Had an influx of Christening invitations, but nothing to wear? You’re not alone.
Christenings are most popular around the spring and summer months, although they can take place during other times of the year too.
While some may prefer to wear a dress, others may be looking for a smart casual co-ord, trouser and blazer combo, or skirt and blouse ensemble.
What do Christening guests wear?
The difference when shopping for a wedding guest outfit, or mother of the bride ensemble, to a christening tends to be the structure of the dresses.
‘What does that mean?’ we hear you ask. Christenings are still a formal occasion, like a wedding, but slightly more relaxed, so you can opt for soft silhouettes, more playful with colours and prints, and styles, although floaty midi and maxi dresses are most popular.
Can you wear white or cream to a Christening?
Yes! The Duchess of Cambridge usually opts for a cream dress, which is tailored around the top, either featuring lapels or puff shoulder detail, but the bottom of the dress is a little shorter as her outfits have fallen to the knees, and been an A-line or looser cut for movement and comfort.
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Best outfits to wear for a christening
M&S
M&S is our go-to shopping destination for simply everything. From food shop to homeware, fashion, footwear and so much more.
The high street retailer stocks not only M&S own brands, such as Autograph, but also other fashion labels, such as Phase Eight, Joules, Nobody’s Child and many more, so you are bound to find the perfect outfit for all occasions.
Plus, Holly Willoughby has collaborated to launch a variety of collections over the years, and this Midaxi Tea Dress is one she has been spotted wearing.
Floral Round Neck Midaxi Tea Dress, £39.50, Marks & Spencer
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Daily Sleeper
Daily Sleeper is one of our favourite brands, especially when it comes to spring dressing.
Celebrities, including Millie Mackintosh, Leona Lewis and many other A-listers are fans of the label. While we love the pyjama-to-evening co-ord, we are chomping at the bit to find an event to wear the iconic Atlanta midi dress, which you can wear off the shoulder or with puff sleeve shoulder detail.
Sleeper + Net Sustain Atlanta off-the-shoulder shirred linen midi dress, £262, Net-A-Porter
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John Lewis & Partners
Similar to M&S, John Lewis stocks a variety of brands, from Whistles to Phase Eight, Alice Temperley, Nobody's Child and many more.
Whether you are looking for a lightweight wrap dress, or formal design, perhaps a two piece suit, or casual jumpsuit, you are spoilt for choice.
Jolie Moi Coleen Leaf Print Jersey Maxi Dress, £69 (Was £85), John Lewis
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Ted Baker
Ted Baker is a longstanding retailer shoppers often flock to when shopping for occasionwear.
What we love about Ted Baker is the brand does not shy away from flattering silhouettes, and feminine prints, patterns or detailing.
Ted Baker Leyona Floral Ruffle Maxi Dress, £177, John Lewis & Partners
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Boden
Boden is a firm favourite retailer with the royal family - we are looking at you Kate Middleton.
For those wanting to take a leaf out of the duchess’ style book can do so as there are plenty of dresses, smart trousers, and co-ords, to wear for your next christening.
While Boden has stunning dresses, for those who want to dress a little bolder this Smocked Bodice Midi Dress has your name on it, and is giving us major sixties vibes.
Smocked Bodice Midi Dress, £98, Boden
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River Island
River Island is the shopping destination to go to for those shopping on a budget.
While they have stunning dresses for formal and casual occasions, they also stock co-ords, or are need of blazers to pair over an outfit.
One in particular we have our eyes on, is this pink boucle, which is giving us major Chanel vibes, and you can dress up or down, wear together or separately, depending on the event. We know you will get your cost per wear out of this purchase.
Pink Boucle Blazer, £59, River Island
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& Other Stories
& Other Stories is the sister brand to H&M and Arket, so for those looking for luxe looking and good quality fabrics, which are still affordable, look no further.
& Other Stories has chic going out dresses, trendy casual pieces, as well as statement designs, maxi creations, midi-length alternatives and mini styles, and that is before we get onto the style.
Layered Ruffle Maxi Dress, £205, & Other Stories
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H&M
H&M is another firm favourite of ours when it comes to shopping for affordable occasionwear.
The label has a environmentally friendly and sustainable collection, titled Conscious, as well as an impressive array of other garments to see you through every event in every season - what more could we want.
What we love about H&M is the pieces look classic, timeless and chic, without breaking the bank.
Pleated chiffon dress, £39.99, H&M
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Mango
Mango is another popular high street store, which even Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner and Irina Shayk swear by.
Whether you are looking for a smart blazer to layer over a pair of tailored trousers for your next christening, or a dress, Mango has you covered.
Striped Wrap Dress, £19.99, (WAS £59.99), Mango
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Rixo
Let’s face it, we all lust after a Rixo dress, and only dream of owning a statement dress in our closets.
For those looking to blow the budget, and invest in a head-turning dress, then head straight to Rixo.
EVELYN - IVORY RETRO DOT, £315, Rixo
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Warehouse
Warehouse has been a longstanding fashion house for many years, which has trendy pieces to suit every shopper.
What we love is there is currently a sale on, and with hundreds of chic items reduced, this is the perfect time to snap up a bargain, and maybe overhaul your wardrobe.
Poplin Strappy Tiered Midi Dress, £12, Warehouse
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ASOS
ASOS is the leading affordable online retailer, and often the first place we head to when an invitation comes through to find a suitable outfit.
While there are hundreds of dresses to choose from, you can also shop blazers, co-ord sets, trouser suits, skirts and a nice top combos, and so much more.
Topshop satin backless blazer co-ord, £84, ASOS
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Nobody’s Child
Nobody’s Child is an eco-conscious label This Morning host Holly Willoughby often relies on when hosting the ITV daytime show.
The brand not only supports a good cause, but it also creates stylish designs, which are wardrobes are screaming out for.
Felicia Midi Dress, £55, Nobody’s Child
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Never Fully Dressed
Never Fully Dressed caters to every shopper's needs. Whether you are on the hunt for a dress, skirt, co-ord set, or accessories, it is your go-to.
What we love about Never Fully Dressed is most of the dresses can be styled multiple ways, which is great value for money, and ideal for those who may just wear one outfit once and never again.
Mink Long Sleeve Wrap Dress, £89.00, Never Fully Dressed
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Pretty Lavish
Pretty Lavish often goes under the radar, but it is a popular brand to shop for those wanting chic and feminine designs, with an affordable price tag.
Not only can you shop online at Pretty Lavish, but also other stockists, including Selfridges. You go Pretty Lavish.
Pretty Lavish Thea floral-print halterneck woven maxi dress, £85.00, Pretty Lavish
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Oasis
Oasis is a longstanding fashion retailer, which has stood the test of time. But it is no surprise as they have a wide range of garments; from trousers, and jeans, to skirts, dresses, jumpsuits and co-ords.
We dare you not to find something you love online - it’s impossible.
Metallic Jacquard Volume Sleeve Midi Dress, £87.20, Oasis
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Sister Jane
Sister Jane is famed for it's signature puff sleeve, or puff ball dresses, whether they are midi or mini.
For those wanting something feminine, and flattering, but also comfortable, and uber chic, Sister Jane is your go-to.
The label is also stocked on Zalando, Selfridges, as well as ASOS, so if you are on the hunt for a specific Sister Jane dress, you have plenty of stockists to shop.
Dream Sister Jane puff sleeve maxi dress in rainbow floral jacquard, £185, ASOS
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Aspiga
Aspiga may not be one of the first shopping destinations that come to mind when shopping for an event, wedding or christening, but it should be.
With a variety of stylish and on-trend pieces, you are guaranteed to look the part for all upcoming events in your diary this year - and every year to come.
Nancy Puff Sleeve Shirred Midi Dress, £95, Aspiga
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Whistles
Whistles is a popular shopping destination for any outfit, whethe rit is an occasion, heading to work, or weekend attire.
There is a vast array of stunning dresses to flatter all body shapes and suit all style preferences.
MOLLY MAXI DRESS, £199, Whistles
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Kitri
Kitri is one fashion label to have on your radar, whether you are shopping everyday looks or evening out dresses.
From maxi designs to mini length, printed creations or bold coloured designs, it has something for everyone - and we want it all.
Luna Star Midi Dress, £165, Kitri
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Finery
Finery is a popular label, which is a little more elevated than high street labels but not super expensive like designer brands, which makes it the perfect retailer to shop occasonwear.
Finery Claudia Midi Dress, Bordeaux Spot, from £59, John Lewis
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