Wedding season is still in full swing! As we enter the cooler months, guests continue to ask themselves the eternal question: Once I’ve saved the date, what will I wear? Our editors are not exempt from this quandary—and with their fall wedding guest outfits as unique and varied as the individuals sporting them, our staffers have inspiration for any upcoming nuptials (and all the festivities in between). Think, re-wearable chic black ensembles, long dresses in shades of autumnal red, bold prints, and statement earrings to complete the look.
Whether you’re attending a black tie soirée, a cool-girl courthouse ceremony, or a countryside wedding, find inspiration from 11 Vogue editors, below.
How to Dress for a Wedding, Like a Vogue Editor
Cortne Bonilla, senior commerce writer
Wedding guest dressing looks a little different for me this year. Okay, actually, it looks a lot different. At eight months pregnant, I’m not looking to squeeze myself into anything that may or may not be comfortable enough for several hours of dancing, sitting, eating, and waddling. Kallmeyer has the perfect addition to my evening wear rotation—loose, draped, and breathable!
Elly Leavitt, lifestyle editor, shopping
The first thing I love about this dress is the color, which is the most vivid berry shade that’s perfect for fall. Next is the silhouette: I have a friend’s wedding coming up in the city, and the elegant draping feels right for her very old-school New York venue. Because there’s nothing understated about a dress with a massive cape, I’m keeping the accessories simple with my favorite hair combs and a pair of oversized gold earrings. (Mine are vintage, but I find the amorphous blob shape of this pair from French brand Agapée equally delightful.)
Irene Kim, production and editorial associate
I have my coworker Carolina Gonzalez’s wedding next month and I’ve been saving the most perfect satin Dôen dress for one of the weekend festivities. The color is so beautiful but the style of the dress itself is very simple. The royal blue color goes well with both gold and silver so I plan on wearing it with a pair of mixed metallic heels (from Dôen, as well), Mejuri jewelry, and my vintage gold Fendi baguette—although one of Chan Luu’s beaded clutches might be another alternative for me!
Minty Mellon, commerce market editor
As a minimalist at heart, my wardrobe rarely ventures beyond shades of black, white, and navy. But when the wedding dress code called for bright and bold color, I knew red would be the go-to. After lots of searching, I discovered Victoria Beckham’s striking draped dress as the perfect guest attire. With my hair styled up, statement earrings were a must, and Juju Vera’s gold Stella pair brought the perfect touch of drama. I finished the look with Thistles’s classic sunglasses and Khaite’s tonal shoulder bag for that monochromatic harmony I can’t resist.
Libby Page, executive director, Vogue Shopping
The rules of what to wear to a wedding have changed over the years (well, certainly in my friendship circle) and now there is a sense of freedom to truly wear what you’ll feel comfortable in as a guest. My comfort zone is black and I love wearing something I already own. Lately, I have been obsessing over lace trims on just about anything (as my wish list will tell you) and so this dress feels like the right amount of lingerie dressing without looking like I have fallen out of bed. Vintage-inspired accessories are having a moment; Sophie Buhai does it in a modern way. And as for my Manolos, well, they’re always relevant.
Alexandra Ditch, associate commerce producer
This season, I’ve been drawn to jewel tones more than ever! I love these wine-toned gowns by The New Arrivals, Markarian, and Azeeza, for formal fall nuptials. As far as accessories go, I’ll take any excuse to add earrings by 11 Juillet to my looks for instant elegance and hint of sparkle. A gold pair of Manolo Blahnik kitten heels are classic and can be worn to every wedding on the calendar, no matter the season. Lastly, I’m in love with Liffner’s new maroon suede collection, and this clutch would complete any of my fall wedding guest looks.
Florence O’Connor, associate content manager
I love dressing for fall and I love dressing for a wedding, so fall weddings are really my Super Bowl! I really lean into all of the autumnal colors and fabrics so this forest green dress from Reformation is the ultimate seasonal wedding guest dress in my opinion. I also like to hold a bigger bag for cooler weather weddings (so I can discreetly carry my shawl) and this large brown suede clutch from Flattered perfectly fits the bill. Throw on a pair of easy chic heels and a fun earring and you are ready to dance the night away!
Fred Sahai, associate commerce producer
As a Libra, I have a cosmic affinity for the fall and all things romance. Sadly, I am not attending any fall weddings this year, but that hasn’t stopped me from dreaming about what I’d wear to one! I love a sleek all-black look, and Éterne’s Vivian dress is the perfect case of that. I also find myself leaning towards jewel tones as the temperatures drop, and I’ve been waiting for an occasion to acquire this perfect teal Emily Dawn Long gown.
Andrea Zendejas, commerce market editor
There is no better celebration than a wedding. If I were attending one this fall, I’d choose this kelly green dress by Alejandra Alonso Rojas, with a cascading shawl. I love a colorful dress for a festive occasion, even though I naturally gravitate toward neutrals. I would style with Manolo Blahnik mules, a Hunting Season top-handle bag, and a sparkly tennis bracelet for just the right touch of shine.
Kiana Murden, senior beauty commerce writer
My wedding guest dressing formula centers around a classic black dress. I gravitate towards billowing or satin fabrics, and strapless styles with a column shape that suit practically any dress code or location. When paired with a good silver heel, dazzling drop earrings, and a sleek top-handle clutch, I’m put together with ease.
Sache Taylor, director, special events
My dear friend is getting married, and unfortunately for her, she had to sit next to me while I complained that everything I want to wear is white. The next best thing? Black! I’m obsessed with this Victoria Beckham dress—chic enough for a wedding, and dark enough for a very formal funeral.
