We've become well versed in wedding season, but christening season is upon us too, and the question that pops up time and time again is what do you wear to a christening? Thankfully, there's no hard and fast rules on christening outfits for guests, but as with all similar occasions, there's something of an unwritten dress code for both men and women to adhere to.
For men, that usually means wearing a smart suit, or at least formal trousers and a shirt, and female christening guests should consider venue appropriate dresses, suits and sometimes, cover-ups and fascinators too. Read on for the dos, don'ts and christening guest outfit inspiration.
The floral dress: Karen Millen Georgette Belted Dress, £59.40 / $143.40
The polka dot dress: LK Bennett Esme Green & Birch Spot Print Dress, £224 / $356
The wrap dress: Phase Eight Philippa Wrap Dress, £111.20 / $200
The pastel dress: Nobody's Child Jacquard Halter Dress, £120 / $204
Is there a dress code for christenings?
Since christenings are formal occasions, usually held in a place of worship or a smart venue, a christening guest outfit should follow suit.
For women, this tends to mean floral dresses, usually below the knee; you can wear sleeveless or cami straps, but I think bandeau dresses would be a no-go – add a blazer or boucle jacket to keep it modest. A smart suit, skirt co-ord or even trouser co-ord works too.
The most popular style for women is a floral, floaty dress, but don’t overlook the more structured style of a shift dress, or the whimsical shape of a tea dress. I for one love soft silhouettes for a christening, like pleated skirts in playful prints, and off-shoulder shirred bust dresses in pastel shades with big puffy sleeves. Baring your shoulders isn’t banned, just be sure to make sure the rest of the dress is quite covered up, like a maxi length, and not too fitted either.
Just always remember that this is a formal occasion, and trainers and jeans are frowned upon.
How I chose the best christening outfits for guests
Modest dress: While it isn’t a no-go to bare shoulders or knees, an element of decorum should be remembered when dressing for a christening. The pieces I’ve chosen are all at least midi length, and feel modest even if a shoulder shown - nothing is too fitted or tight.
Colour: I’ve opted for spring, pastel shades or block colours in cheery shades. An all-black outfit isn’t normally seen at a christening, but can be woven in with trousers, skirts or accessories so I kept this in mind when choosing the edit.
Price: Most of the time, you’ll find occasion wear can be on the pricier side. With that in mind, I've made it my mission to include fashion across a range of budgets.
New in: I've picked from new styles at our favourite fashion stores.
Best outfits to wear for a christening
1/9
Karen Millen Floral Georgette Halter Neck Pleated Midi Dress
© Karen MillenSizes available: UK 6 - 16
Colours available: Red floral
Shipping: £4.99 Standard Delivery or free with Karen Millen Premier
Returns: £2 within 28 days or free with Karen Millen Premier
Karen Millen is a great retailer for christening outfits, stocking a range of styles across occasion wear.
This floral dress is a bestseller, and ideal for those wanting something floral, floaty and bright.
The fit and flare shape will accentuate your waist and the midi length is spot on for a christening. Add neutral heels to let the dress take the spotlight.
2/9
LK Bennett Esme Tea Dress
© LK BennettSizes available: UK 4 - 20
Shipping: Free over £50
Returns: Within 30 days
This classic tea dress is both modest and chic, giving a vintage vibe to a smart occasion wear dress.
Note the sweet buttons and crisp collar.
3/9
Boden Cutwork Detail Dress
© BodenSizes available: UK 4 - 22 (Petite, Regular, Long)
Colours available: Navy and red
Shipping: Free over £50
Returns: Free within 90 days
With a flattering fit and flare shape and cute short sleeves, Boden's navy dress has on-trend cutwork detail. I'd wear with strappy block heels for a dressy vibe.
4/9
Monsoon Mia Floral Cape Dress
© MonsoonSizes available: UK 4 - 20
Shipping: Free click and collect or free on orders over £50
Returns: Free within 28 days
This Monsoon dress fits all the criteria for a modest yet chic dress, with floral pattern and slim silhouette.
The cape detailing makes it a little different from your traditional floral dress.
5/9
Ghost Madison Satin Dress
© GhostSizes available: XS - XL
Shipping: Free standard delivery on orders over £50
Returns: Free
If you want something a little more glam, this Ghost dress straddles both modesty and modern. This design is a floaty and feminine fit, with a pale pink shade.
You could wear a boucle blazer or jacket over it, in neutral or white, to cover up on a chillier day.
6/9
Whistles Devore Midi Dress
© WhistlesSizes available: UK 4 - 20
Shipping: Free on orders over £150
Returns: Free within 28 days
I think Whistles' midi dress embodies summer fashion, thanks to its pastel blue design and blouson fit.
If florals aren't for you, this is a great alternative - it's a subtle tie-dye pattern.
7/9
River Island Red Twist Front Maxi Dress
© River IslandSizes available: UK 6 - 18
Shipping: £4 Standard Delivery or free on orders over £50
Returns: Free within 28 days
River Island's tomato red dress is giving designer vibes, with its twisted strap detailing and minimal fit. Add a pair of heeled tan sandals and you're christening ready.
8/9
Phase Eight Tahnia Floral Dress
© Phase EightSizes available: UK 6 - 26
Shipping: £2.95 Standard Delivery or free for orders over £150
Returns: Free within 28 days
I adore this Oasis Phase Eight dress, which looks far more expensive than it is. It really does look christening perfect, as it's pretty, flouncy without be OTT.
Wear with vintage-style heels and accessories, or go for metallics.
9/9
Rixo Leyane Maxi Dress
© RixoSizes available: UK 6 - 16
Shipping: £5 Standard Delivery
Returns: Free within 14 days
Rixo is the cool-girl destination for vintage-inspired occasionwear, never too smart or stuffy but always pretty, both in pattern and design.
I chose this pink dress to highlight for a christening for the versatility of it. Great with heels, or flat sandals, and can be reworn with sneakers on a sunny day.
Square neck dresses are particularly flattering for women with a bigger bust, and if you're on the smaller chest side, the ruching on the bodice will add a bit of depth.
Can I wear white to a christening?
Technically, you can wear white to a christening as a guest, however, it is traditionally the colour for the child being christened to wear, in the form of a christening dress or gown. It’s not unusual for the mother to wear white either – Princess Kate chose creamy, neutral palettes for the christenings of her three children, but as a guest to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's son Archie's christening, Kate chose a rose pink shade instead and left white to mum Meghan.
As a guest though, it’s not really the done thing to wear white to a christening. I’ve been a guest at many of them over the years, and other than the baby and the mum, I have not seen a guest wear all-white or all-cream, other than as part of the outfit (ie. a jacket or top). So all-white outfits to a christening? I’d skip.
Can I wear black to a christening?
You can, but bear in mind this is a celebration, not a sombre occasion, so accessorise wisely. Black shoes, accessories and parts of an outfit are fine to wear, as is a black dress or suit. I'd personally try to not wear black, and choose navy instead or opt for monochrome.
Why you should trust me
I’ve been to quite a few christenings in my years, including the christening of my best friend’s daughter, to whom I’m a godmother (to which I wore a long sleeve floral dress with velvet black sandals). Not only can I give you advice from what’s stylish, but also what’s practical – a lot of christenings will see you holding the child, or a child, and standing around for long periods during the service and post-service celebrations.
Along with my years writing about fashion, I’m across what makes a good christening outfit for female guests and even though I haven’t tried the pieces in this edit, have used my knowledge and expertise to bring you the best christening outfit inspiration.
