What To Wear to a Bridal Shower

Attending a bridal shower is an exciting time for both you and the bride herself, but figuring out the right outfit to wear can require a few steps. There are a lot of factors you have to consider: weather, location, season, etc.

 

That’s why I’ve put together a guide to help you pick out the perfect outfit for a friend or family member’s special celebration.

 

Six Factors That Influence Your Outfit

Is There a Dress Code?

This is the first question you should ask yourself before deciding on an outfit. If there’s a dress code, it will likely answer a few other questions you may have. 

Whether the dress code is mandatory or not, I always respect the bride (and the hosts) by respecting the dress code. When narrowing down outfit ideas, keep the dress code in the back of your mind.

 

Where Is the Shower Being Held?

Is the shower indoors or outdoors? Your attire and comfort level will change drastically if you’re not properly dressed for an outdoor shower.

Heels in a grass backyard? No, thank you. If the shower is being held outdoors, I always go for weather-appropriate attire and comfortable, flat shoes.

A light jacket or cardigan is a great way to ensure your comfort without too much commitment since you can take it on and off as needed. Layering is the key to unpredictable weather.

 

What Will the Weather Be Like?

In a similar vein, considering the weather will affect your outfit of choice, especially if the shower is outdoors. Regardless though, the weather is an important consideration. If the shower is outdoors, what will the temperature be? If it’s hot, you simply can’t go wrong with a sundress or a skirt and a blouse, like these casual options from Sientochenta — a linen Blusa Coral Ámbar and denim Falda Consciencia.

If it’s cooler, a maxi dress or pants and a blouse would be the best option, paired with a jacket. If there’s a chance of showers during this bridal shower, bring an umbrella and raincoat, especially if you’re wearing fabrics that really shouldn’t get wet (looking at you, silk). If you think rain is on the horizon, complete your head-to-toe ensemble with closed-toed shoes.

To all brides, I say, don’t stress! Rain is considered to be good luck, after all!

 

What Season Is It?

Keeping the season in mind isn’t only important in regards to weather, although they definitely go hand in hand. The season also determines what vibe to pick.

If you’re attending a bridal shower in the spring or summer, I might recommend bright colors or light pastels that are in season, such as this Maygel Coronel dress. A skirt and blouse or a midi dress would also be lovely during the warmer times of the year.

Come fall or winter, darker or more muted colors are more appropriate, such as mauve, maroon, and olives. While the changing seasons may inspire certain colors, don’t feel boxed into this rule.

 

Do You Feel Comfortable?

If you’re uncomfortable during the shower, you won’t be able to enjoy the party or celebrate the beautiful bride-to-be. Bridal shower guests can absolutely look chic while feeling relaxed. I always make sure to plan my outfit at least a day before so that I have a chance to move around in it and see how I feel — sit down, stand up, et cetera.

If you’re attending an outdoor shower in the spring, you may want to opt for an outfit that leaves your legs free, like a mini dress or capri pants. If you will be sitting for most of the shower or you’re a pro at wearing heels, you can rely on high-quality pumps to make a statement.

 

How Formal Is the Shower?

Your attire for a backyard bridal shower will be wildly different from one hosted in a rented venue with a five-course meal.

The more casual the shower is, the more casual you should dress. If you’re unsure, you can always reach out to one of the hosts to ask about the formality or get an “ok” for your ensemble.

 

Are You Allowed To Wear White To a Bridal Shower?

It’s pretty common knowledge that wearing white to a wedding is a huge no-no, and the same rule applies to a bridal shower. As the bride typically wears white to the bridal shower, bridal shower etiquette says to avoid this color.

I typically advise shying away from similar colors, like off-white, cream, and tan. You don’t want to take attention away from the bride, as you’re here to celebrate her marriage. Off-white, tan, and, yes, even blush can sometimes appear white in pictures even if they don’t look that way in person. 

 

How To Balance Patterns

Patterned clothing can be a great way to express your style, but you want to make sure you aren’t distracting other guests. Stripes, polka dots, and floral prints are excellent patterns that are not only in style but usually quite appropriate for a celebration like a bridal shower. Keeping up-to-date on the latest fashion trends for the season is a fantastic way to ensure you wear proper prints.

Color-blocking is a great way to express your inner fashionista without incorporating patterns. Perhaps choose a complementary color scheme for your outfit. Then, incorporate those colors with each piece you wear. This is a great way to make an outfit stylish without being overpowering.

For example, this crop top in terracotta would pair well perfectly with some high-waisted olive pants in any season. Add one more pop of color with some complimenting shoes to complete the look. 

 

Celebrating the Guest of Honor

With all of this taken into consideration, the number one rule to follow when picking out an outfit for a bridal shower is this: don’t upstage the bride. Avoid whites and similar colors like creams and light tans.

Party attendees want to avoid distracting colors and patterns so that they don’t take the guests' attention away from the bride. It’s essential that guests don’t over or under-dress for the same reason. Checking in with the hosts about the event's formality is an excellent way to ensure the perfect fit, no matter what the factors might be. 

 

A Party and a Milestone

Attending a bridal shower is exciting. It’s such an honor to stand by your friend and celebrate her love story and the next chapter in her life. Nothing should get in the way of that! That’s why I created this guide to make getting dressed as fun as your friendship with the bride.

Following the guide I’ve laid out, you can pick out the perfect outfit for a bridal shower while also expressing your personal style.

 

 

Sources:

The Top 6 Color Trends to Mix and Match This Summer 2022 | PureWow

Bridal Shower Etiquette 101: Everything You Need to Know | Brides

What to Wear to a Bridal Shower as a Guest | Brides