There's no denying that the best dresses always come out to play in autumn/winter. With, dare we say it, party season only a couple of months away, we're already starting to see excellent frock options hand in new-in sections. In other words, you're more likely to find a wedding guest dress that's really special—one you'll be really excited to wear—once the likes of linen and cotton are ushered out in favour of satin, velvet and sequins. From high-shine to embellishment, the dresses currently on offer are as tasty as the treats you'll find in a box of Quality Street chocolates—and the colour palette isn't too dissimilar, either. So what makes for a great autumnal wedding guest dress? Really, it's down to two things: silhouette and styling.
Initially, you'll think that shorter hemlines are a no-go, but that isn't necessarily the case. Tights have made a big comeback on the street style scene this season, and they can actually make a lot of dresses look cooler, too. Take Florrie Thomas, for example. Her floral asymmetric-hem dress looks more directional yet no less fancy with her sheer polka-dot tights. This extra layer will keep you cosy for nuptials later on in the season, but will also work for September ceremonies in the city.
Another dress feature that's ideal for winter weddings is high necklines. Seeing as most of your body heat escapes from your torso, high collars mean you'll retain it more effectively. Throw in a midi hemline and closed-toed shoes and you shouldn't feel the chill, be it at the service or in the airy reception.
Other design details of note are no-brainers: Long sleeves will keep you toasty, while fitted skirts will minimise the risk of any draughts. If you can tick off both in one dress, even better. These might sound like difficult frock traits to find, but don't stress, as we've already done the hard work for you. Below you'll find an expert edit of beautiful wedding guest dresses that work for the season ahead, accompanied with handy tips on just how to wear them.
Related: 9 Easy Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas That Work Every Single Time
Related: I Tried On Over 50 Pairs of High-Street Shoes—Here's What I Loved
Dresses this stunning call for fabulous footwear to match. One of these four pairs is sure to suit…
-
Too Hot to Think? Try These 33 Chic Summer Finds From Revolve That Basically Style ThemselvesMatching sets and lovely lace styles.
-
Don't Pack Up Your Sweaters Just Yet—Cool Fashion People Are Repurposing Them in the Chicest Way for SummerAll the outfit inspiration is inside.
-
Kendall Jenner Wore an Elegant Yet Seductive Dress Trend to Jeff Bezos's Wedding in VeniceSee what all of the Kardashians and Jenners wore.
-
Heading to Multiple Weddings This Summer? Here's How to Spend Less Than $150 on Each LookCelebrate love on a budget.
-
Found: The Pretty Dress Trend Every Chic MOB, MOH, and Wedding Guest Is Wearing This SummerFollow Sofia Richie Grainge's lead.
-
Goodbye, Boring Basics—This Is the Elegant Trend New Yorkers Are Wearing With Tank Tops This SummerObsessed.
-
This Is the Only Type of White Dress You Can Get Away With Wearing to a WeddingCue the controversy.
-
The Classic Hero Piece That Fashion People Reach For All Summer LongSomething for every personal style.
