I'm Already Planning My Autumn Wedding-Guest Outfits

Like a family member who sends you a Christmas spreadsheet in March, I'm that person who plans what I'm wearing for a September wedding when it's still the middle of summer. While nuptials have been allowed to take place with more than 15 people for a while, now with restrictions fully eased, there's more chance of being invited to last-minute weddings. Which begs the question, what do you wear to an autumn wedding?

This problem can be easily rectified thanks to the many brilliantly dressed influencers who know just how to adapt their wardrobe for an autumn wedding. To help, I've also broken up the different months into different kinds of outfits because, let's be real, the kind of thing you can wear in September probably isn't going to be weather appropriate come November.

For September, you'll probably want to stick to a more summery version of an autumnal look. It's a transition and has to be flexible to adapt in case you're faced with suddenly much cooler weather. A month on, October requires more consideration with layering and length of sleeves and trousers. However, as it gears up towards party season in November, you want to bear in mind that anything you wear for these kinds of nuptials could also double up as a Christmas look too. 

SEPTEMBER

1. Crop Top + Pencil Skirt + Strappy Heels

Style Notes: This is ideal for those still very warm days as we creep into autumn. The colour palette might say transitional but the slits in the skirt and the bare arms will make you feel cooler. If you need to cover up for a religious ceremony, take a jacket or a shawl. 

2. Slip Dress + Blazer + Sunglasses

Style Notes: Your summer slip dress absolutely can work for an autumnal wedding. Whatever colour you have in your wardrobe (save for white or cream), it's worth pairing with a blazer and a pair of sandals for a great simple but chic outfit. 

3. Puff-Sleeve Summer Dress + Fancy Sandals 

Style Notes: Your favourite summer dress isn't going to turn into a pumpkin the moment we hit September. And it's probably still more than warm enough to wear to a wedding. Pair with fancier sandals than your usual Birkenstocks and you're ready to impress. 

OCTOBER

4. Chic Co-Ord + Fun Party Bag

Style Notes: Co-ords have been one of the biggest trends to come out of the pandemic so carrying this easy-to-wear look feels comfy but chic. Pair with acid-bright accessories for a cool wedding vibe. 

5. Mini Party Dress + Heels

Style Notes: Even if the weather is cooling down, now might be the time to consider a party frock you can wear later on in the year. It'll double up as a fab wedding guest dress, especially if you're only doing the evening do. Just make sure it has long sleeves for those chillier nights. 

6. Bold Floral Dress + Black Heels

Style Notes: As it gets well into autumn, my best tip would be to find a midi dress. Personally, I love a bold floral one that can be worn under a great jacket and with darker heels. 

NOVEMBER

7. Long-Sleevd Dress + Brightly Coloured Heels

Style Notes: The Vampire's Wife dresses were made for autumnal/wintry weddings. Long-sleeve and almost to the floor, pair yours with sandals if you can bear it or classic courts. 

8. Feathered Co-Ord + Boots

Style Notes: Not a dress person? Fear not—there are plenty of fun, party-style co-ords around, such as this Sleeper set as seen on our very own shopping editor Joy Montgomery. This outfit is proof that boots will work with a look like this. 

9. Bold Separates + Heels

Style Notes: If you're avoiding wearing a suit for fear of looking like you're in the groom's party, fair enough, but chic separates are an alternative if you just don't want to wear another dress. Opt for bright, saturated colours to keep it fresh and autumn/winter 2021–ready. 

Next up, the biggest autumn/winter 2021 fashion trends to know.