5 Dress Styles an Etiquette Expert Would Never Wear to a Christening

Much like weddings, christenings have a dress code. While it’s a fair assumption most know the drill when it comes to nuptials (don’t wear white, try not to upstage the couple and cover up if it’s religious), I’ll be the first to admit I don’t understand the rules of dressing for a christening. As someone who has attended a mere two in their lifetime, I decided to speak to etiquette expert and stylist Isobel Kershaw, who gave me some brilliant and simple rules to follow on the best kinds of dresses for the event in question. Scroll on to find out, once and for all, what to wear to a christening.

From prints to fastenings, we’ve found the best dress options for all types of christenings.

Tips on What to Wear to a Christening:

1. Shape: Soft silhouettes with considered necklines
2. Hemlines: Knee, midi, long or asymmetric hem
3. Colours: Pastel tones, white, thoughtful brights
4. Prints: Florals are failsafe, although others are fine—feel free to experiment
5. Avoid: Anything too dark, such as navy or black, as well as stark stripes

The Best Dresses to Wear to a Christening (and What to Avoid):

1. Are There “Rules” On What You Can Wear To a Christening?

"There are guidelines for a christening, but not as many 'rules' as there are for a wedding. Of course, with a wedding, you’re trying not to upstage the bride with your outfit, but upstaging a baby isn’t a problem,” says Kershaw. "For a christening, you really want your look to be less structured and softer; I wouldn't advise something tight-fitting, for example. Although, avoid something like a loose cardigan, as that’s too informal."

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2. Can You Wear Short Dresses To a Christening?

"Knee-length, midi, and maxi dresses or even an up-down hem are ideal. While short dresses might work at an evening do for a wedding, they’re not a good fit for a christening, as these are religious services where more conservative attire is generally expected. If you really want to look to someone who always gets it right, see what the Princess of Wales has worn.”

Shop Knee-Length, Midi and Maxi Dresses:

3. Can You Wear White or Cream To a Christening? 

"Don’t always think to go for neutrals,” says Kershaw. "Try pastels and bright colours—it’s a happy event, after all. If you do go for block colours, which you certainly can, think about how they'll look in photos; anything too jarring or vivid might stand out for the wrong reasons. Break whatever block colours you do wear up with accessories and jewellery. That said, it is traditional for christening attendees to wear lighter colours, even white, for the celebration, so no shade is truly off-limits. Choose something that best suits your personality.”

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4. Can You Wear Prints To a Christening?

As for prints, Kershaw recommends dresses such as those from Rixo, as the brand has "modernised [the printed dress] and made them look a bit more vibrant.” The print she’d generally avoid? "You don’t want to go for stark stripes, as that can seem too corporate.”

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5. Is There Anything Else to Consider for a Christening Outfit?

"I’d suggest steering clear of really oversized dresses, as they can sometimes look too casual. A wrap dress might be one to avoid, too, as you may have a baby pulling at it. Really, as it goes with anything you wear, the most important aspect should be feeling confident and comfortable in your attire.”

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