Guest Outfit Ideas | Bridal Shower Dress Code |  What Not To Wear  | Bridal Shower Guest Colors / Seasons

A fun bridal shower outfit will help set the tone at your friend's celebration. Check out some of our favorite trending bridal shower guest outfits below!

Bridal Shower Dress Code: What to Wear (& Not to Wear) As A Bridal Shower Guest

Bridal shower outfits are fun to shop for, fun to put together, and fun to wear! Since the dress code likely won’t be as formal as a wedding, you don’t need to spend a ton of money on your outfit. Check your closet for any sundresses, satin skirts, or jumpsuits that might work for the occasion. If not, it’s time to get started shopping! Below are some of our favorite bridal shower outfit ideas, some tips for choosing the perfect look, and color inspiration for embracing any season.

What To Wear As A Bridal Shower Guest: Outfit & Inspiration

Your bridal shower outfit should be comfortable, stylish, and somewhat modest. We highly recommend a mid-length dress or skirt paired with sandals or a short heel. If your dress is simple without a pattern, a little jewelry or a distinct purse will elevate your look just enough for the occasion. Keep in mind that you’ll be sitting a lot of the day, so pick something comfortable.

Midi Bridal Shower Guest Dress With Bows

Hoop Dangle Earrings | Moss Green Midi Dress

A short moss green dress with tan accessories is an earthy yet refreshing look. Green is a great bridal shower dress color for any season. It looks great with the florals of spring for a garden bridal shower and also suits the earthy colors of fall. Plus, this color looks flattering on most skin tones. 

Satin Wedding Guest Dress With Halter Neck

Satin Midi Dress in Rust | Tear Drop Earrings | Adjustable Bracelet

A shin length dress is one of our favorite options for bridal showers. This midi-length is a couple inches above the ankle so you won’t feel too formal in something floor-length but you’re not wearing something revealing either. A high neck halter style is another way you can feel modest without sacrificing style.

Cute Satin Midi Dress In Dusty Rose

Short Satin Dress in Dusty Rose | Moonstone Hoop Earrings

Embrace the feminine energy of the bridal shower with a soft pink dress. This short satin dress features a soft cowl neck and delicate spaghetti straps. Pair your pink bridal shower dress with equally feminine accessories like hoop earrings and strappy heels.

Romantic Cowl Neck Bridal Shower Guest Dress In Midi Length

Cinnamon Rose Cowl Neck Dress | Vintage Style Earrings

A cowl neck dress is perfect for accentuating your chest without wearing something low cut. A cowl neck just softly drapes across your chest which creates a sense of depth and texture. This classic cut can be paired with an interesting earring for a vintage-inspired look.

One Shoulder Midi In Dusty Blue

Dusty Blue One Shoulder Dress | Art Deco Drop Earrings

Asymmetrical shaped dresses provide a uniquely flattering shape and add interest to your look. A one shoulder satin dress could be balanced out with simple sandals and a cute pair of earrings. This look has touches of formality from the satin fabric and crystal earrings without making you feel overdressed.

Bridal Shower Guest Outfit Etiquette: How Do I Know the Vibe?

What you should wear to a bridal shower will differ from person to person. However, there are some guidelines you can follow to make sure you show up prepared. Make sure you take the details of the shower, the bride’s taste, and the dress code into consideration. Below are some tips for picking out an appropriate bridal shower outfit.

Match the Setting & Venue of the Bridal Shower

Location is a big indicator for what to wear to a bridal shower. A backyard wedding shower might be more laid back while a formal event venue might call for semi-formal or cocktail attire. Try to wear something slightly more upscale and slightly more modest than you would be for a typical get-together. For example, if the event is a bridal shower brunch and you’d normally wear a short and simple sundress, try a long flowy floral dress with puff sleeves instead.

@sydneydarwinphotography

Noting the venue will also help you prepare for temperature and comfort. Bring a cardigan or shawl if you think you’ll be cold. Wear something light and flowy if you think you’ll be warm. You can also try to determine if you’ll be standing, sitting, dancing, or walking depending on where you’re going. Wear comfortable shoes if you think you’ll be on your feet most of the event.

Look At the Bridal Shower Invitation For Dress Code Clues

Your invitation should provide all the information you need to determine what to wear to the bridal shower. What time is the event? Day time outfits are very different from nightwear. Is the event outdoors or indoors? You’ll want to be prepared for the temperature and elements if it’s outdoors.

The invitation may even have a specific dress code so make sure you read it thoroughly. If the bridal shower host is being thorough, they may even list the theme. If not, look at the style of the invitation. More often than not, the bridal shower invitation was bought to match the theme and you can plan your outfit to match.

Reach Out To the Host If You’re Still Unsure

The host has a lot going on but answering a quick message about the dress code should be easy for them. They would rather you show up prepared! The host probably has done their research on everything about planning a bridal shower, including outfits. Plus, they might have a specific vision or theme in mind that you can try to embrace in your clothes. It only takes a quick call or text!

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What Not To Wear As A Bridal Shower Guest

Knowing what not to wear to a bridal shower is incredibly important. While we don’t believe in rigid fashion laws, there are a few things you should avoid as you pick out your outfit. Certain colors or styles might be seen as a distraction from the bride. Below are some things you should try to avoid as you decide what to wear to a bridal shower.

Avoid Wearing White, Creams, And Pale Colors That Could Photograph As White

Everyone knows not to wear white to a wedding but we also recommend you apply that rule to wedding-related events, like the bridal shower. The bride is probably going to wear white or a similar light color to all of her pre-wedding celebrations. Try to avoid white or anything close. A pattern with a white background is probably okay though. Use your own judgement or ask a friend for their opinion. The goal is to let the bride stand out in her white outfit, so avoid wearing anything that looks bridal.

Don’t Wear Overly Casual Clothing (Unless Specified In Dress Code)

It’s not a wedding but the bridal shower is still a wedding event so dress accordingly. Jeans are probably a no unless the invitation specifically requested ultra-casual or western-wear. Tank tops, shorts, and ripped clothing should all be avoided.

Avoid Wearing Anything Too Revealing (Unless Requested)

You don’t want to wear an overly revealing outfit to a bridal shower for a lot of reasons. This is a bridal event and you should look put together for photos. Plus, the guest list will probably include everyone from the bride’s 6 year old niece to her 80 year old grandmother. Wearing an outfit that is somewhat modest will help make sure you look nice for the whole group.

Save Your Flashy Outfit for the Bachelorette Party

You can express your individual personality without wearing something distracting. The bride is the star of the day so your outfit should scream “supportive best friend” not “main character.” Save your sequin-covered dress for when you’re packing for the bachelorette weekend! Unless the dress code is specifically meant to be formal, over-the-top, or high-fashion, it’s best to keep your outfit simple yet stylish. 

Bridal Shower Guest Outfits By Season (& Favorite Colors)

Embrace seasonal colors as you look for the perfect bridal shower guest dress. Color has a big impact on your overall aesthetic. Try to choose colors that fit the theme of the bridal shower and the current season. Pastels and bright colors are great ideas for spring and summer. For winter and fall we love dark colors and jewel tones.

Spring & Summer Bridal Shower Guest Outfit Ideas

Freya in Dusty Sage | Etta Platinum in Buttercup | Rowen in Dusty Rose | Francesca in French Lilac

Light colors are a great way to embrace the sunny weather of spring and summer. Colors like sage green, french lilac, dusty rose, and buttercup yellow are all pastels that remind us of spring florals. You can also take the floral inspiration one step further with a flower patterned dress. Sundresses, linen fabrics, and vivid colors are all great ideas for a summer bridal shower.

Fall & Winter Bridal Shower Guest Colors & Outfit Inspo

Francesca in Maroon | Wendy in Rust | Rowen in Navy | Taye in Green

Fall and winter are a great time to opt for darker colors and textured fabrics. Try maroon, navy blue, or dark green for your winter bridal shower dress. For fall: try mustard yellow, rust, or burnt orange. Cooler seasons are an opportunity to break out the accessories that are too warm for hot weather like tights, boots, and cardigans. You can also wear longer dresses, heavier fabrics like velvet, and fun long sleeve dresses for extra warmth.

Choose a Chic and Classy Bridal Shower Guest Dress

Now that you have an idea of what you should look for in a bridal shower outfit, it’s time to start shopping! We highly recommend looking at mid-length bridesmaid dresses (not just because we sell them). A bridesmaid dress is modest, made with high quality fabric, affordable, and more upscale than a casual dress. If none of those are your style, try a long sundress or casual pantsuit. Whatever you choose, just make sure you look your best to celebrate the bride-to-be.

The bridal shower is just the beginning if you’re a bridesmaid. Want to know what’s next? Check out our complete guide to being a bridesmaid!

Bridesmaid & Maid of Honor Responsibilities + Events