A new addition to your family is always cause for celebration. So, if the baby’s parents have decided on a formal naming ceremony for their little one, what should you wear? Take a look at these christening outfit ideas if you’re thinking about what to wear to a christening or baby naming ceremony.

What to think about when putting together christening outfits

A Christening is a formal occasion, just like a wedding. But it does tend to be a bit more relaxed, so you can think about softer silhouettes and playful prints.

If there’s no dress code on your invitation, I would take your cue from the venue and tailor the formality to the event location. You can wear anything from knee-length to midi or maxi dresses, jumpsuits, separates or suits. I would tend to avoid jeans unless you know it’s a more casual affair.

If you have a big role to play (maybe you’re a godparent), you might want to dress more formally. You also want to make sure that you are comfortable – after all you may be playing with children, or holding a baby during the day.

Nora wears satin pants and a poncho | 40plusstyle.com

Nora @juststylela (read her style interview here) opts for an all neutral outfit that would work well for spring and summer events.

Get her look with this similar poncho (another option here), pants (another option here), sandals, clutch and necklace.

White jacket and print dress outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Hobbs London Elize JacketTed Baker London Maudee Patterned Halter Neck JumpsuitCOS Buckled Strappy SandalsHobbs London Cordelia WedgeHobbs London Kali SandalHobbs London Maisie ClutchEttika Linear Crystal Drop Earrings

Can you wear black or white to a christening?

While there are no hard and fast rules, white tends to be associated with weddings, and black with funerals, so you may want to think about different colors or neutrals. Or, you could always wear white or black pants with a top in a different shade.

The Princess of Wales usually looks impeccable for formal occasions, so you could also take a look at our article on how to dress like Kate Middleton for inspiration.

Josephine wears a blue dress and sparkly shoes | 40plusstyle.com

Josephine @chicatanyage (read her style interview here) shows off a more formal look that would work well if you are a Christening guest, or you are attending a wedding this season.

Recreate her outfit with this similar jacket, skirt, flats and necklace.

Print blouse and black skirt outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Ted Baker London Harlynn Floral Flutter Sleeve Chiffon TopCOS Asymmetric Midi Wrap SkirtHobbs London Cordelia WedgeHobbs London Lundy WristletEttika Linear Crystal Drop Earrings

How to dress for a christening

Now, let’s move onto some specific Christening outfit choices, incorporating both casual and formal looks, so you can tailor your choice to your event.

what to wear to a christening: tops

If you’re attending a Christening which isn’t super formal, wearing separates works well. You could look out for tops with more structure to make sure you elevate your look, or choose drapes, ties and prints for a more playful look.

Tops to wear for a Christening | 40plusstyle.com

Hobbs London Ember TopTed Baker London Thaliya Side Tie TopTed Baker London Harlynn Floral Flutter Sleeve Chiffon TopTed Baker London Emiliah Floral Chiffon Faux Wrap Blouse

Emms wears a white blouse and pink pants | 40plusstyle.com

Emms @beautifuleveryday_uk‘s chooses soft shades of pink and white, which can be nice choices for a baby’s Christening. If you needed to up the formality, you could always add a blazer.

Get her look with this similar blouse (another option here), wide jeans and platform sandals.

jackets and coats

Depending on the venue, Christening or naming ceremonies may be in church, which doesn’t tend to be very warm, or they may be partly held inside, and then maybe the reception could be outside. Therefore, make sure you have a coat or cover up to stay warm.

You can instantly make your outfit look more formal by adding a blazer. Or, if you prefer a coat, choose a shorter jacket that ends at your waist, which would work for dresses and pants. If you’re wearing a dress, you’ll want a coat that ends at, or just below the hemline of your dress.

Jackets and cats to wear for a Christening | 40plusstyle.com

Treasure & Bond Stripe Linen Blend BlazerHobbs London Elize JacketHobbs London Sophie TrenchHobbs London Saskia Trench

Stripe blazer and white pants outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Treasure & Bond Stripe Linen Blend BlazerTed Baker London Thaliya Side Tie TopTed Baker London Eliziie Wide Leg TrousersHobbs London Cordelia WedgeHobbs London Lundy WristletEttika Linear Crystal Drop Earrings

Dresses, jumpsuits and skirts

If you aren’t sure what to wear, then you really can’t go wrong with a pretty, print dress. Or, choose a skirt, and then add a print or colorful blouse. If you choose a sleeveless option, you can always add one of the cover-ups from above.

Dresses, jumpsuit and skirt to wear for a Christening | 40plusstyle.com

Hobbs London Carly Spot Midi DressTed Baker London Marllee Tiered Midi DressTed Baker London Maudee Patterned Halter Neck JumpsuitCOS Asymmetric Midi Wrap Skirt

Fonda wears a floral maxi dress | 40plusstyle.com

Fonda @savvysouthernchic wears a beautiful maxi dress that would work well for a baby naming ceremony, or for your vacation. If you feel you need the look to be more formal, you can always swap the rattan bag for a clutch bag.

Check out these maxi dresses from Amazon and Chelsea28 (plus size here) that you can wear with this similar pair of sandals, bag, necklace and earrings.

pants

Of course, you don’t have to stick to dresses or skirts. A pair of pants can work just as well for most occasions. For a Christening, you could opt for pale or bright colors and let your pants be the star of your outfit, or you could choose a pair of print pants and a block color top. If you have a pair of black pants in your closet already, you could always wear them with a stylish blouse.

Pants to wear for a Christening | 40plusstyle.com

ANINE BING Carrie PantsHobbs London Suki PantsTed Baker London Eliziie Wide Leg TrousersBoden Relaxed Linen Pull On Trouser

Trench coat and black pants outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Hobbs London Saskia TrenchTed Baker London Emiliah Floral Chiffon Faux Wrap BlouseANINE BING Carrie PantsCOS Buckled Strappy SandalsHobbs London Maisie ClutchTed Baker London Crissty Large Crystal Drop Earrings

shoes

You can wear flats or heels to your event, depending on what you feel comfortable in. Just think about how much you might have to walk or stand, and whether you might be walking on any uneven surfaces or grass.

Shoes to wear for a Christening | 40plusstyle.com

COS Buckled Strappy SandalsHobbs London Cordelia WedgeHobbs London Kali SandalHobbs London Sia Loafer

Jess wears a beige and peach outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Jess @elegantlydressedandstylish (read her style interview here) chooses a soft color palette of beige and peach.

Steal her look with this similar linen blazer (another option here), skirt, sandals, bag, necklace and earrings.

accessories

Switching up your accessories can take a look from being more casual to formal. For a Christening, you’re likely to want to carry a formal clutch bag. If it’s a very formal event, you can always add a hat or a fascinator. You’ll find our ultimate guide on how to wear a hat in this article.

Accessories to wear for a Christening | 40plusstyle.com

Hobbs London Maisie ClutchHobbs London Lundy WristletHobbs London Ottilie FascinatorKarine Sultan Braided Link Collar NecklaceTed Baker London Crissty Large Crystal Drop EarringsEttika Linear Crystal Drop Earrings

Print dress and pink coat outfit | 40plusstyle.com

Hobbs London Sophie TrenchHobbs London Carly Spot Midi DressTed Baker London Marllee Tiered Midi DressHobbs London Kali SandalHobbs London Maisie ClutchHobbs London Ottilie FascinatorTed Baker London Crissty Large Crystal Drop Earrings

where to shop for your christening outfit

If you aren’t sure where to look for your Christening outfit, then the below stores are a good starting point for dresses and outfits that are a little more formal.

The Christening outfits we featured

Below you can see your Christening outfits inspiration together in one capsule. You could easily mix and match the bottoms, tops and jackets to create different looks.

Plus, when your event is finished, you can wear many of these more casually. For instance, you can team the blouses with your favorite jeans, or wear the print dresses with a denim jacket.

Do you have your own tips for what to wear to a Christening? You can add them in the comments below.

Christening outfits | 40plusstyle.com

Continue reading:

  1. Semi Formal Attire For Women – What The Dress Code Means And When To Wear It
  2. The Best Casual Party Outfits That Make An Impact
  3. What To Wear To A Cocktail Party
  4. What To Wear To A Casual Wedding In Summer

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What to wear to a Christening, Baptism or Baby Naming Ceremony | 40plusstyle.com

Feature image by Jospehine @chicatanyage

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