Whether attending as a beloved guest, a doting mother, a godparent, or a grandparent, christenings are a very special, very formal occasion that requires an outfit to reflect the festivities.
From striking, white christening dresses for mum, to sleek, tailored pieces for guests, we will be taking you through our top picks for what to wear to a christening, as well as answering any questions one may have about what is appropriate to wear to a christening or baptism.
What Should I Wear to a Christening?
Generally, the rule for christenings and baptisms is “modesty”. No matter your usual personal style, or what the plan is for after the event, you are entering a place of worship and should dress accordingly. Think shoulders covered, skirts with a minimum knee length, and higher necklines. Not only does this mean you will be suitably covered up - churches are often cold, so you’ll remain comfortable from the hymns to the service.
In terms of colours, bold and dark shades should be avoided. It is common for the mother to wear white or off-white, and for guests to wear pastel or mid tones. Black, and loud prints such as leopard print, should be avoided. Overly glitzy pieces also may not be appropriate, as you never want to outshine the baby or their parents.
Despite all of this, you should always discuss with the parents if you are questioning whether your outfit choice is appropriate or not. Who knows - they may encourage vibrant colours and non-traditional designs!
Christening Outfit for Mum
Starting with the second most important person at the christening: christening outfits for mum must fill you with confidence. Not only will you be standing in front of your family and friends, presenting your baby to the room, but you should also be prepared to be photographed all day long. Opt for a piece that is comfortable enough to sit and stand in for long periods of time, while also photographing beautifully.
It is becoming more common for mothers to wear white to the christening, or to match the outfit your baby will be wearing. Below, we have listed some of our favourite white and off-white occasion wear, as well as alternative options that are just as traditional, just with a slightly different colour palette.
White Christening Dresses for Mum
Coloured Christening Dresses for Mum
Christening Dresses for Guests
When attending as a guest, whether a friend of the dad, a grandparent, or a godparent to-be, your outfit requires just as much careful consideration as the mother’s.
If opting toward a dress, ensure the length falls at least to the knee, and that the neckline offers ample coverage. Shirt dresses are ideal for this, as their customisable necklines mean they can be worn seamlessly from the christening service to the gathering being held afterward. They also often feature a free flowing fit that will keep you comfortable throughout the entire service.
Alternatively, dresses with a contrasting print, or statement three dimensional detailing make for impactful, dynamic occasion wear that will be reached for time and time again. Wear it to a christening, then re-style with a statement fascinator and heels for upcoming wedding guest days.
Christening Outfits for Guests: Skirts
If a dress is not your style, or you are just looking for something a little different, why not opt for a midi skirt? From voluminous, flared silhouettes, to slinky fits that flaunt the curves, skirts come in every shape and size to match any personal preference.
Sleek, minimal designs can be paired with a patterned blouse for an intriguing look that is certain to catch eyes. A skirt with embroidered detailing or statement texturing can easily be styled with a plain bodysuit, or even a T-shirt for a look with impact. Simply slip on some slingback heels and grab a bag with matching tones for a well considered look that is both church appropriate and confidence boosting.
Christening Clothes: Co-Ords
A co-ord is the perfect way to appear as though lots of consideration has gone into your christening outfit, when all you need to do is decide on a set you like best. Enjoy double the amount of styling options, as you can wear each piece separately for a more pared-back approach, then together when the occasion calls for an elevated level of formality.
You don’t even need to consider how to style a co-ord set, except for your shoe choice - we would opt for a loafer or simple court heel to allow your outfit to do all the talking.
Jumpsuit for Christening
Finally, the all-in-one piece that requires very little effort but packs potentially the most impact out of all the occasion wear options: the jumpsuit. Perfect for practicality, a jumpsuit will leave you free to move without any restriction, so will remain ultra comfortable from service to evening party. They look immediately elevated, as the consistent pattern or colour adorning the piece is evocative of a floor length gown, the height of formal occasion dressing.
Wear a jumpsuit for a christening with pointed toe sandals to add some structure back into the look, especially if your fit of choice is wide legged.
