What to Wear to a Bridal Shower

Nowadays, wedding season can be year-round. While your main focus might be on the big day itself, if you’ve been invited to a bridal shower, it’s just as important to have the right outfit on hand. Every bridal shower is different, so there are a few factors to keep in mind, including location, dress code, season, and activities.

So, when it comes to what to wear to a bridal shower, there are several things to consider including your own sense of style. Curious about how to blend bridal shower outfits with your own preferences? We’ve got some wedding shower outfit guidelines right here, as well as a few options you can try for yourself.

How to Choose a Bridal Shower Outfit

Again, choosing a bridal shower outfit requires the consideration of a few factors. Once you receive the invitation, you can probably get a feel for what to expect at the shower, including how formal it is, what you’ll be doing, and other elements that might impact your decision—like the weather.

Let’s take a closer look at some other important factors to consider that will help you narrow down your outfit choices.

Dress Code

Bridal showers aren’t usually as formal as weddings, but it all depends on what the bride-to-be wants. Some invitations will take the guesswork out of it for you by including the type of dress code expected (dressy casual, casual, formal, etc.).

But, if it isn’t clear from the invitation, use other context clues to help you determine the right thing to wear. Location and dress code often go hand-in-hand, but you should also consider what else the invitation says. Does it talk about any type of food that will be served? If they’re catering a homestyle meal or bringing in a taco truck, you can probably be a bit more casual.

If they’re serving afternoon tea or gourmet lunch, you can probably expect things to be a bit more formal. Dressy casual outfits fall somewhere in between. They’re more formal than jeans and a T-shirt, but certainly not as bold as a floor-length dress. Consider using a dressy casual style as a starting point.

Season

While many people think of summer as wedding season, there’s also something magical about a fall or winter ceremony. So, you have to pay attention to seasonal changes as you’re picking an outfit for a bridal shower.

Obviously, that outfit choice could change depending on the location, but we’ll talk more about that in a minute.

Summer and spring can allow for breezy dresses and rompers that will keep you cool and comfortable under the sun.

Fall and winter weddings should be about beautiful hues, cozy fabrics, and interesting patterns. Don’t be afraid to layer up with things like tights, sweaters, scarves, or even hats. The smallest accessories and details can add so much to your outfit.

Location

Knowing the location of a bridal shower will probably give you the biggest clues when it comes to what you should wear. If it’s at a country club or fancy restaurant, going with a more elegant dress or jumpsuit is appropriate. If it’s at someone’s home or outside at a park or a beach, you’ll likely fit in with something more casual.

Remember, if the location is outdoors, you’ll want to dress appropriately for the weather and for any activities you might participate in at the shower!

What to Wear to a Bridal Shower

Bridal shower outfits need to be the perfect blend of fashionable and functional—especially if you’re helping with the party. The last thing you want is to be uncomfortable or feel awkward while you’re setting up decorations or guiding guests on where to put their gifts.

When it comes to choosing the right wedding shower outfit, you have a few tried and true options to choose from.

Dresses

Dresses remain a classic bridal shower staple for a reason. No matter the season, you can find a dress that fits your needs, whether you’re looking for something breezy and casual for summer or something cozy and functional for a fall or winter shower.

Skirts

Skirts can be used for dressy-casual bridal showers to offer a sophisticated look that can keep you more comfortable than just putting on a dress. Plus, you can mix and match a skirt with different tops, so it’s not something you’ll just wear once and hang up forever. You can reuse it for work, other parties, or even the wedding itself!

Blouses

If you’re wearing a skirt or pants to a bridal shower, finishing the look with the right blouse is important. Thankfully, blouses make easy work of putting together the perfect outfit. There are endless selections and options depending on the dress code, location, and color combinations you want to try.

Tuck your blouse in or do a “French tuck” for a more put-together look, and don’t forget to accessorize!

Jumpsuits

If you want to break from the tradition of dresses and skirts, you can’t go wrong with a jumpsuit. They are sleek, and comfortable, and depending on the accessories you use, they can be adapted to fit just about any type of dress code or occasion.

Jumpsuits are also perfect transition pieces for the fall and winter seasons. Add a cardigan sweater to a short-sleeved jumpsuit and you can wear it during the chilliest months of the year if you’re invited to a winter bridal shower. Plus, they’re so versatile that you can justify splurging a bit—they can be worn to work, social events, and so much more.

Pants

Dress pants are fantastic for staying comfortable at a bridal shower. Plus, the outfit opportunities are endless, since they can be paired with a variety of tops—perfect if you have multiple events to attend throughout the year.

Pants for a bridal shower should be appropriate for the season. In the summer, consider wide-leg, flowing options, or go for a cropped look. In the fall and winter, choose something that can be paired with heels or cute booties.

---

As you can see, dressing for a bridal shower doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep these factors in mind as you’re trying to put together an outfit, and consider what your “role” will be at the shower so you can choose clothes that will help you stay comfortable throughout the event. Happy shopping!