What to Wear to an Autumn Wedding

Fall weddings and special occasions are some of my favorite events to dress for, with rich colors, luxurious textures and a little more opportunity for drama as the season shifts. Whether your celebration takes place in the city, at a countryside estate, against a mountain backdrop or among the vines, I’ve rounded up beautiful dresses and accessories for every setting and dress code. Think jewel-toned silks, sumptuous velvet, romantic jacquards and elegant neutrals, paired with special finishing touches like brooches, sculptural jewelry and glamorous evening bags. From cocktail dresses to true black-tie showstoppers, these are the pieces I’d reach for throughout the fall celebration season.

When you need a knockout dress for a special occasion, Erdem is one of my favorite designers. Many of you discovered this burgundy jacquard gown in my daily looks and snapped it up! The burgundy seems to be sold out online, with a few sizes left in pale pink, and the burgundy cocktail version here and here. I love that brooches are back and paired this incredible brooch (on sale!) and a velvet clutch with the gown for a tonal look. Add these ultra comfortable platform sandals that you can dance all night in.
This rich burgundy silk off-the-shoulder dress has a similar vibe to my gown above but with greater versatility at a more wallet-friendly price. The deep red hue is quintessential autumn wedding attire. Style with gold accessories (this is my black-tie bracelet of choice!) and a sleek updo.
The jade velvet on this V-neck dress is absolutely stunning in person. The draped shoulders and deep neckline feel effortlessly glamorous. (I wore it in London here.) Wear this to an autumn wedding with a beaded bag like this or this, and strappy gold heels.
For a daytime ceremony or cocktail reception, this jacquard shift dress (20% off with StacieM20) and belted coat (20% off with StacieM20) are effortlessly sophisticated. (And something you can wear to countless events throughout the season!) The brocade fabric does the heavy lifting so you only need simple gold jewelry and burgundy heels to finish the look.
A silk maxi dress in this gorgeous shade of green is endlessly versatile. The shirt-collar detail keeps it from feeling too formal, so it works for a garden wedding now and holiday parties later with statement earrings.
For a city wedding, I'm in love with this metallic bouclé midi, which has a gorgeous subtle shimmer that catches the light beautifully and reminds me of Dior. I bought this pearl brooch after mentioning it last week, and it would be so gorgeous pinned to your lapel, or at the hip of a gathered dress. It's substantial, so works best with thicker materials.
I love the romantic floral print on this halter maxi dress in shades of burgundy and blush. The halter neckline is so flattering, and jersey means you'll be comfortable all night. Pair with gold heels and simple studs.
Nothing says showstopper like this scarlet satin halter gown with its signature buckle belt. The Japanese fabric drapes like a dream, making it ideal for a formal wedding or gala any time of year.
I can't get over this mint satin midi and the knot detail at the waist is so beautiful. The off-shoulder silhouette and floral jacquard make it feel special enough for a cocktail wedding with a minimal satin clutch and statement cocktail ring, or get the full Dries Van Noten effect with a statement bag.
Emerald green is having a major moment and this jacquard midi with its cowl neck and geometric pattern is incredibly chic. (I tried on the chartreuse version in store last year and the cut is very flattering.) Perfect for a cocktail-attire wedding with pointed-toe heels and gold earrings.
Minimalists will love this draped chocolate satin gown for its effortless elegance. The gathered waist and relaxed sleeves feel modern and sculptural. Add a statement necklace or stunning cocktail ring to complete the look for a fall wedding.
If you love velvet for fall (and I really do), this long-sleeved velvet gown is a dream. The rich burgundy crushed velvet feels luxurious and the full-length silhouette is ideal for staying warm at an outdoor autumn ceremony.
Classic and incredibly flattering, this black one-shoulder mermaid gown is the kind of dress that works for every formal event on your calendar. Style it a multitude of ways, with a brooch for one event and a statement clutch the next.
The dark paisley print on this silk maxi dress feels perfectly moody for fall. Pair with block-heeled sandals and a satin pouch for an outdoor celebration.
Aubergine is the ultimate autumn wedding color, and this sleek dress (15% off with STACIE15) nails it. The draped silhouette is so flattering. I have it in a patterned mosaic from earlier this summer, and it hugs you in all the right places. Dress it up with stilettos and statement earrings, or down with sandals.
Feather trim takes this floral swing dress to black-tie territory. The vintage-inspired print with black feather hem is such a conversation starter. Style with simple black heels and let the dress do the talking.
Such a clever piece, this brocade dress has a retro glamour as a layering piece over the matching pants, and with metallic mules. The diamond block print is festive without being over-the-top.
Sculptural gold hoops like these are the easiest way to finish a wedding guest look. They add just the right amount of polish whether you're wearing a bold print or a simple solid.
An effortlessly elegant black cotton silk dress with a tiered asymmetrical skirt that moves beautifully. Perfect for a cocktail reception with a glamorous beaded bag and/or these iconic heels.
I own this dress and it's such a versatile style. I love the black with leopard slingbacks for city celebrations, or the evergreen for vineyard or mountaintop settings.
Sweeping and dramatic, this cotton maxi dress has the most stunning silhouette. The fitted bodice and full skirt feel timeless, and a petite friend of mine just bought it for a black-tie wedding and it looks fabulous on her. (And is an easy hem job!) I'd personally go for the brown version with this necklace and these dance-all-night kitten heels.
This strapless bell dress is unlike anything I've ever seen, delivering a whole lot of designer drama for under $1,000. I'd pair with these ladylike slingbacks and a sleek updo.