Autumn is a wonderful time of year to get married. It may be less popular than spring and summer for weddings, but autumn can offer a lot in terms of rich colours, romantic, cosy vibes and vibrant natural beauty. There’s also that magical ‘golden hour’ lighting just before sunset, which can make your wedding photos look simply incredible.
But what to wear to an autumn wedding? Whether you’re the groom or a guest, you’ll need to pick your outfit carefully. You’ll want to be warm and seasonally appropriate, as well as looking sharp and stylish, and then there’s the dress code to think about.
The good news is that there are lots of fabulous autumn wedding looks out there, and you can have fun blending textures, colours and fabrics too.
Autumn Wedding Suit Ideas For The Groom
If it’s your special day and you’ve picked a date in autumn, you’ll need to start thinking about your look.
Your outfit may be determined by your wedding theme or dress code, but here are some ideas and inspiration to start thinking about:
- Classic three-piece suits – they’re great for layering, with the option to remove the waistcoat or jacket indoors.
- Earthy tones – deep navy, forest green, warm browns, and burgundy are all great alternatives to traditional black or grey. You may even want to go bolder with slightly brighter jewel tones, such as jade green or sapphire blue.
- Tweed or wool blend suits – heavier fabrics not only look seasonally appropriate but also keep you warm on those chillier autumn days.
- Velvet dinner jackets – ideal for evening or formal receptions, adding a touch of luxury and texture.
When it comes to accessorising for autumn, you can pair a plain suit with brief yet bold flashes of colour and texture. Think ties and pocket squares in burnt orange, rust or mustard, and polished leather shoes in tan or oxblood.
What to Wear for an Autumn Wedding as a Guest
First and foremost, you need to think about the dress code. If the happy couple has set a theme for their day and a dress code to match, this should be your guide when picking out an outfit.
For example, you’ll want a classic tuxedo in midnight blue or black if it’s a black tie wedding, or a wool or flannel suit if the invitation indicates a formal or semi-formal dress code.
Otherwise, you can choose your preferred style from the following ideas:
- Wool and tweed suits
- Smart chinos with a blazer, or a dark coloured sports jacket
- Waistcoats are great for layering, style and comfort
- For outdoor ceremonies, you might want to consider adding a tailored overcoat that matches your suit
- Footwear choices – leather brogues, derbies or even dress boots are stylish yet practical, especially for damp or rugged outdoor settings.
You can add personality with the finishing touches, whether it’s a brightly coloured pocket square, a classic watch or a personalised set of cufflinks.
Seasonal Suit Colours and Fabrics for Autumn Weddings
Colour and texture are crucial when it comes to nailing the perfect autumn wedding look.
You can use nature and the shades of autumn foliage as your colour palette inspiration. Burgundy, maroon, mustard, forest green, navy, charcoal and chocolate brown are all excellent choices.
For fabric, consider going for a single breasted suit in a heavier material such as tweed, wool or flannel. These provide warmth, as well as fitting the autumn aesthetic. Other options which tick all the right boxes are velvet and brushed cotton.
Consider mixing textures and layering different fabrics to add some depth to your look. For example, pairing a wool suit with a silk tie, or a tweed blazer with a cotton shirt.
Tips for Staying Warm and Stylish at Autumn Weddings
Dressing for events held at colder times of the year can sometimes be challenging. You need to stay warm and comfortable whatever the weather, but you also want to look smart and stylish enough to match the importance of the occasion.
Here are some tips that can help:
- Plan your outerwear at the same time as choosing your suit – a tailored overcoat, wool pea coat or smart trench coat are all good choices for autumn weddings.
- Swap shoes for dress boots (or leather brogues at a push) – these should handle damp ground better than delicate dress shoes, and give you more grip underfoot.
- Layering is key to staying comfortable all day long – add in a waistcoat and overcoat for outdoors, then these can be removed when festivities move indoors.
- Don’t forget about your extremities – choose warm accessories such as a cashmere scarf and a pair of smart gloves. You might also want to invest in some thermal underwear and socks. These don’t necessarily need to be smart (as no one will see) but you might still want to buy them specially for the wedding.
All in all, dressing for an autumn wedding isn’t too tricky. Just make sure you stick to the themes, and keep your mind on the weather. With these simple tips, you’ll be perfectly fitted for the occasion.
