Obviously, when you’re the bride-to-be, your bridal shower outfit is a big to-do. However, no one ever acknowledges the stress of figuring out your outfit when you’re going to be just a guest at the bridal shower. I mean, if I’m getting all dolled up for something, then you bet your ass I’ll be trying to get that like-worthy Insta shot, too! Not to mention, aren’t we all always looking for an excuse to shop and buy something new?
When attending a bridal shower as a guest, there are certain guidelines you’ll want to adhere to in order to ensure you look appropriate and respectful, and that don’t make you outshine the bride-to-be. You don’t want to dress in a way that draws attention, but you want to just dress so impeccably that it warrants attention—there’s a difference.
There are two things to consider before you even begin contemplating your outfit: the venue and the current season. You want to make sure your outfit reflects the formalness (or not) of the venue and is seasonally appropriate. This may sound obvious, but I felt the need to clarify so you don’t think it’s okay to wear a little sundress to a formal winter bridal shower. Now that we’ve established the basic guidelines, here are some go-to outfit ideas for a guest attending a bridal shower.
1. Mini Dress or Sundress
Free People Like A Lady Mini Dress, $108
Abbeline Ruffle Faux Wrap Dress, $88
JOA Woven Ruffle Floral Wrap Dress, $84
If seasonally appropriate, a little sundress is a great option to wear to a bridal shower. It’s cute, feminine, easy, and the appropriate level of dressiness. Not to mention, you can easily rewear a cute sundress again and again. If it doesn’t make sense to wear a sundress, you can always go with a more formal style mini dress. When I say “mini dress” I’m not referrring to your strapless bodycon from Charlotte Russe. Rather, something a little nicer, a little classier, but that’s also not over-the-top.
2. Romper
UO Molly Surplice Front-Slit Skort Romper, $69
River Island Romper With Ruffle Hem, $79
ASOS DESIGN Button Front Slouchy Waisted Boiler Romper, $56
Another comfortable and easy outfit option is a romper. It’s a great all-in-one outfit, as long as you make sure it’s not too short. You’re going to a bridal shower, not a club, so just keep that in mind. With that being said, keep it casual and appropriate by pairing your romper with sandals in the summer, or with tights and ankle boots during the fall/winter.
3. Maxi Or Midi Dress
L*SPACE X REVOLVE Jordan Dress, $139
ASOS DESIGN One Shoulder Pleated Maxi Dress, $60
ASTR Pandora Floral Print Maxi Dress, $148
Again, if seasonally appropriate, a casual maxi is a great option for a bridal shower. It looks elegant and it’s also comfy, so you really can’t go wrong. Unless… you go too boho with it when the wedding is going to be black-tie formal. You need to understand the vibe and theme of the wedding as it relates to the shower so that your casual maxi makes sense. If it’s an outdoor garden wedding, then feel free to wear your flowy boho maxi! However, if it’s a black-tie wedding at a swanky hotel, I’d go with a different option. It’s hard to find a casual maxi that isn’t boho-style yet also doesn’t look like you’re on your way to prom, so I would suggest a more versatile outfit option if you aren’t 100% certain of the wedding’s vibe.
4. Jumpsuit
UO KerriAnn Cap Sleeve Wide Leg Jumpsuit, $79
Abbeline Tiered Crop Jumpsuit, $88
Jumpsuit styles can range from casual to formal, so finding one that works to wear to a bridal shower is relatively easy. Like a romper, it’s a full outfit all in one, so you really can’t go wrong! When in doubt, a jumpsuit is always the way to go, and you can quote me on that.
5. Matching Set
superdown Brooke Pant Set, $72
Moon River Puff Sleeve Top, $66 & Satin Buckle Pants, $84
J.O.A. Animal Print Cowl Neck Cami, $59 & Animal Print Midi Skirt, $74
Everyone knows sets are super trendy right now, but did you know that they also make great bridal shower guest outfits? A nice set looks put-together and stylish, so it’s fully appropriate for the occasion. Only disclaimer, I’d suggest staying away from any styles that show your whole midriff or too much cleavage. You know, we’re celebrating finding eternal love here, so just keep it classy.
6. Top/Blazer & Pants
Audrey 3 + 1 Lightweight Linen Blazer, $49.99
At the end of the day, your outfit can be as simple as a nice top and office-appropriate bottoms. Depending on exactly how casual the wedding and thus the shower is, you could even get away with wearing white or dark wash jeans and a blazer. But again, you have to have a strong read on the bride and her wedding aesthetic, or else it’s just too risky. You definitely don’t want to be underdressed, which is the second faux pas behind being way too over dressed. It’s a fine line, I know. I recommend doing what you’d do before a night out and asking someone else who is attending what they’re planning on wearing and then make your decision from there.
Honestly, your options of what to wear to a bridal shower are kind of infinite, with some minor restrictions, of course. And, now that I’ve even given you specific outfit recommendations, getting dressed for the bridal shower should be as easy as getting tipsy on all the free champagne once you get there!
Images: Shutterstock; Revolve (7); South Moon Under (5); ASOS (4); Urban Outfitters (2)
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