Engagement season is in full swing, and while we often wonderwhat to wear to a wedding, figuring out how to dress for a bridal shower can be pretty confusing, too. As a guest, we know to stay clear of shades of white (unless told otherwise), but are other colors off-limits? Would it be too extra to incorporatesparkleinto our outfit? Should we dress down in jeans or go fancy with a ruffled dress?
Some bridal shower hosts will specify a dress policy on the invitation, but most of the time, the dress code is up to interpretation. Rather than struggling to read between the lines, we reached out to a slew of fashion stylists for a few bridal shower guest dress and outfit ideas, solving this dilemma once and for all.
Here are some pro-approved dos and don'ts to keep in mind while choosing your bridal shower guest outfit.
Formal vs. Casual
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StylistNaina SinglatoldInStylethat the second step to figuring out what to wear to a bridal shower is honing in on just how formal or casual the party is. If it's a more formal event, for example, Singla said a good rule of thumb is for attendees to wear something like "a pantsuit, skirt-suit, or a high-neck sheath dress."
Factor in Games
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"Some of the activities or games you can expect at a bridal shower might require you to wear something more comfortable and be easy to move in," noted New York City-based wardrobe stylistMorgan Bienvenue. "If you're a close family member or friend to the couple, I might also anticipate the probability of sitting on the floor at some point to collect wrapping paper from opening gifts."
In other words, if you'll be playing an active role in the bridal shower, factor practicality into your final outfit.
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Plan for Photos
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If the event is more casual, Singla said guests "could pair a blouse and trousers, a flowy dress, or ajumpsuit."
Whatever you decide to wear, aim for something photo-friendly. According to Young, this is especially key if you're family or close friends with the future bride and groom.
Bienvenue recommended reading the invitation closely for clues about the type of soiree you'll be attending. Ask yourself: Is the bridal shower during the day or at night? Does the invite reflect the couple's personalities and seem low-key? The answers to these questions may inform your decision about what to wear.
Subtle vs. Showy
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Unless encouraged by a theme, Bay Area stylistAbby Youngsaid elaborate rhinestone details, statement jewelry, neon colors, and/or loud logo prints are out.
"It's definitely a good time to look nice, but it's not the day to call attention to yourself and what you're wearing," added Young.
Bring Backup Footwear
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Young warned that if you plan on wearing dressier shoes like platform heels, it's a good idea to bring along a pair of clean,comfy sneakers, too.
"Unless you ask the host beforehand, you never know if there'll be games/challenges that require that you be on your feet!"
Wear a Flowy Dress or Skirt
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Looking for specific ideas when it comes to bridal shower guest dresses? StylistJodie Filogomosaid to pull out a floral maxi dress, especially if the celebration is taking place in the spring or summer.
"If you don't want to wear a dress, then a slip skirt and camisole would be just as appropriate," she toldInStyle."If it's wintertime, you could easily wear atulle skirtand sweater with boots to stay warm yet look stylish."
Try a Jeans and Blouse Combo
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"When I think of dressier blouses, I think of shiny ones, ruffle details, or ones that have a pretty print, something like a colorful floral," explained Filogomo. "[For a more casual bridal shower], I would opt for a dressier blouse and nix the T-shirt unless that's what the invitation suggests."
Opt for Traditional — with a Twist
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Bienvenue told us that if you're going to a bridal shower that leans more traditional, opt for a sweet yet dramatic silhouette that gives your outfit a hint of surprise or edge.
"An A-line dress or circle skirt with a knit top combination comes to mind, especially in a bold color or with interesting embellishments," Bienvenue said. "Another route you can take is asweater dresswith kitten heels and cute accessories, like '90s-style square frame sunglasses and campy hair clips."
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Keep It Simple (and Seasonal!)
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According to Singla, a timeless, silk midislip dressis the perfect bridal shower guest outfit, complete with a black blazer and heels or knee boots.
"This is a great seasonal look you can dress up or down that is both simple and feminine," Singla toldInStyle. "You can’t go wrong with wearing a slip dress to a bridal shower. Just add a glass of champs, and you are set to go!"
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As a fashion enthusiast with extensive knowledge in bridal shower guest attire, I can confidently provide you with information related to the concepts used in this article.
When it comes to dressing for a bridal shower, the dress code can sometimes be confusing. While it's common knowledge to avoid wearing shades of white (unless specified otherwise), other color choices may also be off-limits. Additionally, guests often wonder if it's appropriate to incorporate sparkle into their outfits, or if they should opt for a more casual jeans look or a fancy ruffled dress.
To navigate these uncertainties, some bridal shower hosts may specify a dress policy on the invitation, but oftentimes, the dress code is open to interpretation. In such cases, reaching out to fashion stylists for guidance can be helpful in solving this dilemma.
One crucial factor to consider is the formality of the event. Naina Singla, a stylist interviewed by InStyle, suggests that for more formal bridal showers, guests can opt for a pantsuit, skirt-suit, or a high-neck sheath dress. On the other hand, if the event is more casual, a blouse and trousers, a flowy dress, or a jumpsuit can be appropriate choices.
Another important aspect to keep in mind is the activities or games that may be part of the bridal shower. Morgan Bienvenue, a New York City-based wardrobe stylist, advises guests to consider their clothing's comfort and ease of movement, especially if they'll be participating in active roles or sitting on the floor to collect wrapping paper.
Planning for photos is also crucial, especially if you're close to the couple. Singla recommends opting for outfits that are photo-friendly. To determine the appropriate attire, reading the invitation closely for clues about the type of soiree, the time of day, and the couple's personalities can be helpful.
When it comes to accessories, it's best to keep it subtle and avoid elaborate rhinestone details, loud prints, neon colors, or statement jewelry unless a theme specifically encourages it. The focus should be on looking nice without calling too much attention to oneself.
Considering footwear is important as well. Abby Young, a Bay Area stylist, suggests bringing along a pair of clean, comfy sneakers if you plan on wearing dressier shoes like platform heels. This way, you'll be prepared in case there are games or challenges that require you to be on your feet.
For specific dress ideas, Jodie Filogomo, a stylist, suggests a floral maxi dress for spring or summer celebrations. If you prefer not to wear a dress, a slip skirt and camisole can be just as appropriate. In winter, you can pair a tulle skirt with a sweater and boots to stay warm yet stylish.
If you opt for a jeans and blouse combo, Filogomo recommends choosing a dressier blouse with shiny or ruffle details, or one that has a pretty print. However, if the invitation suggests a more casual attire, it's best to avoid T-shirts.
For a traditional bridal shower with a twist, Bienvenue suggests opting for sweet yet dramatic silhouettes that add an element of surprise or edge to your outfit. This can include an A-line dress or circle skirt with a knit top, bold colors, or interesting embellishments. Alternatively, a sweater dress with kitten heels and '90s-style accessories can create a playful look.
If you prefer to keep it simple and timeless, Singla suggests a silk midi slip dress paired with a black blazer and heels or knee boots. This classic look can be dressed up or down and exudes simplicity and femininity.
In conclusion, when choosing your bridal shower guest outfit, it's important to consider the formality of the event, the activities involved, and the photo-friendliness of your attire. Subtle accessories and comfortable footwear are recommended, and various options such as maxi dresses, slip skirts, jeans and blouses, and traditional dresses with a twist can be appropriate choices. Ultimately, the goal is to dress appropriately while staying true to your personal style.
