With crisp temperatures, changing leaves, and an excuse to embrace a richer, more layered wardrobe, autumn makes quite the scenic season for saying “I do.” Which means anyone with a fall wedding on the calendar is likely once again asking themselves the eternal question: Once I’ve saved the date, what will I wear? Our editors are not exempt from this quandary—and with a long list of wedding guest dress trends to choose from, our staffers have plenty of inspiration for any upcoming nuptials (and all festivities in between). Think, infinitely re-wearable black ensembles, long dresses in deep jewel tones, and, of course, statement earrings and dance floor-appropriate kitten heels to complete the look.
Whether you’re attending a black-tie soirée or an intimate daytime celebration, find inspiration from 13 Vogue editors, ahead.
How to Dress for a Wedding Like a Vogue Editor:
Chloe Malle, head of editorial content
“I love Alexa Chung’s Reformation collection and can see myself wearing this citrine velvet dress to my friend’s black-tie NYC wedding in November, with some technicolor jewels and gold accessories.”
Libby Page, global executive shopping director
“I’ve been drawn to silky, slinky matching (but not too matchy) separates lately. There’s an ease to them that makes me comfortable; and when you feel comfortable, you are your most confident self. I’m clinging to my summer glow, and this gold helps to bring it out. Black accessories with neutrals can feel too harsh, but the two-tone detailing on these Manolo Blahnik heels, as well as the tassel on this Le Sundial bag, bring all the right ingredients for a great wedding guest look.”
Elly Leavitt, lifestyle shopping editor
“I just had a wedding in the city last weekend, and while I was always planning on wearing this simple navy dress (usually, New York remains warm through mid-October), the weather here recently took a turn for the diabolical—so I improvised and turned one of my many summer pareos into a shawl. These earrings from Shannon Bond were the perfect finishing touch.”
Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
“For the bride’s ‘colorful cocktail chic’ dress code, I pulled out a vibrant floral number I've had for years. While I generally gravitate towards sleek occasion wear, this was the perfect opportunity to make more of a statement. I love a draped, flowy dress for a wedding—that way I can move, dance, and eat as I please. Paired with a gold heel and a fringe bag, it was perfect for an early-September evening. Before leaving the hotel, I put on a bit of the Brunel body oil—glowing skin is the ultimate accessory.”
Minty Mellon, market editor, shopping
“For fall weddings, I gravitate toward polished black gowns with elegant silhouettes, like this off-the-shoulder one by Alaïa. Paired with suede slingbacks by Jimmy Choo, the dress creates a timeless foundation for more expressive accessories. Juju Vera’s oversized drop earrings and Le Sundial’s velvet tassel bag add just the right amount of drama and personality to complete the look.”
Florence O’Connor, content manager
“Dôen dresses are my go-to for events (...and most things, to be honest!) because they are just as comfortable to dance in as they are chic. I have last year’s version of their fringe silk dress, which I already wore to a wedding in April, but it didn’t get nearly enough attention, so I plan to wear it again to an upcoming fall wedding in Connecticut.”
Alexandra Buell, commerce producer
“As soon as Labor Day passes each year, rich chocolate brown quickly becomes one of my favorite hues. I’m drawn to this lace-trimmed silk gown by Hill House Home for an upcoming wedding, paired with a suede Loeffler Randall clutch, both in sumptuous shades of brown. I’m planning to complete the look with these vintage-inspired mules by Larroudé, and Kinn’s elegant pearl huggies.”
Kasey Busiel, marketing & production manager, shopping
“For fall weddings, I’m letting my accessories lead the look. I love these lapis beaded earrings by Éliou paired with an East-West bag from Reformation. To tie it all together? A neutral, blue-hued dress—versatile enough to wear again and again.”
Molly Barstein, associate manager, audience development
“Deme by Gabriella is my favorite brand for wedding guest dressing. I love the drape-y fabrics, bold colors, and impressive quality for the cost. (I already have my eye on some of Deme by Gabriella’s long-sleeve styles, too.) I wore the Aurelia dress in green to a recent wedding, and lost count of the number of compliments I received. I paired it with these amazing earrings from Éliou, sleek pumps from Black Suede Studio, and the perfect plum clutch from Liffner.”
Irene Kim, editorial production manager
“I turn to Dôen again and again for my favorite wedding guest looks. I have three upcoming weddings this fall and winter, and I will certainly be wearing Dôen to all of them! As luck would have it, the brand is also having its Hand Me Dôen event right now, which means we can shop pre-loved styles at a fraction of the cost.”
Andrea Zendejas, market editor, shopping
“As a wedding guest, I prefer to stick to classic black dresses because they’re easy to style and rewear for different occasions. Even though this design by Róhe makes a statement, it remains versatile enough to wear again and again. I plan to style it for a wedding with Manolo Blahnik mules, a tasseled clutch by Marlies Grace, and a silver Elsa Peretti bone cuff.”
Fred Sahai, associate commerce producer
“I’ll buy anything Alexa Chung makes, especially if it comes in my favorite color of the moment—purple. For fall weddings, I’m leaning toward a slightly witchy vibe, complete with these whimsical Alexis Bittar drop earrings, a Cos clutch, and Anonymous heels.”
Conçetta Ciarlo, beauty writer, shopping
“I won’t lie: like my best friend Ru, who has written about the sentiment, I do hope you elope—though I am happy for my friends and family! When I do have to shop for wedding guest attire, I ask myself a few simple questions: Will I wear it again? Could it genuinely work with the other items in my wardrobe? If so, it’s a done deal! If not, my money stays in my wallet. Luckily, autumn and winter colors are the most aligned with my overall style. ”
