What to wear to a christening in 2024: Outfit ideas and inspiration for Christening guests

John Lewis is a great retailer for christening outfits, stocking a range of styles across occasion wear.

This Yumi dress is a bestseller, and ideal for those wanting something floral, floaty but modest; the long sleeves are sheer, but the length keeps you covered up.

The kimono, 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.

If you want something a little more glam, a halter neck dress bridges the gap between modesty and modern. Phase Eight's chiffon design is a floaty and feminine fit, with a pale pink background with faint black spots dotted over it.

You could wear a boucle blazer or jacket over it, in neutral or white, to cover up on a chillier day.

Another tea dress, this time a super affordable one for £39 from M&S. The pale blue is a brilliant shade for most skin tones, and the length is a little on the longer side so would work well with heels or even fancy flats.

This Karen Millen crepe dress is giving royal, with its longer sleeves, pleated skirt and structured aesthetic - it's a smarter option if the venue calls for it.

The pale pink is dreamy for spring, but there's also a mid-green if that's your colour. 

For those wanting a formal yet feminine dress, try this polka dot dress. Jolie Moi's midi dress has a flattering keyhole neck, to show a little skin, but modest long sleeves and a chiffon-sheer fabric to give it a whimsical finish. 

The butterfly sleeves are worth noting, as is the cinched in waist - universally flattering.

River Island's belted shirt dress is very similar to a toile de jouy designer midi that Meghan Markle wore to a wedding in 2016. River Island's version is a shirt dress, which can be worn as loose or tight as is comfortable, and add a pair of heeled sandals and you're christening ready.

I adore this Oasis 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.

This isn't your typical christening outfit, but if you're not into florals or polka dots, and want something neutral, this ASOS dress is a great option, with its wide stripes, boat neck and asymmetric hem.

ASOS has hundreds of christening outfit ideas, so worth a scroll for inspiration alone.

Lace, pleats and a midi length - Coast's cobalt blue dress ticks all the boxes as a christening-perfect outfit.

Boohoo may not seem the obvious place to visit for christening outfits, but it has hundreds, including suits for women, floral dresses and crepe block coloured dresses.

This nude-coloured suit is a great buy for a christening; layer over a white cami or silky tee, and make it modern with metallic or nude strappy heels. 

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.

Tea dresses feel right for a christening, with a fitted bodice top and a looser skirt.

Boden's tea dresses are classics, with a flattering fit and flare shape and cute short sleeves. The red dress has a sweet ditsy floral pattern, and there's a blue and green version too.

I think this raspberry pink dress is an absolute showstopper - just look at those puff sleeves. The cotton material makes it less dressy, but it can smartened up with heeled espadrilles and a clutch - it's calling for a summer christening with garden tea party afterwards.

There's seven colours to choose from.

This stunning floral satin maxi dress features softly draped satin with a punchy floral print. The slimming ruched bodice and flowing A-line skirt will be a flattering fit, and if you're conscious of your arms, add a boucle blazer to feel more comfortable.

There's also an open back with crisscross straps and asymmetric hem.

I think Whistles' floral maxi dress embodies spring fashion, thanks to its pastel floral design and frill detailing on the skirt.

With brighter days ahead, embrace the freshness of spring with our Shaded Floral Nellie Dress, a great addition to your wardrobe. The dress is sleeveless and completed with timeless floral prints. Frill detailing through the skirt with side splits at seams for ease of movement. Style it with ballet pumps.