What to wear to a bridal shower—outfit inspiration for brides and guests

When it comes to what to wear to a bridal shower, these outfits are no-brainers

What to wear to a bridal shower street style inspiration jumpsuits and floral dresses
(Image credit: Getty/Future)

Like any social occasion, figuring out what to wear to a bridal shower can be tricky to navigate. If you’re finding yourself overwhelmed with outfit possibilities, we’ve rounded up our favorite fail-safe looks to give you some serious style inspiration.

Less formal than the actual wedding but not as dressy as a bachelorette party, a bridal shower tends to be a daytime affair such as a brunch or afternoon tea. Deciding how dressy to go will often depend on the venue but if you keep it smart-casual, you can’t go wrong. Think the best midi dresses with pretty, comfortable flats or a floaty skirt with the best t-shirt for an effortless outfit that still looks well put together.

If you’re the bride, you can help dictate the aesthetic. You may want to wear white as a nod to the big day or pick something completely different and go for bright color clothes or a punchy print to make a statement. If you're still looking for the best bridesmaid dresses, make sure to check out our guide for extra tips.

Guests will want to look like they’ve made the effort without stealing any attention away from the bride. Look to classic prints such as florals and polka dots and relaxed silhouettes such as wrap dresses and a-line skirts to keep you comfy and stylish. And if you’re wondering what to wear to a wedding we have a guide for that too.

What to wear to a bridal shower—five outfit ideas as chosen by a fashion editor

1. Floral Frock

Street style what to wear to a bridal shower floral frock

(Image credit: Getty)

What you need…

Romantic and feminine, a floral dress is a chic choice for a bridal shower. Minimal styling required, the pretty print does all the hard work for you—just throw on and go! Give it a tougher edge and add stompy boots or try a chunky sandal for a sporty twist. If you're worried about thigh rub in the summer, then make sure to bag a pair of the best anti chafing shorts to navigate the issue, without compromising on style

A styling tip…

If you need an extra layer, a relaxed blazer will add extra polish without stealing away from the look. Stick to neutral hues to keep it versatile.

Our fashion editor recommends…

2. Relaxed Tailoring

Street style what to wear to a bridal shower relaxed tailoring

(Image credit: Getty)

What you need…

Go for something unexpected and try a stylish two-piece for a modern look. Keep it playful rather than corporate and look for relaxed fits—wide-leg trousers and oversized blazers will work like a charm. Mix in pops of color for a fun vibe and to give a nod to the Dopamine Dressing trend, one of the biggest fashion trends 2022 has to offer.

A styling tip…

Pair with casual wardrobe essentials to keep the look feeling relaxed. Try layering over a simple t-shirt or cami and finish off with box-fresh trainers.

Our fashion editor recommends…

3. All-in-one

street style what to wear to a bridal shower jumpsuit

(Image credit: Getty)

What you need…

A jumpsuit is a chic dress alternative as it’s just as easy to wear but with a slightly cooler edge to it. You can keep it more casual and opt for a boilersuit or try a flowy printed number for an understated yet elegant outfit. This is a great outfit if the event runs into the evening.

A styling tip…

Elevate this look with a low-heel. Mules are easy to slip on and off but if you need something a bit sturdier that’s just as stylish, try a slingback.

Our fashion editor recommends…

4. Skirt + Tee

street style what to wear to a bridal shower skirt and tee

(Image credit: Getty)

What you need…

Bridal showers are happy occasions so why not inject some bold color to your look with a clashing skirt and tee combo. Make the skirt the star of the show and go for a silky slip style or a pretty print and keep your top half more pared-back. You can wear heels or flats with this look and finish off with some delicate jewelry.

A styling tip…

Try a boxy tee to keep the look relaxed and half-tuck in the front to help streamline your shape and show off the waist.

Our fashion editor recommends…

5. All White

street style what to wear to a bridal shower all white

(Image credit: Getty)

What you need…

  • A white dress or jumpsuit
  • Polished accessories
  • A classic jacket

This one is for the brides out there who want to make an impact at their bridal shower. You can stick to a classic white dress but keep it more casual in shorter hemlines or breezy fabrics. A white jumpsuit or two-piece will also make a statement while giving a subtle nod to your wedding gown. While you won't want to wear your special wedding shoes pre the big day, if you're going for an all-white look for your bridal shower, draw inspiration from our guide on the best wedding shoes for brides, so you can pair your outfit up in style.

A styling tip…

If you don’t want to go too far down the bridal route, inject color to this look and team with tan accessories or a soft pastel jacket.

Our fashion editor recommends…

Charlie Bell

Charlie is the Deputy Fashion Editor at Future plc across multiple women’s magazines including Woman & Home, Woman and Woman's Own.


She bagged her first magazine job in 2009 and has previously written for titles including Stylist, Closer and Dare. Over the years Charlie has embraced anything that was thrown at her from styling celebrities to testing out the best jeans on the high street to writing about must-have beauty buys.


With a weakness for a printed midi dress, Charlie is on a mission to shop more sustainably and loves finding new ethical brands and second-hand buys.