People always assume that choosing an outfit for a bridal shower is a huge deal, but the reality is that a bridal shower is no different from any other smart-casual party. Each bridal shower will be different, which means there are an abundance of outfits to choose from to suit the occasion.
If you have been invited to a bridal shower and have no clue what to wear, here is our guide on what to wear to a bridal shower!
Understand the assignment
First and foremost, you need to do some research on the type of bridal shower the party is going to be. Will the bride’s elderly relatives be there, or are you expecting some chaotic drunken games? Is the bridal shower at the bride’s house, or is it at a bar? What time is the bridal shower, and what season does it fall into? So many questions!
Golden rules
There are three golden rules when it comes to finding an outfit for a bridal shower.
Don’t wear white
White is symbolic of being the bride, which you are not! This is a strict rule for weddings, but the same rule applies to bridal showers, too. You don’t want to steal the bride’s thunder, after all.
Don’t wear black
Black is symbolic with date nights, sensual activities, and worst of all, funerals. Wearing black to a bridal shower might look slimming, but it could bring down the joyful mood.
Don’t wear anything revealing
A bridal shower isn’t about flaunting your body by wearing tight, short dresses. By all means, you do you girl, but this party isn’t about looking flirtatious or overtly sexy. This is especially the case if the relatives of the bride are attending.
Now that we’ve taken a brief look at the golden rules of what not to wear, here are some outfit ideas for a bridal shower!
Cocktail dress / Knee-length dress
You can’t go wrong with a classy and pretty cocktail dress. As long as the dress is knee length, you’ve got yourself a trusty and nice outfit that won’t outshine the bride, but also won’t make you stand out amongst the other guests. If the bridal shower is at a cocktail bar, then you can probably afford to opt for something slightly more fitted – but don’t go overboard. This evening isn’t for flirting with the bartender!
Pair your knee-length cocktail dress with a pair of heels or wedges, a light jacket, and a small handbag. If you want to make the outfit look less formal, opt for a denim jacket!
Midi dress
Midi dresses are a staple in every girl’s wardrobe. Easy to dress up or down, a midi dress is both practical and looks elegant. You don’t have to worry about potentially flashing your underwear at a sudden gust of wind, and you can still look great. Pair a midi dress with small heels or sandals for the perfect smart-casual outfit.
Flowy skirt and blouse
Pairing a flowy, mid-length skirt with a blouse can look one of two ways: you’re either going to look really classy (ideal for a fancy bridal shower), or super cute (ideal for a casual bridal shower). This outfit works best for bridal showers in spring or summer, provided you wear pastels and light colors. Pair this outfit with some sandals, heels, or even a pair of white sneakers if the event is super casual.
A simple outfit like this will allow you to put the focus on your hair and makeup, too!
Jumpsuit
We think everyone should own a jumpsuit. Jumpsuits can be easily dolled up or down depending on the occasion, simply by pairing the jumpsuit with a pair of heels or sandals. Jumpsuits are simple yet effective, and make a good practical outfit for fall.
Jeans and a blouse
Here’s where the rules of bridal shower outfits can get a bit complex. If the bridal shower is very relaxed, in the home of the bride, and in a comfortable environment, then you can’t go wrong with a nice pair of jeans. However, make sure the jeans are skinny jeans, as baggy jeans won’t look as classy. Opt for a pair of light blue skinny jeans with no rips.
Pair these jeans with a light-colored blouse, heels, a handbag, and a staple accessory like a hat, and you’ve got yourself a simple yet attractive bridal shower outfit!
Wide leg trousers and a blouse
Wide leg trousers are becoming frequently more popular, and for good reason. Wide leg pants, straight leg pants, and cigarette pants are a classy and smart option for a bridal shower. Opt for neutral colors, such as greens or purples or blues, and pair the pants with a floral blouse. You could even go for a blazer that matches the pants, if you want to look super classy!
Boho style
If the bridal shower is outside in the bride’s yard, go boho! Pair a flowy mid-length skirt with a blouse and denim jacket, or even a pair of dark skinny jeans and a flowy boho blouse. We love completing boho looks with brown ankle boots.
Accessories for a bridal shower
So, you’ve got an idea of what outfit to wear, but what about the accessories? You don’t want to go too overboard with jewelry for a bridal shower, so we recommend keeping it simple. Here are some cute accessories to go for:
- One or two silver rings
- Simple earrings (or staple dangling earrings)
- Delicate bracelet
- Staple necklace (or one or two thin necklaces)
- Painted nails in a light color (light pink, pastel blue, etc.)
- Handbag
- Summer hat (if outdoors)
The general rule of thumb when it comes to accessories is that less is more. If you have a pair of colorful earrings that would be the centerpiece of the outfit, don’t wear too many other pieces of jewelry. It’s best to play it safe by wearing a necklace and a small pair of earrings. Remember, you don’t want to outshine the bride, because the emphasis will still be on her engagement ring!
