For an outdoor fall wedding, wear a midi or tea-length dress in a rich fall color, block heels, wedges, or dressy flats that will not sink into grass, and a layer you plan ahead for the evening temperature drop. Choose the layer at the same time as the dress, and make sure it works with the dress's neckline and back.
Shop our fall wedding guest dresses and wedding guest dresses with sleeves.
What should you wear to an outdoor fall wedding?
- A midi or tea-length dress. It stays clear of damp grass and looks dressy with flat or low shoes.
- Grass-friendly shoes. Block heels, wedges, or flats with a real sole.
- A planned layer. A wrap, cropped cardigan, tailored blazer, or cropped jacket for after sunset.
- A fall color. Deep green, gold, burgundy, navy, rust, chocolate brown, and rich florals are classic fall wedding guest choices.
- No white, ivory, or cream unless the couple asks for it.
What shoes should you wear to a wedding on grass?
Stilettos sink into lawns and leave you walking on the balls of your feet. Pick a shoe with a wide base:
- Block heels or wedges for a dressy look.
- Embellished or pointed flats for long ceremonies and lots of walking.
- Heeled ankle boots for a barn, ranch, or mountain venue.
- Heel protectors, which slip over a thin heel, if you have to wear a stiletto.
Your shoe also changes your hem. A dress that hits the ankle in a four-inch heel can land at mid-calf in a flat. Try the dress on with the actual shoes before the wedding.
Should you wear a midi or a maxi to an outdoor wedding?
A midi is the easier choice. Grass is often damp by evening, and a floor-length hem will drag and pick up moisture and dirt. If you love a maxi, choose a washable fabric like cotton and lift the skirt slightly when you walk across the lawn.
| Venue | Length | Shoes | Layer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden or lawn | Midi or tea length | Block heels, wedges | Wrap or cropped cardigan |
| Vineyard or orchard | Midi | Wedges, dressy flats | Tailored blazer |
| Barn or ranch | Midi or maxi | Heeled ankle boots | Cropped jacket |
| Mountain or park | Midi | Flats with grip | Warm wrap plus tights |
How do you stay warm at an outdoor fall wedding?
Afternoon ceremonies often start warm, and the temperature can fall quickly after sunset, especially under an open tent. Check the hourly forecast for the end of the reception as well as the ceremony time.
- Pick the layer when you pick the dress, in the same mirror.
- Sheer sleeves add coverage but little warmth, so bring a layer anyway.
- Sheer or skin-tone tights add warmth without changing the look.
- A wrap that matches one color in your dress looks intentional in photos.
What layer works with a low-back or off-the-shoulder dress?
A corset back, low back, tie, or off-the-shoulder neckline will be covered by most wraps and jackets. Decide ahead of time whether you want to show the back or stay warm. For an off-the-shoulder dress, a cropped cardigan worn open keeps the neckline visible. For a low back, a long wrap draped over the arms leaves part of the back showing.
Dresses for an outdoor fall wedding
Virelle Dress in brown. Deep chocolate brown maxi in a stretch cotton blend, with long puff sleeves you can wear on or off the shoulder, a frilled square neckline with a front tie, a keyhole back, a tiered ruffle hem, and a back zipper. Floor length. Sizes XXS to 6X. Why it works: chocolate brown is a rich fall color, and the long sleeves give you some coverage as the evening cools. It is floor length, so lift the skirt on the lawn, and if you wear it off the shoulder, a cropped cardigan worn open keeps the neckline visible.
Hazel Dress in cream tapestry floral. Sleeveless, knee length, with a boat neckline, fitted bodice, drop waist, flared skirt, and back zipper. Runs small, so size up. Sizes XXS to 6X. Why it works: the knee-length hem stays well clear of the grass, and the sleeveless boat neckline layers easily under a blazer or cardigan. The print sits on a cream base, so add a deeper fall-colored layer and check with the couple if they have asked guests to skip light colors.
Campbell Dress in green floral. Green floral gown with a sweetheart neckline, elastic cap sleeves, a fitted waistline, a full A-line skirt, a corset back with a zipper closure, and pockets. Polyester. If you are between sizes, size up. Sizes 00 to 34. Why it works: deep green is a classic fall color, and the fitted waist and full skirt suit a dressier evening wedding. Most wraps and jackets will cover the corset back, so decide ahead whether to show it or stay warm. It is a full gown, so it suits a barn, tent, or paved reception best.
Monet Dress in Painted Pallet. Floral maxi inspired by Monet's garden paintings, with adjustable spaghetti straps, a fitted waistline, a pleated skirt, and a back zipper. True to size. Sizes XXS to 6X. Why it works: a soft, painterly floral for guests who would rather wear a print than a solid, and the spaghetti straps sit easily under a cropped jacket. It is a maxi, so lift the skirt on the lawn and bring a warm layer for after sunset.
Browse more fall styles in the Autumn Edit.
FAQ
What colors should you wear to a fall wedding?
Deep green, gold, burgundy, navy, rust, chocolate brown, and dark florals are classic choices. Avoid white, ivory, and cream unless the couple asks for them.
Can you wear heels to an outdoor wedding?
Yes, if the heel is wide. Block heels and wedges stay on top of the grass, while thin stilettos sink.
Is a maxi dress okay for an outdoor fall wedding?
Yes, but the hem will touch damp grass. Choose a washable fabric and a shoe with a little height.
What should I bring to an outdoor fall wedding?
A warm layer, a backup pair of flats, and heel protectors if you are wearing thin heels.