What to Wear to a Christening: Your Guide to Elegant, Chic, and Appropriate Outfits

Have you been invited to a christening? The first question that comes to mind is: what should you wear? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re a family member, a friend of the parents, or a godparent, selecting the right dress for a christening can be tricky. Since it takes place in a church setting, you should aim to be stylish but respectful, chic yet appropriate and of course, comfortable for a long day of celebrations. Read the article and find out everything you need to know about what to wear to a christening

1. Think Soft, Elegant, and Modest

Christenings are semi-formal occasions held in a sacred space, similar to weddings. Choosing dresses that are elegant and polished with a focus on modesty would be ideal. It is best to avoid revealing clothing such as deep plunging necklines, short hemlines, or body-hugging fabrics. Those are best left for other occasions. A perfect option in this case would be midi dresses in lace, pleats or light sequins for a touch of glamour and elegance. 

Goddiva’s Option: The Goddiva Tie Back Pleated Lurex Skater Midi Dress in Gold is a brilliant choice for a christening. This dress has a flattering skater silhouette with pleats which adds a touch of sophistication. The gold hue makes for a stunning addition, making it ideal for special occasions. To accessorise, pair the dress with nude heels for a refined finish or opt for elegant ballet flats for comfort to finish the look. You could also pair them with gold accessories to enhance the overall look and maintain a soft and timeless appeal. This dress would make you feel radiant and elegant while you celebrate this cherished occasion.

2. Pastels, Prints, and Light Colors

Christenings generally don’t have a strict colour restriction but softer hues such as pastels are widely used and accepted for this occasion. Light tones such as blush pink, pale blue, lavender, mint green and beige. These kinds of colours convey freshness and respect for the occasion. Avoid using flashy colours such as red or hot pink, all-black or all-white to keep the focus on the baby. 

Goddiva’s choice: Floral dresses scream “fresh and elegant” without going overboard. The pastel shades work well with the joyous occasion and florals are flattering and effortlessly chic no matter the occasion.

3. Tailored Pants and Jumpsuits? Absolutely!

While the go-to option for christenings are dresses, if you’re someone who wants to try on a different look, jumpsuits or a tailored pantsuit is a great option. The key to dressing for this occasion is to keep things structured, polished and avoid anything too casual such as ripped jeans and a casual tee. Opt for trousers in light fabrics paired with a soft blouse or a chic, tailored jumpsuit with minimal embellishment.

Goddiva’s Choice: A pastel coloured jumpsuit in sage green is the perfect choice for a christening. Pair it with delicate accessories and block heels for a stylish yet sophisticated look that christening calls for. 

4. Mind the Layers

If the christening is happening in the colder months of the year, you might want to layer up. Church ceremonies can be held in cooler environments are you don’t want to be shivering and miss the occasion. A lightweight blazer, tailored cardigan, or a shawl adds a touch of sophistication without overwhelming your look. Plus, it's a great way to stay covered in a church setting where modesty is appreciated.

Our pick: A pastel longline coat will work great with dresses or suits, and you'll want to wear it again and again, so it's the perfect investment piece

5. The Accessories: Keep It Simple

Every outfit can be complemented with accessories. The goal is to get them to enhance your outfit but not compete with it. Christenings are highly family-focused so when it comes to accessorising, opting for minimal yet elegant pieces of jewellery would beautify your look even more. Some options include stud earrings, a delicate pendant necklace, or a classic watch. Hats can be a lovely touch, particularly in the spring and summer, but opt for something small and refined rather than a statement-making fascinator. After all, the event is about the baby, not your millinery masterpiece!

Goddiva’s choice: A great choice would be pearls or understated gold jewellery that don’t need layering or heavy stones. Simple yet elegant jewellery would add a touch of elegance without feeling overdone. 

When choosing your outfits for a christening, think about blending modesty with a contemporary look for the occasion. Pastels, flowing fabrics, and minimalist accessories are your best bet. Whether you’re opting for a delicate floral midi dress or a tailored pantsuit, comfort is key—after all, christenings can be long affairs, and you want to feel good from the church ceremony to the family brunch afterwards.

The most important part? Feel confident and comfortable in your look, knowing you’ve chosen something that’s perfect for the day. Now, all you have to do is enjoy the celebration!