What to Wear to a Bridal Shower

Outfits express your personality, level of exposure, and define your style. In this era, there is no excuse for drab dressing. It is not enough to have a vast collection of outfits, dressing appropriately for every occasion is crucial.

Bridal showers are intimate occasions where you celebrate the love of two special people. It is essential to dress the part and look beautiful for both the bride and yourself. Like every occasion, most ladies grapple with the dreaded question, “what do I wear?”

Deciphering a bridal shower outfit is tricky as the events come in varying shapes, sizes, and styles.

 

Things to Consider When Picking an Appropriate Outfit for a Bridal Shower

1. Be you

Losing yourself to fit into everyone else’s style does not work. Your style should come naturally and not appear as you tried too hard. Celebrity designer and stylist Rachel Zoe says your style should make a statement about you without having to speak. Rock the bright colors that define you and do not shy off from prints if that is your style. Trousers are bridal shower approved; hence do not feel guilty to wear them for such events. Choose an outfit that defines your style.

2. Theme

Some bridal showers have a theme. In that case, pick an outfit in that context. Do not go against the grain as you will stand out for the wrong reasons. Showing up in an outfit contrasting the theme not only depicts defiance but gives a wrong impression. As long as you are planning to attend a themed bridal shower, play within the rules.

The themes range from things like tea party theme, vintage style, French style, or a dash of a particular color. You do not want to be remembered as the spoiler many years down the line. Themed showers also bring out awesome photos.

3. Where is the Venue?

Bridal showers, like weddings, have many venue options. Whether it is a low-key event in a host’s home or at the swishiest restaurant in town, your outfit should fit in with space. A little casual-like pick will make you look relaxed in a home set-up, however, purpose to look good.

4. White or Black Dresses

Brides prefer whites for the wedding and events associated with it. You do not want to steal the spotlight from her. Save the ivories, creams, and whites for another occasion, unless they are the color themes.

Black is also a color to keep off the bridal shower. Pick a festive, happy, and celebratory look as black is too somber or best suited for a date night out kind of outfit. If your style is dark shades, opt for softer tones like navy or gray.

5. Keep it Decent

Stay away from too revealing, sexy, or tight clothing. Avoid the slutty look regardless of how it makes you feel. Technically, a bridal shower is part of the wedding festivities, so it helps to keep buttoned up.

 

Types of Bridal Showers and What to Wear

1. Fancy Bridal Shower

Wordings on the invitation can give an insight if the function is elegant. When abbreviations and numbers are well spelled out, expect a formal bridal shower. Some will out rightly indicate the dress code with words like a cocktail or festive attire. Think of a knee-length cocktail dress, sparkly pencil skirt with a cashmere sweater, flowy silk pants with a blouse and jacket, or velvet blazer with satin ankle-length pants. Carry a clutch or small purse to complete the look.

2. Casual Bridal Shower

Pick a festive and polished outfit, but drop formal elements. Ballet flats will work well instead of heels. Daytime fabrics like denim, wool, or cotton are comfortable and appropriate picks. A summer jumpsuit, or gingham wrap dress, or denim dress with knee-high boots is a safe bet. You can also consider a floral top with a nice pair of jeans and a faux fur vest if jeans define your look. A cross-body purse and delicate jewelry as accessories will stamp your style statement.

3. Backyard/Home Bridal Shower

Home or backyard bridal shower does not translate to casual wear. Check with your host to be safe. However, a structured top and a pair of colored chinos work well for a balanced look. Other options are a boho top, dark jeans, and ankle booties, or a cute tank top with a pleated skirt and linen jacket. For a graceful look that is always a win, a flowing sundress works best. Do not forget your sunglasses and wedges.

4. Styled for Seasons

Again, the weather is not an excuse to lose the style when attending a bridal shower. It takes special attention to stay trendy for all occasions.

Just like all outfits, warm, and dark colors are for the fall and winter months. Consider brown, gray, taupe, rust, forest green, and burgundy outfits. Long sleeves and heavier fabrics are not options. A long sleeve wrap dress or crisp button-down tucked with a full skirt are some excellent examples to wear for bridal showers when it is cold. You may also consider a turtleneck sweater dress, with over-the-knee boots and opaque tights for an appropriate look. Long, layered necklaces are great accessories.

Spring and summer bridal showers offer an opportunity for you to step out in bright and hot hues. For this season, floral and summer prints in lightweight cotton, linen, and silk fabrics work well. Linen jumpsuits or patterned tunic dresses and lace-up sandals are some outfit possibilities to inspire your choice. A floral high-low ruffled dress or a bright silk top with cropped white pants is a great choice.

In Conclusion

Busy schedules make physical meetings almost impossible today. Events like bridal showers, however, present rare moments when close friends and family come together. Put your best foot forward and dress to impress. You do not have to outshine everyone, but you do not want to take the worst-dressed title home either. You need to appear your best and enjoy the joyful moment with the people you care about.