We've become well versed in wedding season, but let's not forget christening season which is fast approaching. 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.
- Midi length editor's pick: Karen Millen Dusty Pink Colour Block Dress, £83 / $149
- Shirt dress editor's pick: Lipsy Belted Puff Sleeve Embroidered Midi Dress, £175 / $336
- Floral editor's pick: Monsoon Mia Cape Detail Midi Dress, £70 / $123
- Long-sleeved editor's pick: Phase Eight Noelle Midi Dress, £189 / $415
- Polka dot editor's pick: Whistles Polka Dot Midi Dress, £199 / $339
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 attending a baptism or christening, 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.
What to wear to a christening - expert advice
I asked award-winning personal stylist Susie Hasler, who runs StyledBySusie, for her expert advice. Christenings aren’t usually as formal as weddings, but they are still a wonderful opportunity to get dressed up," she said. "It’s about striking that balance between polished and comfortable, so you look the part while still being able to enjoy the occasion."
- Start from the shoes up: "Whenever I’m helping clients dress for an occasion like a christening, I always say start from the feet up. Your shoes will dictate the rest of your outfit, and it’s important you feel comfortable all day."
- Flat shoe christening outfit ideas: "A smart pair of flat shoes works beautifully with wide-leg trousers or a chic jumpsuit" Susie suggests. "These combinations feel polished but are practical enough for a long day celebrating with family."
- Love heels? Try a midi: “For those who are comfortable in heels, there’s a little more freedom. A midi dress in a soft pastel or floral print is a timeless option, and for something a little different, a pleated skirt teamed with a camisole and a blazer feels elegant and modern. The blazer adds structure and makes the outfit christening-appropriate, while the skirt and cami keep it feminine."
- Dress alternatives: If you're less of a dress or skirt fan, Susie's go-to is a stylish co-ord: "I love co-ords for these occasions. A tailored skirt-and-top set, or even a matching trouser suit in a lighter fabric, feels put together without being too formal. The beauty of co-ords is you can mix and match them again for other events, which makes them really versatile."
Susie also shared her styling advice for which accessories to wear to a christening:
- Structured clutch bag - "More polished than an oversized tote"
- Delicate jewellery - Think gold hoops, a layered necklace or a simple bracelet stack.
- Chic headband - "Hats and fascinators aren’t essential for christenings in the way they might be for weddings, but a chic headband or hair accessory can elevate your look and make it feel special."
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 2026
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Karen Millen Colour Block Full Skirted Midi Dress
© Karen MillenKaren Millen is a great retailer for christening outfits, stocking a range of styles across occasion wear.
This classic dusty pink dress is a bestseller, and ideal for those wanting something sweet and stylish. Wear with a cream blazer or neutral boucle jacket.
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
Lipsy Mint Green Premium Belted Puff Sleeve Embroidery Shirt Midi Dress
© LipsyWith a flattering fit and flare shape, this mint green dress has on-trend cutwork detail, puff sleeves and a belt to cinch in the waist. I'd wear with strappy block heels for a dressy vibe.
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Monsoon Mia Floral Cape Dress
© MonsoonThis 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.
4/9
Phase Eight Noella Midi Shirt Dress
© Phase EightIf pinks aren't for you, try blue - Phase Eight's softly floral shirt dress features a hand-painted cascading floral print and sweet fabric covered buttons.
5/9
Whistles Polka Dot Midi Dress
© WhistlesPolka dots are a timeless choice for an occasion, including a christening, and this brown and white spotty midi is hitting all the right style notes, with its cinched waist and floaty cap sleeves.
6/9
FatFace Bria White Painted Floral Regular Midi Dress
© FatFaceIf you want something a little whimsy, this dress straddles both joyful and modern. This design is a floaty and feminine fit, with a fun floral print.
You could wear a boucle blazer or jacket over it, in neutral or white, to cover up on a chillier day.
7/9
Rixo Abi Midi Dress
© RixoRixo is the cool-girl destination for vintage-inspired occasion wear, never too smart or stuffy but always pretty, both in pattern and design.
I chose this dress to highlight for a christening for the versatility of it. Great with heels, or flat sandals, and can be re-worn with sneakers on a sunny day.
8/9
Ghost Lulu Dress
© GhostThis classic tea dress is both modest and chic, giving a vintage vibe to a smart occasion wear dress. Note the puff sleeves and ditsy floral print.
9/9
Club L London Lissa Square-Neck Dress
© Club L LondonThis flattering square-neck dress 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.
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.
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