What to wear to a christening – outfit inspiration

If you've got a Christening in the pipeline, you may be asking yourself, 'What do you wear to a christening?' Do you go smart, or smart-casual? Can you wear navy or black? Well we're here to help you find the perfect occasion wear.

Christening wear doesn't tend to have as formal dress code as wedding attire, but it's still important to dress smart. Opt for brighter colours as it is a joyous occasion, and if attending a church christening, opt for long sleeves or a jacket to respect the traditional venue.

Related: Christening gifts they will cherish forever

Dresses with sleeves, smart trousers, and flattering tops are all excellent choices to help you look and feel great on the day.

If you’re close family or a Godmother then it’s a good idea to check with the parents of the child and see how formal they’ll be.

We all know it can be much harder to dress for formal occasions as a woman, as we can't just opt for a suit like the men! If you are going for a classic suit however it's important to avoid dressing in top-to-toe navy or black, if you want to wear a dark suit make sure you wear a colourful blouse and pair it with a bright handbag or shoes.

Keep in mind too that most take place in draughty churches, so a coat or warm cover-up is a good idea whatever the time of year.

If you're not going to be part of the main baptism - so, parents or Godparents - you can opt for a more relaxed, informal look while still impressing with style and eye-catching accessories.

This jumpsuit is a great choice for looking the part while still feeling casual and comfortable, plus, it can be worn to all sorts of occasions after the ceremony. A pop of colour from a clutch bag spices up the outfit without being over-the-top, and a small heel on these shoes makes them comfy all day long.

You might want to consider a shawl or scarf too - churches are notoriously chilly all year long.

Been invited to a Christening but don't want to break the bank with an expensive new outfit? This budget look will wow while remaining affordable and wearable. The hat is a real Yours Team favourite - you can wear this throughout the summer at all sorts of events. Plus these wedge shoes are the ultimate in comfortable footwear.

Want a smart outfit for a Christening? This ensemble has it all - from subtle pastels to a dash of style with the handbag, and some pretty neutral shoes to get envious looks from the rest of the party. All these pieces can be worn with other outfits, too, making them accessible and long-lasting.

If you're going to be a Godparent and so part of the main event at a Christening, then you'll want your christening dress more formal - this show-stopping green dress is just gorgeous for a formal Christening outfit while the jacket pairs it down (and keeps you warm in the Church).

A splash of sparkle from the clutch bag and sandals and this makes an outstanding Christening outfit that will look perfect in the photos (just try to avoid the baby throwing up on your jacket).

Wondering what to wear to a christening in winter, or when the weather will be cold throughout the year? If you're going to an autumn or winter Christening, you'll want to feel warm and cosy but still look the part. If the ceremony is taking place in a church, you'll probably be feeling very chilly, so it's worth investing in a stylish winter coat that you can keep on.

Later on, you can reveal this gorgeous lace number that looks flattering on every shape. You might also want to wear a comfy pair of low heels, in case the weather is a little icy or even snowy!

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