Need Semi-Formal Fall Wedding Guest Outfit Ideas? Try These Two Looks I Loved
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You’ve just RSVP'd to not one, but two (or more!) weddings at the end of the year, and now you’re wondering: how am I going to dress up for each without breaking the bank? Plus, with my ever-evolving and edgy hairstyles — from rocking a buzzcut to growing it out — how can I find outfits that would work with my look?
If you’re tired of reaching for the same old black cocktail dress and you’re ready to experiment with new colors while also investing in pieces you can wear again, keep scrolling to see my two outfit formulas that just might inspire your next wedding guest look.
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#1 — Pant Suit and Corset
Fully in my baddie buzzcut era, I had no interest in wearing another dress. That’s when the idea of a coordinated pant suit came to mind, perfect for also incorporating into my wardrobe year-round. The styling options for a blazer and dress pants individually are endless. You can dress down the blazer with silk pants, a graphic tee, and sneakers, or pair the dress pants with a graphic tee, a cropped or oversized sweater, and sneakers or heels. Plus, with a three-piece look, I didn’t have to worry about freezing on a cool November night.
COLOR SELECTION — As Christmas approached, I wanted an outfit in forest green to capture the holiday spirit and found the perfect matching set on Zara. The fuchsia interior lining caught my eye, inspiring me to use fuchsia as a color pop. This led me to a hot pink corset and clutch (scroll for outfit details/links). I chose heels that were slightly different in color—not only because I couldn't find an exact match, but also to avoid the outfit looking too matchy-matchy.
SHOP THE LOOK
Zara Double Breasted Buttoned Blazer, Green (not in stock — here’s a similar style in the same color but not double breasted)
Zara Straight Leg Pants with Topstitching, Green (not in stock — here’s a similar style)
BCBGMAXAZRIA Carla Fringe Frame Clutch (not in stock — here’s a similar style)
Vintage rhinestone earrings
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#2 — Camel Coat and Satin Maxi Dress
At this point in my hair journey, I was ready and excited to wear a dress again, particularly in a rich jewel tone to celebrate the holiday spirit and complement my Korean skin tone. I also wanted to coordinate with the heels I wore in the first outfit to avoid buying another pair. After searching through countless retailers, I found the perfect clingy satin dress with a cowl neckline and open back. Having been prepping for my first Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition, I was eager to show off the results of my weight cut. The dress was an easy choice, especially since it paired perfectly with a Mango camel coat I already owned.
If you don’t own a camel coat yet, I highly recommend investing in one. It’s a versatile staple that can be dressed up or down. It was a lifesaver for this wedding, providing the perfect layer to keep me warm at a September SoCal wedding with an outdoor reception, where the temperature dropped to the 50s and it rained heavily.
SHOP THE LOOK
Mango — Coat Batin (not in stock — Here’s an almost identical coat with a similar price point)
Vintage rhinestone earrings
