What To Wear to a Baptism
Sophie Diego
Table of Contents
I wasn’t old enough to remember my baptism, considering I was a mere baby when it happened. Scrapbooks that held old pictures served to fill my memory, and most of them consisted of smiling family photos with little me cradled in my mother’s arms.
Fashion-wise, everybody looks at the candidate. I was wearing a frilly white dress with a matching headband that my mom stitched up for me. As for the guests, it was a mix between reused formalwear worn at my uncle’s wedding and Easter Sunday attire. In short, everyone looked stunning.
Dressing up for your niece’s or nephew’s baptism isn’t going to allow you access to the Met Gala anytime soon. For most, it’s just another excuse to wear a nice pair of trousers and iron that Sunday church dress.
While most gravitate to traditional garb, we encourage you to jazz things up a little. After all, baptisms are supposed to be a family celebration.
Not blessed with style knowledge? Don’t worry; we’ll show you what to wear to a baptism using 16 different outfits. From conservatively chic to the simplistically sweet, our selection is anything but ordinary.
What is a Baptism
Before we address what to wear to a baptism, we need to explain the event itself. A baptism is a Christian rite of passage that signifies admission to the church.
It’s a ritual that involves sprinkling holy water onto the candidate by a priest. The person getting baptized is usually a young child, and it’s usually a tradition held by several religious families.
What to Wear to a Baptism
Since baptisms are held at church, you should dress conservatively. It’s usually considered poor taste to show up with something revealing, such as a pair of distressed shorts, a plunge-style top, or a set of flip flops.
You don’t have to resort to full Amish in order to blend with the congregation. Nowadays, some houses of worship are a bit lenient on dress codes. Jeans, dresses that fall a little above the knee, and sneakers are accepted at most churches.
Considering that baptisms are an initiation ritual, you might want to opt for something cheerful and bright. This may include wearing pastel hues, floral print, and white.
You may want to be an extra cardigan in case it gets cold or even a spare change of clothes if you’re attending a lakeside baptism. If anything, it’s always a good idea to ask the candidate’s family what to wear. Who knows? Maybe they’re keen on a specific color theme.
If you’re still in a styling rut, we’re here to help you out. Below, we’ll feature 16 outfit ideas if you’re wondering what to wear to a baptism. Let’s get started!
16 Outfit Ideas for a Baptism
For those Googling ‘what to wear to a baptism godfather,’ this is the look to opt for. This outfit is giving me Easter Sunday realness due to the soft blue tones and the well-fitted pantsuit.
We aren’t sure what this blazer and trouser combo is made of, but it seems it’s constructed with a tweed and linen blend.
Whatever it is, it looks breathable, fresh, and vibrant—which is what you want to imbue at a baptism. Finally, the black turtleneck and matching loafers help break up the monotony of blue.
Sometimes a pop of color is all you need. In our opinion, the ‘what to wear to a baptism’ question is best answered with a simple dress and long sleeve underneath. For instance, this outfit features a loose, pastel yellow dress with a simple white turtleneck underneath.
It’s sweet, simple, and conservative enough for church. If you’re worried about showing too much leg, you can always fix it by wearing tights underneath. For accessories and shoes, we suggest keeping things minimalistic by going for dainty necklaces and nude ballet flats.
For those attending a spring baptism, it’s always a good idea to opt for bright pastel hues. Take, for instance, this outfit, which features a stunning combo of a blush pink midi dress, a cropped cardigan, and sneakers to match.
If the event takes place near a lakeside, it’s probably best to ditch the stiletto heels to avoid sinking into the ground. As always, we recommend debriefing your fit with the candidate’s family if you’re unsure of wearing tennis shoes to church.
Not a fan of wearing skirts? No worries; we’ve got you covered in our ‘what to wear to a baptism’ lineup. While you’re free to wear form-fitting trousers to your niece’s baptism, we suggest jazzing things up a little with a pair of wide-legged culottes. It helps provide that dress-like effect due to the amount of drapes and pleats.
It’s important to wear something slimmer for the top to help accentuate your figure, such as a simple black turtleneck. If you’re wondering what to wear for shoes, how about a plain pair of ankle booties?
Guys, we’ve got you covered too. If you’re wondering what to wear to a baptism as a guest, we suggest a pair of well-fitted plaid trousers and a flattering turtleneck top.
It’s a simple, refined look that can work for multiple occasions, such as the after-party you’re definitely attending after the event is over. Accentuated with brown leather loafers and a shiny watch, there’s really nothing more we can say about this outfit other than a complimentary chef’s kiss.
Of course, the best way to get inspiration for your cousin’s baptism is to opt for celebrity looks. Tan France is our role model today, as he’s wearing a stunning ensemble composed of a gray pantsuit, a salt-and-pepper button-down, and clean white sneakers.
Simple, elevated, and super flattering to wear, it’s something you should definitely achieve if the event calls for casual formalwear. As an added accessory, we recommend getting a matching pocket square to polish the entire look.
The best thing about the pantsuit is that it’s completely genderless. Anybody can rock the blazer and trouser combo—so long as it’s tailored to your proportions. This outfit features a stunning ensemble composed of fitted purple pants, a simple white tee, and a vibrant blue coat on top.
Sophisticated and refined, it still embodies that celebratory attitude that baptisms are all about. We highly suggest donning this OOTD if you’re wondering what to wear to a baptism godmother.
Speaking of Easter Sunday realness, this bright outfit certainly embodies that ‘Praise be to God’ vibe due to its vibrant hue. Dressed in head-to-toe yellow, this pantsuit combo is designed by luxury brand De La Vali.
It’s the look to opt for if you consider yourself a trendsetter with refined taste, as it features a well-fitted set composed of trousers and a clean-cut blazer. Heels and a white bag are an absolute must with this ensemble to help break the monotony of yellow.
If you’re never attended church before, you may feel a sort of ‘judgemental’ ambiance stirring throughout the congregation. I get that most services are welcoming and friendly, but I’ve definitely had my fair share of disapproving frowns from old aunties and grandmothers.
To prevent this from happening, we suggest opting for something smarter—such as a sweater vest. Paired with nude trousers, a white button-up, and ribbon-tie flats, it’s a sophisticated look that’ll at least guarantee a shrug of acceptance. This is what to wear to a baptism if you just want to blend in.
The easiest way to tackle the ‘what to wear to a baptism’ brainstorming frenzy is to opt for the simple midi dress. You can never go wrong with floral, and it’s a great print to wear during spring Sunday service.
We recommend pairing a bright-colored cardigan on top in case things get cold. Since baptisms are a formal event, we suggest switching your regular sneakers with a set of pointed-toe kitten heels for a more elegant look.
I get it; the pantsuit look isn’t everybody. While it’s flattering to the eye, it can get pretty stiff the longer you wear it. For those searching for ‘what to wear to a baptism casual outfit ideas,’ we recommend opting for a looser fit, such as this ensemble.
This OOTD comprises khaki pants, a navy cardigan, a white button-up, and a pair of blue boat shoes. We suggest wearing loafers instead for a more sophisticated look.
Baptism attire usually entails a midi dress, trousers, and a blazer. Jumpsuits aren’t traditionally included in the category, but we think it’s completely fine if it’s conservative in silhouette and tasteful in design.
For instance, this one-piece comes with loose bottoms, a modest neckline, and puffed sleeves for a touch of elegance. In addition, the wedge heels and the rattan bag help accentuate the entire look.
Churchwear and cottage-core go hand-in-hand together. Considering that the ‘prairie-girl’ look is already conservative, you can easily don your tiered midi dress for your nephew’s baptism.
This gorgeous look features a circle-skirt gown decorated with faint polka-dots. It comes with full sleeves, a shirred bodice, and a modest square neckline. We recommend styling the look with some platform heels for added height.
We’ll be honest; this look leans toward casual than it does fancy, but it’s a great look if the baptism calls for informal wear.
Composed, elegant, and refined in silhouette, this ensemble comes with fitted white trousers, a yellow collared sweater, a brown belt, and a pair of tennis sneakers.
We suggest subbing the shoes out for heels if you want to look more elegant. For accessories, a set of dainty hoops and a minimalist necklace can help add a bit of sparkle.
Vibrant, sophisticated, and oh-so-chic, the classic circle skirt and long-sleeve can never go wrong when attending formal events. The pop of red is just what you need to help you stand out as a guest.
We highly suggest wearing a pair of pointed-toe stilettos to help imbue that elegant vibe. Of course, the matching Gucci belt is considered a subtle flex, but hey, baptisms are considered a special occasion.
Considered another great take on the sweater vest collared shirt look, this outfit keeps things nice and clean in terms of design and silhouette. This ensemble features a light beige cable-knit layered with a 3/4 sleeve white tee.
The addition of the khaki pants helps in unearthing those clay tones in the top. It’s not pictured in the photo, but we suggest donning a pair of Oxfords to really imbue those downtoned collegiate vibes.
How to Choose The Best Baptism Outfit
The best baptism outfit must be modest in cut and flattering to the eye. Honestly, you shouldn’t need to shop for new clothes, as church events often require a hash of casual formal wear.
But, if you’ve never attended service before and are short of fancy attire, there are some things to look out for. Don’t worry; we’ll discuss this in detail to help answer the pivotal ‘what to wear to a baptism’ question.
Choosing the best baptism outfit requires you to consider four separate things: price, quality, material, and how easy it is to clean. Casual formalwear should last you for several events. With that in mind, it’s best to find a dress or pantsuit that’s made with high-quality materials.
Fabrics such as linen, organic cotton, and wool are quite durable in build, so you should definitely pay attention to product descriptions the next time you shop.
We don’t recommend sheer blends such as chiffon to wear at baptisms, as it’s not necessarily conservative. Plus, donning a chiffon blouse may warrant a cardigan since churches tend to get cold.
On the other hand, you may want to find a fit that’s easy to clean. For example, some baptisms take place near a lakeside or pond. While you won’t be required to bathe alongside the candidate, you’re still at risk of getting wet and dirty.
Of course, this may not apply to indoor rituals, as priests only use clean, holy water during the custom.
Naturally, well-made formalwear will entail a heftier expense. It all depends on your budget, as a $100 outfit may appear costly or cheap to some people. As always, it’s important to account for material, quality, and overall use when determining the value of clothes.
How to Style your Baptism Outfit
Answering the ‘what to wear to a baptism’ question shouldn’t be difficult at all. In fact, styling casual formalwear doesn’t require any fashion know-how—but there are some basic tips to consider. Here, we’ll discuss some general tips on how to fashion your baptism outfit:
- Modesty doesn’t have to be boring: Conservative can be chic too. Instead of opting for ‘singular’ outfits, we recommend layering your ensemble. It helps add visual interest, whether that be mixing patterns or textures.
- Have fun with accessories: if you want to stand out amongst the congregation, it’s always a good idea to pair accessories with your final look. This may include neck scarves, belts, shawls, or watches. Just remember to keep things simple.
- Don’t underestimate the power of kitten heels: Stilettos and ballet flats come with their own set of caveats. If you want the best of both worlds, kitten heels can help provide a bit of height while keeping that elegant touch.
- Bring a cardigan: If you’re attending an indoor mass, it’s best to bring a pullover if it starts to get cold.
- Don’t be afraid of color: White and black are usually the go-to for many church goers. If you’re wondering what to wear to a christening, it’s never a bad idea to opt for color, especially if it’s a baptism.
Fashion Tips to Avoid With your Baptism Outfit
Trust me; there are a lot of fashion no-no’s if you’re attending mass. You don’t want to be caught in a disapproving stare amongst your aunts and uncles.
For those who’ve already answered the ‘what to wear to a baptism’ question, here are some styling tips to avoid to help you stay clear of after-church gossip:
- Athleisure: this includes sweatpants, leggings, hoodies, and sports bras. Basically, you don’t want to look like you rolled into church after finishing a set at the gym.
- Super revealing clothes: when it comes to mass, modesty is the best policy. Body-con silhouettes, thigh slits, and off-shoulder tops are considered off the table at baptisms.
- Distressed anything: it’s usually considered poor taste to show up at a baptism wearing ripped jeans and shorts.
- Flip-flops or Tevas: this may seem self-explanatory, but churches don’t accept beachwear as formalwear.
- Head-to-toe black: Baptisms are a celebratory ritual, not a funeral. It’s always best to wear a pop of color to mark the event.
Best Places to Buy Baptism Outfits
Unblessed with a bare closet? There’s no need to worry. Instead of hitting up your local Walmart and Target, here are some better shops to visit to buy baptism outfits:
- Aritzia
- Oak + Fort
- Frank and Oak
- Banana Republic
- Everlane
- Kotn
Final Thoughts
Churchwear gets a bad rep for being boring and plain. From mundane colors to flaccid silhouettes, there’s no love or care put into conservative clothing. But, from the outfits we’ve featured, we learned that modesty can really be the best policy.
Full-coverage attire can be made fashionable so long as you’re equipped with the best fits, accessories, and styling know-how.
From pretty in pink to classic monochrome, here’s to hoping that you’ve gathered some initial inspiration for your baptism look. If not, you’re at least briefed of some styling sins.
You’ve got the baptism outfit covered, but what about wedding outfits, interview outfits, and even gym outfits? We’ve got you covered:
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