What to Wear To a Baptism Or Christening: 25 Stylish Outfits

Are you having trouble finding what to wear to a baptism or a christening? If so, we got you! Here are some up-to-date tips we’ve compiled just for you. Plus, we’ve also included the best dresses to wear to a christening or baptism that you can shop right now.

Baptisms are one of the most important events in a new Christian family’s life. It’s a solemn, intimate celebration with immediate family and friends, and it’s only appropriate to show up in your best attire to celebrate with them.

There’s no exact dress code for baptisms since it will depend on the family’s preference, but the event usually requires modest, formal clothing for both ladies and men.

 

What To Wear To A Baptism Or Christening

 

1. Dress Appropriately

This goes without saying that since baptisms typically happen at churches or chapels, then it’s common sense to dress modestly (while also staying chic!). Avoid sexy, body-hugging clothing like bodycon dresses, mini skirts, plunging v-neck tops, backless tops, or any other clothing that shows too much skin. Dress appropriately, and the new parents will thank you for it.

2. Cover Up

For ladies, maxi or midi dresses are preferred. If you plan on wearing a shorter dress, then it’s best to compensate with a dress that has long sleeves that cover shoulders and arms to balance your look. If you only have sleeveless dresses, you can layer them with a cardigan or a cropped jacket. Jumpsuits are also a good choice.

For men, it’s best to avoid shorts and t-shirts, and go with something smart-casual like dress pants and long-sleeved shirts.

If the parents don’t really require formal attire and would prefer that you show in something casual and comfortable, you can also pair jeans with a modest top.

3. Comfort Is Key

While the first part of the baptism 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 – by the time the dance floor opens up, you’ll be able to let your hair down and have some fun!

 

What Colors To Choose

 

Since this will be a joyous celebration, you can show up in light colors like cream, blush, ivory, yellow, pink, and other pastel colors! If you’re not comfortable with light colors, then navy blue or gray will suffice. Just don’t show up in black – it’s a celebration of life, not a funeral.

The same goes for super bright neon colors – it’s just obnoxious and attention-grabbing at this point.

Additionally, printed dresses are also good to wear, but please don’t go overboard with unpleasant patterns that are too loud.

Now that you have a good grasp on what to wear (and what not to wear) to a baptism or christening, we’ve compiled our top outfit picks for baptisms this season for both women and men.

To make things easier for you (and if you want to check out the retailers’ websites yourselves), here are our favorite online fashion boutiques for chic baptism outfits:

• Lulus (lots of gorgeous dresses and tops appropriate for any event and any season!)
• ASTR The Label (for the laid-back babe)
• Petal + Pup (affordable Cottagecore style flowy dresses)
• Hello Molly (you can find a wide collection of dresses here as well, these are even more affordable than Lulus!)

Let’s get started, shall we?

 

The Best Dresses & Outfits To Wear To A Christening / Baptism

 

 

Get this dress at Reformation

Some of the best dresses to wear to a baptism or christening are white dresses, as they symbolize purity. This chic and modest dress from Reformation is absolutely perfect for the occasion, plus it’s sustainably made.

 

 

Get this dress at Pretty Little Thing

 

 

Get this dress at ASOS

 

 

Get this dress at Petal + Pup

 

 

Get this dress at Lulus

 

 

Get this jumpsuit at Lulus

 

This mustard yellow maxi dress is perfect for summer baptisms.

Get this dress at Lulus

 

 

Get this dress at Petal +Pup

 

We mentioned earlier that plunging, deep v-necks are not appropriate for baptisms, but shallow v-necks like this dress has are still appropriate for solemn events.

Get this dress at Lulus

 

 

Get this jumpsuit at Revolve

 

Printed dresses like this one are more preferred for baptisms since the details are dainty and feminine.

Get this dress at Lulus

 

This navy blue jumpsuit is perfect for both church AND reception!

Get this jumpsuit at Hello Molly

 

This blush jumpsuit with a sweetheart neckline is simply just gorgeous.

Get this jumpsuit at Hello Molly

 

 

 

Get this dress at Revolve

 

 

Get this dress at ASTR The Label

 

 

For deep, plunging v-necks like this, you can wear a tube top underneath to cover your cleavage.

Get this dress at Revolve

 

 

Get this dress at Reformation

 

 

Get this dress at Lulus

 

 

Get this dress at Revolve

 

If dresses are not your thing, you can wear formal pants or a skirt and pair them with a beautiful top like this one.

Get this top at Lulus

 

 

Get this dress at Lulus

 

If you’re going for a shorter dress like the one above, then it’s best to compensate with long or loose sleeves.

Get this dress at Hello Molly

 

 

Get this dress at ASTR The Label

 

 

Get this dress at Lulus

 

 

Get this top at ASTR The Label

 

 

Get this dress at Lulus

 

Hopefully, you found one or more perfect dresses to wear to the baptism or christening that you’re going to. Now, let’s jump straight into men’s style tips for the day.

 

Christening Outfit Ideas The Men

 

When coming up with what to wear to a baptism or christening, options for men are pretty easy. Since this is a formal event, a long-sleeved top tucked into dress pants would work perfectly. You can also wear a long sleeve shirt as it is, or roll the sleeves up to the elbows to free up some skin.

If you want to go for smart casual and laid-back, you can pair dress pants and an open blazer with some smart sneakers or office shoes.

Nordstrom has tons of formal wear options that can easily be purchased online, and they have a very wide selection of long-sleeved dress shirts in different colors, prints, and brands.

For blazers and pants, Everlane has a solid selection of formal sets that you can check out.

 

 

Get this shirt at Nordstrom

 

 

Get this shirt at Nordstrom

 

 

Get these pants at ASOS

 

 

Get this shirt at Nordstrom

 

 

Get this shirt at Nordstrom

 

 

Get these pants at ASOS

 

 

Get this shirt at Nordstrom

 

 

Get this shirt at Nordstrom

 

This outfit is more casual, while also looking stylish and semi-formal. Pair it with some dark denim jeans a white tee, and layer it with another white linen button-up shirt.

Get this shirt at Everlane

 

 

Get this shirt 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! Remember, it’s best to go formal, and less is more. It’s an important day in a family’s life, and the real star of the show is the baby! Be sure to dress comfortably so you can give the baby all the love and hugs that they deserve.

 

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