How to Find a Unique and Unforgettable Fall Wedding Guest Look (2024)

Picture this: You walk into a wedding, sit down, and instantly notice that another guest is wearing the same outfit as you. While some people may not care about this very plausible situation, others find it to be a nightmare they’d like to avoid. Even with the vast array of online shops, brick-and-mortar stores, and vintage offerings, wedding guests tend to frequent the same retailers out of convenience, which makes the above scenario increasingly more likely. Lucky for you, that’s about to change!

Today, there are so many ways to find wedding guest attire that’s not only unique, but that also aligns with your personal style, the season, and the dress code a couple has designated for their big day. To help you select a look that’ll set you apart from everyone, we spoke with the team at Cult Gaia, an online store that specializes in heirloom fashion pieces, for their insider tips. Here’s everything you need to know about finding an unforgettable fall wedding guest look that’ll stand out in the best way possible.

What to Look for When Shopping for Unque Fall Wedding Guest Attire

Though it can be tempting to buy what’s trending at any given moment, if you’d like to wear wedding guest attire that’s timeless and special, shopping “outside the trends” is the best way to find an ensemble that’s unique to you. “It’s all about novelty and heirlooms you’ll love forever. In a world where we are inundated with content and overnight copycats, you want to buy things that are special and one of a kind, and [pieces] that aren’t trends,” shares the Cult Gaia team.

Think about it: If there’s a fall-inspired dress that’s currently trending on TikTok or Instagram, isn’t it plausible that you’ll likely bump into a few people who’ve purchased that same look? After all, the goal of social media is to appeal to the masses. Before you add anything to your shopping cart, take a second to consider if the outfit you're hoping to buy is one that you’ve seen all over the web.

If you do want to lean into a trend that’s popular this season, you can easily search for styles that embrace certain elements without fully exemplifying the trend itself. For example, for women who love Cottagecore styles, selecting a dress with long puff sleeves and keeping the rest of your ensemble simple is a good option. The element of a dramatic sleeve and silhouette will set you apart and keep you warm, while the pared-back design will balance out your look for an utterly special and seasonally appropriate aesthetic. Men can adopt this same method when shopping for their outfits, though it can be difficult to wear something unique depending on the dress code (unfortunately, black-tie and formal fall dress codes don’t allow for much versatility when it comes to menswear).

Another tip? “Never compromise quality and originality. Look for interesting hardware details, silhouettes you haven’t seen before, and saturated colors on beautiful fabrics. This way, you’ll have a beautiful one-of-a-kind dress you can wear long after the event is over,” shares the Cult Gaia team.

Lastly, be sure to expand your network and browse new places—like thrift stores or small businesses—for one-of-one outfits no one will surely have. Some of the best pieces a wedding guest can find are those from an indie brand or an up-and-coming designer—especially since the autumn season allows guests to play with a variety of colors, silhouettes, and fabrics.

How to Personalize a Fall Wedding Guest Look

Purchasing unique attire is only one piece of the puzzle; there’s also a personalization aspect that all guests should consider. More specifically, when searching for a way to make your fall look stand out, opt for statement accessories that highlight your individual style. “Accessories like architectural jewelry, a uniquely shaped bag, and innovative shoes help to take your look to the next level,” shares the Cult Gaia team.

You can even customize your attire by wearing pieces that feature autumnal-inspired designs, like leaves and seasonal fruits, which is a fun way to pay homage to the season. For instance, a pumpkin lapel pin, an apple-motif barret, or a leaf-print dress are just a few stylish ways to infuse fall themes into your look—pieces no one else will think to have! “If you opt to wear a print, make sure it’s a classic—such as a neutral grounded floral or a vintage-inspired classic,” adds the Cult Gaia team.

In the end, what’s most important is that you feel and look your best when taking photos amongst the gorgeous fall foliage. “Being a wedding guest is so special and always a fun opportunity to make yourself feel beautiful in your own way,” notes the Cult Gaia team.