We've become well versed in wedding season, but christening season is on the horizon 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 a bit 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 for a christening: Karen Millen Ombre Floral Maxi Dress, £119.08 / $202.28
The tea dress for a christening: Boden Navy Spot Tea Dress, £89
The halter neck dress: Nobody's Child Jacquard Halter Dress, £120 / $204
The maxi dress: Next Floral Print Sleeveless Column Dress, £52
The wrap dress: Phase Eight Philippa Wrap Dress, £111.20 / $200
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 Trailing Floral Woven Plunge Balloon Sleeve Maxi Dress
Sizes available: UK 6 - 16 plus curve and petite
Colours available: Green and white
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 but modest; the long sleeves are detailed, but the length keeps you covered up.
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
Boden Ivy Smocked Midi Dress
© BodenSizes available: UK 4 - 22 (Petite, Regular, Long)
Colours available: Navy polka dot
Shipping: Free over £50
Returns: Free within 90 days
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 navy dress has a classic polka dot pattern, and I'd wear with strappy block heels for a dressy vibe.
3/9
Nobody's Child Pink Floral Jacquard Tie Neck Fifi Midi Dress
© Nobody's ChildSizes available: UK 4 - 18
Shipping: Free standard delivery on orders over £100
Returns: Free
If you want something a little more glam, a halter neck dress bridges the gap between modesty and modern. This jacquard 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.
4/9
Next Floral Maxi Dress
© NextSizes available: UK 6 - 26 (Tall available too)
Shipping: Free over £50
Returns: Within 30 days
I love the yellow tones of this column floral dress, ideal for non-pink lovers.
It's maxi length, which smartens the dress up, and with heels would look gorgeous for a summery christening.
5/9
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.
6/9
Monsoon Ellie Lace Dress
Sizes available: UK 16 - 24
Shipping: Free click and collect or free on orders over £50
Returns: Free within 28 days
John Lewis is a great retailer for christening outfits, stocking a range of styles across occasion wear.
This Monsoon dress fits all the creiteria for a modest yet chic dress, with lace panelling and fit and flare silhouette.
The icy blue shade is an ideal colour for those who want something pretty and pastel that isn't pink.
7/9
Whistles Dashed Brush Marks Midi Dress
© WhistlesSizes available: UK 4 - 20
Shipping: Free on orders over £150
Returns: Free within 28 days
I think Whistles' floral midi dress embodies spring fashion, thanks to its pastel floral design and blouson fit.
With brighter days ahead, embrace the freshness of spring with this flutter sleeve dress, completed with timeless floral print.
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.
