What to Wear To a Baptism Or Christening: 18 Stylish Outfits

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Are you having trouble finding what to wear to a baptism or a christening? If so, we got you! Here are 18 baptism outfits to wear on this happy occasion.

Baptisms are among the most important life events for those of the Christian faith. It’s a solemn, intimate celebration with immediate family and friends, and it’s only appropriate to show up in a formal dress code to celebrate with them.

What NOT to Wear to A Baptism

There’s no specific dress code for baptisms since it will depend on the family’s preference, but the most important thing is to stick to modest, formal clothing for both ladies and men.

This goes without saying that since the baptism service typically happens at churches or chapels, then it’s a good idea to dress modestly.

As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to avoid anything which exposes too much skin. That means no skirts or dresses above the knee, no backless details, and nothing too low cut.

Think about what would be appropriate to wear to a corporate environment, and then soften it up with lighter colors and accessories. This means no jeans and nothing skin-tight. You should also avoid anything casual, after all, Baptisms are among the most important life events for those of the Christian faith.

It’s a solemn, intimate celebration with immediate family and friends, and it’s only appropriate to show up in a formal dress code to celebrate with them.

While the first part of the baptism ceremony might be formal and solemn, the reception (or the after party) will most likely be not. There will be games and some light drinking and dancing, so it’s best to show up in an outfit that you feel very comfortable in.

If you’re still perplexed as to what to wear, here are 18 of our favorite baptism outfit ideas to sport on this special occasion.

Note: It’s always a good idea to bring along a cardigan or a jacket if you’re planning to wear a sleeveless dress. Traditionally, women should cover their shoulders in the catholic church, and while the church you attend for your upcoming baptism may be more modern, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

What to Wear to a Baptism or Christening

1. Midi Dress With Puff Sleeves

As we mentioned, wearing sleeveless dresses to a church can be sometimes seen as a faux pas, which is why it’s always a safe choice to opt for a midi dress with short sleeves.

This best-selling dress from House Of CB comes with a flattering slit, but don’t worry – in real life, it’s not nearly as noticeable as in the image above. Choose from 7 feminine shades, including dusty pink, pale blue, and floral prints.

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House Of CB

Tallulah Puff Sleeve Midi Dress

At Nordstrom

White Nano Sac de jour from YSL
Saint Laurent

Sac de Jour Nano Shiny Leather Satchel Bag

At Neiman Marcus

& Other Stories Strappy Leather Sandals
& Other Stories

Strappy Leather Sandals

At & Other Stories

2. Two-Piece Suit

During the colder months, a two-piece suit in solid colors is a great idea. Though steering clear of a black suit would be smart as this can look too corporate, particularly for an event like a baptism.

A suit in pastel colors is a great formal outfit for the spring months and can be dressed down with a t-shirt underneath or dressed up with a white shirt or blouse.

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Alice + Olivia Denny Blazer with Piping
Alice + Olivia

Denny Blazer with Piping

At Revolve

Alice + Olivia Scarlet Pants
Alice + Olivia

Scarlet Pants

At Revolve

Abercrombie & Fitch Short-Sleeve Cotton Seamless Fabric Crew Bodysuit
Abercrombie & Fitch

Short-Sleeve Cotton Bodysuit

At Abercrombie & Fitch

3. Frilly Blouse

Chic baptism outfit with white statement blouse and pin stripe pants
via @lornaluxe (found on @shop.ltk)

A blouse paired with wide-leg pants is a great option if dresses and skirts aren’t your thing or the baptism is being held during the fall months. For this to look more appropriate for a baptism outfit than a corporate outfit, stick to light colors.

Again, because this is a formal outfit, stick to heels and dainty jewelry to elevate this for a social day.

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& Other Stories Frilled Embroidery Top
& Other Stories

Frilled Embroidery Top

At & Other Stories

RUMER Pepper Pants
RUMER

Pepper Pants

At Revolve

Chanel Lambskin Quilted Medium Chanel 19 Flap
Chanel

Lambskin Quilted Medium Flap

At Fashionphile

4. Floral Dress

If this is a summer baptism, the shortest dress you can go for is a knee-length dress, though it would be a smart idea to go for one with a high neckline and long sleeves to ensure there isn’t too much skin on display.

Floral is a fantastic feminine print for an event like this. However, it should be fine and light rather than too busy or dark.

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Cing A Sept Estelle Tie-Belt Monochrome Floral Ruffle Mini Dress
Cinq A Sept

Estelle Tie-Belt Mini Dress

At Neiman Marcus

Stuart Weitzman Nudistcurve 75 Sandals
Stuart Weitzman

Nudistcurve 75 Sandals

At Nordstrom

petit moments Tulsa Belt
petit moments

Tulsa Belt

At Revolve

5. Black Blouse

Everyone has a classic black blouse in their repertoire, and this is a great fuss-free baptism outfit if you’re attending your first.

Pair this with an otherwise formal outfit, like a slip skirt, and complete with a classic pair of pumps for a simple, formal look.

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Abercrombie & Fitch Ruched Shell Top
Abercrombie & Fitch

Ruched Shell Top

At Abercrombie & Fitch

ANNE KLEIN Pleated Satin Skirt
ANNE KLEIN

Pleated Satin Skirt

At Nordstrom

Manolo Blahnik Carolyne Kitten-Heel Halter Pumps
Manolo Blahnik

Carolyne Kitten-Heel Halter Pumps

At Neiman Marcus

6. Pastel Dress

Pastel is a great color range for a baptism outfit, particularly a spring baptism. This plays into the vibe of traditional baptism colors and outfits, where attendees would dress to the nines for such events.

You can wear this in a midi or maxi dress or in a fun print like polka dots or florals.

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BYTIMO Floral Jacquard Long Sleeve Maxi Dress
BYTIMO

Floral Jacquard Long Sleeve Dress

At Nordstrom

BTB Los Angeles Chloe Bag
BTB Los Angeles

Chloe Bag

At Revolve

Patricia Green Montauk Kitten Heel Mules
Patricia Green

Montauk Kitten Heel Mules

At Nordstrom

7. Black Maxi Dress

Again, black can be a tricky color to wear to a baptism; some say that it shouldn’t be worn at happy occasions, whereas some see it as a formal color to wear when attending such events.

The best thing to do in this case is to check with the family who has invited you and also pair the black dress with colored accessories to lighten the mood of the outfit.

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FRAME Shirred Ramie Maxi Dress
FRAME

Shirred Ramie Maxi Dress

At Nordstrom

Jacquemus Le Chiquito Long Top-Handle Bag
Jacquemus

Le Chiquito Long Top-Handle Bag

At Neiman Marcus

Pnina Tornai for Naturalizer Ai Ankle Strap Platform Sandal 
Naturalizer

Ankle Strap Platform Sandal

At Nordstrom

8. Colorful Sweater

Juxtaposing with black, some cultures call for bright colors to be worn to a church. If this is the case, a bright blouse or sweater with color-blocked pants or a neutral skirt is a fantastic option.

Again, make sure the sweater is chic and elevated, and pair it with formal accessories like a nice pair of earrings and classic pumps.

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& Other Stories Button Up Knit Cardigan
& Other Stories

Button Up Knit Cardigan

At & Other Stories

Fabiana Filippi High-Low A-Line Poplin Maxi Skirt
Fabiana Filippi

High-Low A-Line Poplin Maxi Skirt

At Neiman Marcus

Jennifer Behr Gemma Stud Earrings
Jennifer Behr

Gemma Stud Earrings

At Revolve

9. Maxi Slip Dress

For ladies, midi or maxi dresses are preferred as dresses should be kept modest. A maxi slip dress is also a great opportunity to incorporate a pop of color into your outfit but still allow for it to be modest.

If the dress is sleeveless or has a backless or low back detail, pair it with a cardigan or light jacket – this way, you can look appropriate for the religious ceremony whilst being able to remove it for the after party where the vibe is more laid back.

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J.Crew Collection limited-edition Carolyn slip dress in luster crepe
J.Crew

Carolyn slip dress

At J.Crew

Bottega Veneta Stretch Square Toe Sandals
Bottega Veneta

Stretch Square Toe Sandals

At Nordstrom

Prada Beveled Logo Acetate Oval Sunglasses
Prada

Beveled Acetate Oval Sunglasses

At Neiman Marcus

10. Statement Maxi Skirt

A statement maxi skirt in a bright color is a fantastic idea if you attending a baptism in the warmer months.

Many families now request a white / pastel dress code to get those important aesthetic Instagram pictures, so be sure this isn’t one of those occasions.

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STAUD Sea Poplin Striped Tiered Midi Skirt
STAUD

Sea Poplin Striped Tiered Midi Skirt

At Neiman Marcus

Abercrombie & Fitch Oversized Poplin Button-Up Shirt
Abercrombie & Fitch

Oversized Poplin Button-Up Shirt

At Abercrombie & Fitch

 Miu Miu Lea Logo Ballerina Flats
Miu Miu

Lea Logo Ballerina Flats

At Nordstrom

11. Jumpsuit

Jumpsuits are also a good choice, particularly if you don’t like dresses and aren’t good at matching blouses and pants; a jumpsuit does all the hard work for you.

This applies to a formal jumpsuit as opposed to a boiler suit or dungarees. It is now a staple garment and available from most brands and at many price ranges.

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L’Academie Piper Jumpsuit
L’Academie

Piper Jumpsuit

At Revolve

STAUD Alec Zip Leather Shoulder Bag
STAUD

Alec Zip Leather Shoulder Bag

At Neiman Marcus

Stuart Weitzman Squarehigh Platform 95 Slide Sandals
Stuart Weitzman

Squarehigh Platform Slide Sandals

At Nordstrom

12. Long, Colorful Dress

A good option for a baptism outfit is a long colorful dress. This looks festive and happy, extremely fitting for a special occasion like a baptism.

To keep the outfit elevated, pair this with neutral accessories like beige court heels and a shoulder bag.

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& Other Stories Ruched Relaxed-Fit Asymmetric Dress
& Other Stories

Ruched Relaxed-Fit Dress

At & Other Stories

Saint Laurent Mini Le 5 à 7 Raffia Hobo
Saint Laurent

Mini Le 5 à 7 Raffia Hobo

At Nordstrom

Allegra James Twisted Leather Slide Mule High-Heel Sandals
Allegra James

Twisted Leather Mule High-Heels

At Neiman Marcus

13. Maxi Skirt

A perfect choice for a baptism outfit is a maxi skirt. As we’ve mentioned, short skirts are a no-no for a baptism, as it’s a must to wear modest clothing.

This is a chic outfit option when paired with a blouse and fun heels or ballet flats; perfect if it’s a baptism with a light-hearted vibe in the summer months. However, make sure to opt for a blouse that isn’t see-through, unlike the example in the outfit above!

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L’Academie Kinsley Top
L’Academie

Kinsley Top

At Revolve

WeWoreWhat Tulip Long Skirt
WeWoreWhat

Tulip Long Skirt

At Revolve

Chloé Lauren Scalloped Leather Ballet Flats
Chloé

Lauren Scalloped Leather Ballet Flats

At Neiman Marcus

14. Black Midi Dress

This is perfect if the baptism you’re attending is in the colder months, though you can opt for a black midi dress with metallic or white elements to ensure it looks festive.

You can keep the rest of the outfits nude or colorful to add to this vibrant feel.

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Carolina Herrera Pearlescent Embellished Wool Knit Bolero
Carolina Herrera

Pearlescent Embellished Knit Bolero

At Neiman Marcus

Carolina Herrera Knit Midi Dress with Pearlescent Embellishments
Carolina Herrera

Knit Midi Dress with Embellishments

At Neiman Marcus

Saint Laurent Medium Kate Striped Grosgrain Shoulder Bag
Saint Laurent

Kate Striped Grosgrain Bag

At Nordstrom

15. White Maxi Dress

Again, white dresses can be a difficult choice for baptisms, as white isn’t always a welcome color to wear if you aren’t part of the immediate family.

However, if it is, a cotton white broderie maxi dress is a classic, versatile choice that is sure to be a winner.

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Cleobella Corah Ankle Dress
Cleobella

Corah Ankle Dress

At Revolve

 Chloé Woody Embroidered Logo Flat Sandals
Chloé

Woody Embroidered Flat Sandals

At Neiman Marcus

Ray-Ban Icons 50mm Round Metal Sunglasses
Ray-Ban

Icons 50mm Round Metal Sunglasses

At Nordstrom

16. Wool Coat

If the baptism is in the winter, attention should be paid to your outerwear, as there is no cloakroom at a church, so you’ll likely keep your coat on. For this reason, making an investment in a classic wool coat will serve you well.

Underneath your coat, you can keep your outfit simple, like a white shirt and pants, along with simple beige loafers to keep the tones similar.

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& Other Stories Relaxed Belted Wool Coat
& Other Stories

Relaxed Belted Wool Coat

At & Other Stories

Reformation Mason Cropped Pants
Reformation

Mason Cropped Pants

At Reformation

Loro Piana Summer Charms Walk Suede Moccasins
Loro Piana

Summer Charms Walk Moccasins

At Saks Fifth Avenue

17. Pink Blouse

A great option for colder months is a pink blouse paired with formal pants. Dressing for baptisms is ultimately about respect, so it’s important to put in an effort if you are invited to one.

You can dress this up with a pair of detailed flats if heels aren’t your thing or if the after-party is to be held in a grassy area where heels wouldn’t suit.

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Favorite Daughter the Smooth Ex-boyfriend Shirt
Favorite Daughter

The Smooth Ex-boyfriend Shirt

At Revolve

& Other Stories Wide-Leg High-Waist Pleated Trousers
& Other Stories

Wide-Leg High-Waist Trousers

At & Other Stories

Valentino Garavani Tonal Rockstud Caged Ballerina Flats
Valentino Garavani

Tonal Rockstud Caged Ballerina Flats

At Neiman Marcus

18. Shirt Dress

A shirt dress is an underrated garment option and isn’t given enough credit for its versatility, particularly when styled as the focal point.

For a baptism outfit, this can be paired with suede pointed heels and dainty jewelry for a traditional look.

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Gabriela Hearst Andy Belted Silk Jacquard Maxi Shirtdress
Gabriela Hearst

Andy Belted Silk Jacquard Shirtdress

At Neiman Marcus

ALOHAS Luke Leather Ballet Flats
ALOHAS

Luke Leather Ballet Flats

At Revolve

 Bottega Veneta Mini Jodie Leather Hobo
Bottega Veneta

Mini Jodie Leather Hobo

At Nordstrom

Christening Outfit Ideas for Men

When choosing what to wear to a baptism or christening, options for male guests are easy. Since this is a formal event, a long-sleeved sweater tucked into dress pants would work perfectly. You can also wear a long sleeve shirt or a polo shirt and cardigan to keep it looking cool and laidback.

If you want to go for smart casual and laid-back, you can pair dress pants and a suit jacket with smart white sneakers.

1. Dress Shirt

A great option for men is a collared shirt. It’s basic but has a classic look. Stick to light colors like blue, pink, or beige to look festive instead of corporate.

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Bugatchi Men's Linen Sport Shirt
Bugatchi

Men’s Linen Sport Shirt

At Neiman Marcus

Dolce & Gabbana Re-Edition Leather Belt
Dolce & Gabbana

Re-Edition Leather Belt

At Nordstrom

Santorelli Roma Flat Front Wool Dress Pants
Santorelli

Roma Flat Front Wool Dress Pants

At Nordstrom

2. Sweater

For the cooler months, a fitted sweater with formal pants is a great choice for fall or winter baptisms. This should be paired with formal shoes like loafers to look put together.

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Brunello Cucinelli Men's Cotton Marinaio Sweater
Brunello Cucinelli

Men’s Cotton Marinaio Sweater

At Neiman Marcus

Theory Men's Sylvain Structure Sport Shirt
Theory

Sylvain Structure Sport Shirt

At Neiman Marcus

 Barena Venezia Riobarbo Plaid Wool Trousers
Barena Venezia

Riobarbo Plaid Wool Trousers

At Nordstrom

Have you taken your pick yet? We hope you got your inspiration from this post on what to wear to a baptism or christening! If you’re looking for more style inspiration, check out our other articles below.

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