions this month, and works perfectly for showers, afternoon tea, dinner dates and more! (Seen here and here.) The print has so many beautiful colors in it, the accessorizing options are endless.

An Evening at the Ballet or Engagement Party

• I just got this black bouclé jacket and it's a knockout. (Photos below.) It feels like a gorgeous vintage find, "Is that Chanel?", without the vintage Chanel price tag (especially since it's on sale). I found the sleeves were a little snug in the elbow, so consider sizing up. Pair it with a little silky camisole and these crazy comfortable kick flare pants (I sized up) for an elegant look perfect for dinner and a show.
• I tried on this chartreuse satin cocktail dress in NYC and it was a stunner. The drape of the bodice is gorgeous and the color is eye-catching in the best possible way. Pair with gold block heels.
• This black velvet midi dress (on sale!) is will be your go-to for evening events. The tailoring is divine and the classic silhouette is a blank canvas for endless styling options. Just the thing to have on hand for those "But what do I wear?!" moments from November through February.
• This asymmetric gown is on sale for $210 and a versatile staple you can enjoy year round. Pair with strappy heels for an event, then throw on a cashmere sweater and pointed toe boots to wear it more casually.
• I just got this sequined cardigan and it is SO GOOD. Made of 100% wool (aside from the sequins) and the perfect straight yet-not-overly boxy cut. Button it to wear as a top over these too-good-to be true high-waisted cream trousers (on sale) for a versatile evening look. The trousers have a super flattering cut and are lined so they don't reveal things you'd rather keep under wraps. :)

Country Weddings

• I'm partial to autumn country weddings since I got married in Napa during harvest. If I were a guest I'd wear this stunning rose print floral dress with simple drop earrings.
• I love the empire waist and groovy floral on this dress, which would work at a wedding but also date nights throughout the season.
• If you're willing to splurge, this jacquard dress is a stunner.
• Perhaps an unexpected combo, but I love the look of a silky maxi skirt and cashmere sweater. Add this western inspired belt like I did here for a very Ralph Lauren look.
• I own this satin dress and love its figure-flattering ruched waistline and the cut of the sleeve is quite flattering as well. My version is red (seen here) but I like the deep berry hue even more. Love that it can work for holiday parties, autumnal weddings, and gala season!

When the Invitation Says Black Tie

• This black and white gown with a coordinating scarf gives old Hollywood glamour for under $250.
• This bronze wrapped gown conjures images of Grace Kelly in To Catch A Thief. Timeless and autumnal. Pair with a simple sparkly drop earring and a demure look.
• I love the unexpected color combination on this burgundy silk dress, whose silhouette reminds me of Andy's iconic gown in How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days. The pattern makes it more foolproof but no less flattering.
• This bias-cut halter dress is a timeless classic you can wear again and again to a variety of events. Wear it to a gala with this tassel belt slung around your hips, and a month later wear it to a wedding with an eye catching clutch. The black version is most versatile, but I also love it in this deep red with these garnet earrings!
• Velvet season is almost here and I love the drape of this gown.
• Markarian is one of my favorite designers when you need to dress to impress, and I wore this Markarian Gowns in another fabric for a friend's wedding a few years ago (seen here). The corset bodice has magical powers to suck you in and lift you up. Truly fabulous.

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