21 Autumn Wedding Guest Dresses and Outfits To Buy In 2024, For All Dress Codes

From tropical destination weddings to a three-day festival - for every couple opting for an alternative wedding, there are dozens of perplexed, stressed-out guests unsure of what to pack as their wedding guest outfit, especially when it comes to a winter wedding or an autumn wedding guest dress. The wedding industry is in a constant state of flux, but even the experts agree that in the last few years, there's been a major shift towards less traditional celebrations of marriage.

'Brides tend to opt for more effortless, comfortable looks rather than structured princess gowns,' explains Kate Halfpenny, the designer behind bridalwear label Halfpenny London. 'Guests are no longer expected to wear their favourite fancy floral frock or an oversized hat.'

In terms of colour choices, Lucy Hume ofDebrett's believes that certain shades are still off-limits. 'It doesn't matter how casual the wedding, white and cream are still no-go colours for guests,' she says. 'Black can look too sombre, so should generally be avoided unless combined with lighter colours.' While monochrome is still a wedding no-no, green wedding guest dresses have seen a revived interest for spring and summer, and there's no reason why we won't see them for autumn or winter. Although for the change in season, you may want to opt for a richer palette when choosing your autumn wedding guest dress.

Grazia's Best Autumn Wedding Guest Dresses 2024, At A Glance:

Best Overall Autumn Wedding Guest Dress: & Other Stories Satin Maxi Dress

Best Black Tie Autumn Wedding Guest Dress: Reformation Sathia Dress

Best Satin Autumn Wedding Guest Dress: Omnes Nova Tie-Back Dress In Emerald

Best Midi Autumn Wedding Guest Dress: Mint Velvet Silver Metallic Midi Dress

If you're looking for the perfect autumn wedding guest dress or a winter trouser suit that you can wear throughout the season, shop our recommended picks below. Classic choices for autumn and winter wedding guest dresses include velvet, of course - as well as deeper tones we wouldn't usually see in spring or summer. Accessorise with a statement bag or shoe, possibly incorporating the current trend of pearls and bows - and you're well and truly good to go.

What should I wear for an autumn wedding guest dress?

Hume explains: 'For casual, I read smart-casual – so cropped, floaty trousers or a tailored trouser suit would be perfect,' says Young. 'I also like a shirt with rolled-up sleeves tucked into a skirt – but wear flats or block mid-heels rather than high heels.' When paired with flats or a kitten heel, even the fanciest dresses become casual wedding- and dancefloor-friendly. Look to contemporary brands like Malone Souliers or Charles & Keith for a variety of options.

Casting director Holly Scott Lidgett found herself in this situation - unsure of how to balance the fine line of casual and over-dressed. 'Weddings are for feeling fabulous, so I struggled to achieve this and remain casual,' she says. 'In the end, I nailed it with a crisp white tee tucked into a flowing, satin midi skirt sitting high on the waist.'

If you're running short on shopping time, get creative. Adding accessories to a simple white shirt and midi skirt can elevate a simple outfit. 'You can repurpose something you already own by adding statement accessories,' says Halfpenny. Mini bags for a wedding have been all the rage for the last few seasons - thanks, Jacquemus - which means there are so many great alternatives to the battered satin clutch you've had since your teens. London brand Shrimps has got you covered with its pint-sized, pearl-covered bags.

The experts agree that for outdoor or day-to-night occasions, a well-tailored blazer or light jacket is a must to be both comfortable and venue-appropriate. 'If it's a church wedding, shoulders should be covered,' says Hume. 'So take a jacket that you can drape over your shoulders if your dress is strappy or strapless.' Lidgett agrees: 'A chic, well-cut blazer can effortlessly dress down even your most fabulous dress.' she says.

Shop: The Best Autumn Wedding Guest Dresses 2024

Not Keen On Dresses? Shop: Autumn Wedding Guest Jumpsuits And Trouser Suits

Shop: The Best Autumn Wedding Accessories

Looking for the perfect pair of earrings or mini handbags to go with your autumn look? Here's our edit of the best accessories, including wedding guest bags and shoes, to match perfectly.

Hannah Banks-Walker is Grazia's head of fashion commerce. She has previously written for the likes of Harper's Bazaar, The Financial Times, Glamour, Stylist, The Telegraph, Red, i-D and The Pool on everything from fashion to curly hair (hi!) to the patriarchy. Not necessarily in that order. Find her on Instagram and Twitter. But please don't look for her MySpace profile, which until now was the last time she wrote about herself in the third person.