Weddings
Fall and Winter Wedding Guest Dresses: What to Wear
For a fall or winter wedding, choose a dress in a rich seasonal color, such as wine, emerald, navy, chocolate brown or deep plum, in a fabric with some weight, like satin, lace, velvet or brocade. Match the length to the dress code: a cocktail dress for semi-formal or cocktail attire, and a floor-length gown for a formal or black-tie evening wedding. Bring a wrap or coat for photos outdoors, and avoid white, ivory and anything that could look bridal.
In This Guide
What Colors Should I Wear to a Fall Wedding?
Deep, warm colors suit fall: wine, burgundy, rust, chocolate brown, emerald, olive and navy. Winter weddings suit jewel tones and metallics, like emerald, sapphire and royal blue, plum, silver and gold. Black works at most evening weddings, especially formal ones. Pastels are less common in fall and winter, but a soft color in a rich fabric can still look seasonal.
What Should I Wear to a Fall or Winter Wedding?
- Follow the dress code first. "Black tie" means a floor-length gown. "Formal" or "black tie optional" means a gown or a very dressy cocktail dress. "Cocktail" or "semi-formal" means a cocktail dress or dressy midi. See the full wedding guest attire guide.
- Choose a cold-weather fabric. Satin, mikado, lace, velvet and brocade feel right for the season and hold up better than very light fabrics on a cool night.
- Consider sleeves. Long or off-the-shoulder sleeves add warmth and suit a church ceremony or a more traditional wedding.
- Plan for the cold. Bring a wrap, stole or tailored coat for the walk in and outdoor photos.
- Pick practical shoes. Block heels are easier on grass, gravel or a cold, wet path. Closed-toe heels or dressy boots work on a winter evening.
Fall and Winter Wedding Guest Dresses by Dress Code
| Dress code | What to wear |
|---|---|
| Black tie | A floor-length gown in satin, beading or lace, in a jewel tone or black |
| Formal or black tie optional | A floor-length gown or an elegant cocktail dress |
| Cocktail or semi-formal | A cocktail dress or dressy midi; add sleeves or a wrap for warmth |
| Rustic or outdoor | A cocktail dress or midi with block heels and a warm layer |
For more on the shorter codes, see cocktail attire for a wedding and semi-formal attire. For the dressiest weddings, see what to wear to a black-tie wedding.
Sherri Hill Dresses for a Fall or Winter Wedding
Most of these styles are from the Sherri Hill fall wedding guest dresses collection, plus one long-sleeve style for a winter evening. Sherri Hill dresses are sold through authorized retailers; use Find A Store to locate one near you. If the store doesn't have your color or size, the retailer can check whether it's available to order.
Style 58042
For a formal evening wedding, an off-the-shoulder fitted gown with a lace corset bodice, a stretch satin skirt and a slit. It comes in ten colors, including brown, wine, emerald and navy, in sizes 000 through 26. See style 58042.
Style 57559
A fitted strapless gown with a corset bodice and a stretch satin skirt. Navy, emerald and peacock look rich at a winter wedding. Sizes 000 through 26. See style 57559.
Style 58175
For a cocktail or semi-formal wedding, a strapless mikado A-line cocktail dress with pearls along the neckline and a bow at the waist. Chocolate and navy suit fall. See style 58175.
Style 58335
A halter cocktail dress with a lace corset drop-waist bodice, a deep V neckline and a mesh skirt. It comes in ten colors, including navy, wine and chocolate. See style 58335.
Style 58173
A fitted cocktail dress in sheer lace with long sleeves, for a cold evening or a more traditional ceremony. Made in black. See style 58173.
See every style in fall wedding guest dresses, or browse cocktail dresses and evening dresses. Find your size with the Sherri Hill Size Guide.
Shop the Look
Your retailer can check whether a color or size is available to order.
Find A Store
Find a Sherri Hill Retailer
In the United States, Sherri Hill dresses are sold through authorized retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What color should I wear to a fall wedding?
Rich, warm colors such as wine, burgundy, rust, chocolate brown, emerald, olive and navy. Avoid white, ivory and very pale shades that could be mistaken for bridal.
Can I wear black to a fall or winter wedding?
Black is accepted at most evening weddings, especially formal and black-tie ones. For a daytime wedding, or if you're unsure, a deep color like navy, wine or emerald is a safe alternative.
Should I wear a long or short dress to a fall wedding?
Follow the dress code. Black tie calls for a floor-length gown; cocktail and semi-formal call for a cocktail dress or dressy midi. Evening weddings tend to be dressier than daytime ones.
Can I wear a strapless dress to a winter wedding?
Yes, with a wrap, stole or coat for the ceremony, outdoor photos and the walk in. Some religious venues prefer covered shoulders, so bring a layer for the ceremony.
What fabrics are best for a fall or winter wedding?
Satin, mikado, lace, velvet and brocade. They have more weight than summer fabrics and suit the season's deeper colors.
What shoes should I wear to a fall wedding?
Block heels are best on grass or gravel at an outdoor or rustic wedding. For a winter evening, closed-toe heels or dressy ankle boots keep you warmer.
