What to Wear to a Baptism or Christening: Tips & Outfits.
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Welcome to this guide on what to wear to a baptism! Whether you're attending your own baptism or that of a loved one, it's important to dress appropriately for this special occasion. In this article, we'll provide you with helpful tips, outfit ideas, and recommendations to ensure you look fabulous while honoring the significance of the event. So, let's dive in and discover how to dress with grace and style for a baptism!
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What to Wear to a Baptism: General Tips & Suggestions
Below are some general guidelines related to what to wear to a baptism.
1. Dress Modestly
Baptisms are religious ceremonies, so it's important to dress modestly and respectfully. Avoid wearing revealing or overly tight clothing.
2. Choose Light, Airy Fabrics
Opt for fabrics like cotton, linen, or chiffon that allow your skin to breathe. These materials are comfortable, especially if the baptism takes place in a warm environment.
3. Stick to Pastel or Neutral Colors
Like attending a baby shower, soft and light colors such as pastels or neutrals are excellent choices for a baptism. They symbolize purity, innocence, and joy. Think pale pinks, mint greens, baby blues, or classic whites.
You may want to check out these pink dresses for wedding guests for ideas on what to wear to a baptism too.
4. Avoid Black or Dark Colors
While black is a versatile and chic color, it is best to avoid it for a baptism. Baptisms are celebratory and filled with joy, so it's better to choose lighter shades that reflect the mood.
5. Respect the Venue
Consider the venue and any specific dress code instructions provided. Some baptisms may take place in formal church settings, while others might occur in outdoor locations. Adjust your outfit accordingly to ensure you're comfortable in the chosen environment.
What NOT to Wear to a Baptism
Below are a few big no, nos related to things you should definitely NOT wear to a baptism.
1. Revealing or Low-Cut Clothing
Baptisms are family-oriented events, and it's important to respect the sanctity of the occasion. Avoid wearing outfits with plunging necklines or excessively short hemlines.
2. Overly Casual Attire
While you want to feel comfortable, overly casual attire like ripped jeans, t-shirts, or athletic wear is not suitable for a baptism. Aim for a polished and put-together look.
3. Excessive Accessories
Keep your accessories simple and understated. Avoid wearing distracting or noisy jewelry that might detract attention from the ceremony.
4. Stiletto Heels or Strappy Heels
Sexy heels and heels with lace-up straps are perfect for dinner or a girl's night out, but not for attending a baptism at church. Instead, opt for closed-toe shoes or simple open-toed heels.
Outfit Ideas for a Baptism
Below are a few outfit ideas on what to wear to a baptism. You may also want to just wear a dress and heels.
(Continue scrolling to see my top picks of dresses to wear to a baptism.)
A Floral Maxi Dress
A floral maxi dress is my #1 recommendation on what to wear to a baptism. Choose a flowy dress that exudes elegance and pair it with a delicate necklace for a touch of femininity.
The great thing about floral maxi dresses is that they are comfortable and not meant to fit tightly.
A Pastel Midi Skirt with a Blouse
Combine a pastel-colored midi skirt with a blouse for a sophisticated baptism outfit. Complete the look with a pair of heels or ballet flats for comfort.
A Knee Length Dress with a Sweater
Any knee-length dress with a sweater is a classy outfit to wear to a baptism. You can accessorize with simple earrings too.
Classy Dresses to Wear to a Baptism
Searching for a dress you can buy online, right now, to wear to a baptism? If so, then check out these dresses below. These dresses are all appropriate to wear to a baptism and are easy to buy online.
Zahara Blue and White Floral Midi Dress (with a Sweater)
This dress is perfect for wearing a baptism. It has a high neckline, it is a great length (past the knees), and it comes in a pretty white and blue floral print pattern. In addition to wearing this dress to a baptism, you can wear it again and again for events such as the Kentucky Derby, spring engagement photos, bridal showers (as a guest, or as the bride), and out to brunch!
ANRABESS Kimono Maxi Wrap Dress
This floral wrap dress is so, so flattering!! This maxi dress comes in 25+ colors and designs on Amazon and is just perfect for wearing to a baptism, whether you are a mom, aunt, cousin, niece, or grandmother attending a baptism.
If you love this style of dress, check out the dresses by PRETTYGARDEN, ZESICA, and Bdcoco on Amazon. Any of the wrap or maxi dresses by these brands would be perfect for wearing to a baptism.
Ready to Bloom Smocked Tiered Maxi Dress
This green maxi dress is perfect for wearing to a baptism as a guest. This maxi dress has short sleeves (making it appropriate for church) and this dress comes in a pretty ivory floral print pattern. If it's chilly outside, you can also wear tights under this maxi dress (and no one will know!).
This maxi dress can also be transformed into a sexy summer date night dress if you pull the sleeves down, turning it into an off-the-shoulder dress.
What Kinds of Shoes to Wear to a Baptism
Below are ideas of shoes to wear with your baptism outfit.
1. Comfortable Flats
If the baptism involves a lot of standing or walking, opt for a pair of comfortable flats. Choose a style that complements your outfit and provides adequate support throughout the day.
2. Chic Heeled Sandals
Heeled sandals add a touch of sophistication to your ensemble while still being comfortable. Look for styles with block heels or wedges for extra stability.
3. Classic Pumps
If you prefer a more formal look, classic pumps are an excellent choice. Classic pumps elevate any outfit and lend an air of elegance to your overall appearance. If you aren't sure what kind of heels to wear, any of these comfortable heels would be just perfect.
What to Wear to a Baptism in the Winter
When it's cold outside, it can be really tricky to figure out what to wear to a baptism. Sure, a dress (similar to an Easter dress) is perfect for wearing to a baptism, but what about when it's 40 degrees outside?
Below are some ideas on what to wear to a baptism in the winter.
1. Elegant Coat or Blazer
When it's cold outside, an elegant coat, trench coat, or blazer is your friend.
Opt for a neutral or pastel-colored coat that complements your dress or outfit.
2. Tights or Leggings
Pair your dress or skirt with tights or leggings to keep your legs warm. Opt for opaque or patterned tights to add a stylish touch to your outfit.
If it's really cold outside, you may even want to pair fleece-lined leggings with a cute sweater dress.
3. Closed-Toe Heels or Boots
In colder weather, closed-toe heels or boots are perfect! You may want to check out these cute booties that are affordable too!
Tip: Even though knee-high boots and over-the-knee boots are fashionable and trendy, they aren't quite appropriate for wearing to a baptism.
What to Wear to a Baptism for Mothers
As a mom attending a baptism, it’s worth it to start planning your baptism outfit early so that you feel comfortable and know that you look good! Any knee-length dress, midi dress, or maxi dress with sleeves would be just perfect. A dress in a pastel color, a neutral color (like cream or white), or a floral print would be just perfect. If it’s chilly outside, you may want to wear a cardigan or a shawl over your dress.
If you are searching for a great dress to wear to a baptism as a mother, check out the modest dresses on Amazon or the dresses by White House Black Market.
Another option for what to wear to a baptism as the mother is to pair a cute pleated skirt or a midi-length skirt with a blouse and closed-toe heels.
What to Wear to a Baptism as a Guest
As a guest attending a baptism, any modest dress with sleeves would be perfect. You’ll want to avoid bright colors and stick to a dress that comes in soft pastel colors or a floral print. Any spring-colored dress with sleeves or any dress that you would normally wear to church would be perfect. Just make sure to choose a dress that doesn’t show off your shoulders.
Alternatively, you could also wear dressy pants with a blouse or a midi or maxi skirt with a dressy blouse. Just make sure that your top isn’t low-cut or revealing. You’ll want to keep your baptism outfit conservative.
What to Wear to a Baptism for Men
As a man attending a baptism, any pair of chinos or nice pants with a long-sleeve button-up shirt would be perfect. Below are more ideas on what to wear to a baptism for men.
Shirts: Go with a solid-colored button-down shirt. Long sleeves or short sleeves would be good. Blue, white, salmon or a light pastel color would be good.
Bottoms: Chinos or dressy slacks.
Shoes: Any pair of closed-toe dress shoes would be perfect.
Blazer: It’s optional, but a blazer is suggested for men to wear to a baptism – especially the father.
Where to Shop for Dresses to Wear to a Baptism
Ready to buy a dress to wear to a baptism, but not sure where to shop? Below are a few ideas. My #1 recommendation would be to buy a high-low dress or a maxi dress online from Lulus. Nordstrom also has lots of classy dressy that are just perfect for wearing to a baptism.
1. Popular Department Stores
Department stores like Nordstrom, Macy's, or Bloomingdale's offer a wide range of formal and semi-formal dresses suitable for a baptism. They often have various brands and styles to choose from.
I would recommend searching for the Eliza J dresses on Nordstrom for a dress to wear to a baptism. The dresses by Eliza J usually have a nice A-line silhouette and ties around the waist, which are very flattering.
2. Popular Retailers
Websites such as Petal + Pup, Lulus, or Revolve (check out the dresses on REVOLVE by Free People, ELLIATT, and Yumi Kim Frida) offer an extensive selection of dresses for all occasions.
Browse their collections to find the perfect dress to wear to a baptism that fits your style and budget.
3. Specialized Retailers
If you are curvy or plus size, it can be a bit tricky to find a dress to wear to a baptism that doesn't scream "old lady." Thankfully, there are a few online retailers that sell flattering, feminine, and baptism-approved dresses online. Eloquii sells some really stylish satin maxi dresses with long sleeves and ties are the waist that would be just perfect for wearing to a baptism. Anthropologie also has quite a large amount of flattering, classy maxi dresses in plus sizes online that are perfect for wearing to a baptism. For a spring or summer dress to wear to a baptism for plus-size women, you will definitely want to check out Kiyonna online. Kiyonna has so many flattering floral knee-length and maxi dresses with sleeves.
4. Amazon
Amazon has so many modest dresses that are perfect for wearing to a baptism. Check out the maxi and midi dresses with sleeves by ZEISCA, ANRABESS, and MEROKEETY.
5. PinkBlush
If you are pregnant and need to buy a dress to wear to a baptism, check out the maternity dresses by PinkBlush.
6. Local Boutiques
Check out local boutiques in your area for unique and one-of-a-kind dresses. Supporting local businesses is also smart as well!
7. Consignment Stores
I personally LOVE to shop at consignment stores. If you aren't in a rush to get a dress to wear to a baptism right away, then check out consignment stores in your area.
Conclusion
Attending a baptism is a joyous occasion that calls for dressing with grace and style. By following these tips and suggestions, you'll be able to choose an outfit that is both modest and fashionable. Remember to respect the significance of the event by opting for light, pastel colors, and avoiding overly casual or revealing clothing. Dress comfortably, but always keep in mind the solemnity of the ceremony. With these guidelines in mind, you're sure to make a lovely impression while celebrating this special milestone in the life of your loved ones.
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