When you're invited to an engagement party, it can seem like there are as many ways to dress as there are attendees. You want to wear something that feels festive and special but not over the top or inappropriate; chic, not dull; comfortable, but appropriate! Follow these tips on what to wear to an engagement party, and you'll be sure to wow your fellow guests with your classic style!
What is an Engagement Party?
An engagement party is sometimes called an engagement celebration or bridal shower. It can be hosted by the bride's parents or the couple themselves. These parties offer a fun and easy way to celebrate the soon-to-be marriage. It also helps you to share your wedding plans with friends and family. Resultantly, they can help plan the upcoming nuptials in exchange for engagement party favors! Engagement parties are fun and informal events that typically occur in the early stages of an engagement when the couple or bride-to-be announces the good news to family and friends. If you're invited to an engagement party, it's essential to dress appropriately. While there's no set rule on what to wear to an engagement party, there are specific guidelines you can follow.
What to Wear to an Engagement Party: For Women
If you're attending an engagement party, you want to be sure you look your best—but it can be tricky to know what's appropriate attire! Here are some tips for wearing to an engagement party as a female guest.
Rompers
If you are worried about showing too much skin or finding a cocktail dress that is stylish but not too short, a romper is a perfect choice. This popular trend is having a significant resurgence. It can be found in various styles on the market, including boho chic and modern silhouettes. Romper dresses are also fabulous because they don't require as many accessories and jewelry to pull off. They're easy to put together with a pair of sandals or heels, depending on your comfort level, with shorter hemlines. Since this dress is made from one piece, it will be easier to wear if you are pregnant and want to show off your growing baby bump.
Maxi Dresses
Maxi dresses are perfect for summer. They're comfortable and calm, making you feel like you're on vacation while walking into your best friend's party. Plus, a maxi dress is an excellent choice if the engagement party is being held in the evening. It might be too cold to wear shorts or an item of clothing shorter than knee-length. If you have doubts about choosing the color, try a black or white maxi dress. White will look good with sandals, wedges, or heels; black will work well with sandals and other colors of shoes (depending on the outfit).
Add jewelry or a statement necklace to complete the ensemble. You can also carry a clutch or small crossbody bag to match your maxi dress. If you decide to add a jacket or sweater, make sure it's lightweight so that it doesn't feel uncomfortable when inside.
Midi Skirts
Many women fear wearing skirts to formal events because they fear looking too frumpy or like they will be cold. But the fitting skirt can make you look put together and chic while providing warmth and coverage. Find a midi skirt that hits your knees (or below) in a dark color. You'll want it to have some structure, so it doesn't flare out when you walk, making you look bulky. Pair with tights and heels for the perfect winter party outfit!
Heels might not be necessary if the engagement party is in your hometown, but most of the time, heels are always a safe bet if you're not sure what to wear. If you don't want to wear them, then try boots instead. For this occasion, I recommend boots that hit about 2 inches above your ankle bone and up about 3/4ths of the way up your calf muscle.
Bodycon Dresses
A bodycon dress is one of the best options as it hugs all your curves without showing too much skin. And if you're feeling bold and daring, try a backless design that'll show off just enough skin while still looking elegant. Pair it with a blazer or jacket and strappy heels to balance the look. Choose something sophisticated and timeless, such as a suit, shift dress, or pencil skirt. If you want to wear something light and airy, go for a midi dress with spaghetti straps. Just make sure it's not too revealing! For evening wear, choose anything from flowing chiffon gowns to delicate lace dresses.
You can also wear jumpsuits or chic separates like jumpsuits or shorts paired with a top. Go for fitted pieces that will accentuate your waistline to elongate your silhouette. Dare to bare by wearing a deep V-neck top with matching high-waisted bottoms. Opt for wide-leg trousers teamed with an oversized shirt and stilettos if you prefer some coverage on the lower half. For shoes, always wear glamorous footwear like sandals or pumps instead of sneakers, giving any outfit a polished finish!
Slit Skirts
Slit skirts are an excellent choice for an engagement party. They elongate the leg and make it look like you're floating from room to room. Choosing a slit skirt can be more complicated than it sounds. The length of the slit and positioning of it, along with how tight or loose fitting your fabric is, will all affect how you feel in the garment. There's no need to stress about it too much, though! You'll find plenty of ways to wear a slit skirt with some creativity and effort. If the slit is high up on your thigh, pair it with high-waisted shorts or pants (preferably matching) to avoid giving off a risqué vibe.
If you have an asymmetrical hemline or want something different, try pairing it with opaque tights and sheer pantyhose on the other. The balance between opaque and sheer creates a delicate yet eye-catching appearance. Another option is wearing a short, fitted skirt under the slit with longer sleeves. You could also play around with patterns like polka dots or stripes and choose contrasting colors like black & red for extra pizzazz.
Cocktail Dresses
The Cocktail dresses perfect if you're on the go or do not have much time in your day-to-day life to plan outfits. To not stress about what clothes to wear, shop for capsule wardrobes. Take one item from each category (tops, bottoms, dresses) and mix it up! That way, you'll always be able to put together something stylish. Capsule wardrobes are an excellent way to ensure that your wardrobe matches all occasions, no matter how busy your schedule is. If you don't want to spend too much money on a dress that might only get worn once, opt for black pants and a chic blouse or shirt instead. The contrast between the two colors will help you stand out amongst the other guests at the party.
Shift Dresses
Shift dresses are effortlessly chic and timeless, making them the perfect attire for a special occasion. Shift dresses can be worn in various ways, but here are three of our favorite ways to wear this style of dress:
- With a statement necklace to make your outfit pop.
- With sneakers or flats for a more casual look.
- With heels and earrings for that extra oomph.
You can never go wrong with this dress. It's easy to find and comes in different colors, so you'll have no problem finding the right one. Pair it with a denim jacket if you're looking for something on the edgier side. Dress it up with some tights and heels for a night out.
Leather Pants
Women can achieve a style-savvy look with leather pants that are fitted at the waist and flare at the ankle. The best part is, if you plan on sitting down, these styles should be more comfortable than your average pair of jeans. If this is not your preference, try bootcut styles that are typically wider at the hemline. Crop tops are also great for summer engagement parties as they offer extra coverage and beautiful touch.
Pair your crop top with high-waisted jeans or trousers for a chic ensemble. You could even tuck in your blouse for a more professional look. Add a suede belt to cinch in the waistline if necessary. For shoes, I recommend strappy sandals, heels, or flats so that you can walk around comfortably all night long!
What to Wear to An Engagement Party: For Men
An engagement party is a perfect opportunity to show your support to the happy couple. But what are you supposed to wear? Not every day, you have an engagement party thrown in your honor, so men must dress appropriately. The whole point of an engagement party is to enjoy yourself, so here are different dresses to wear as a male guest in an engagement party.
Black Attire
This dress category is a formal black tie, a tuxedo with a white or dark-colored shirt, a white bow tie, or black or brown shoes. You may also want to consider carrying a nice overcoat if the event turns out to be much more relaxed than anticipated. Rental and purchase are available from most men's clothing stores. The most expensive items are the suit itself and the shirt. It can cost up to $300 but usually goes for about $150-200, depending on where you go.
However, if you have a friend who owns one and will let you borrow it, many other places offer rental services (check with your local theater). If not renting, try finding them on eBay or amazon since they tend to be cheaper there.
Semi-Formal Attire
Arguably, the most formal men's attire would be a dark navy or black suit with a white shirt and tie. But, as we have seen in our list of party outfits for men, it doesn't have to be so stiff! A crisp button-down shirt with khakis or well-fitted denim is easy to find at stores like the Banana Republic and J.Crew. Add a sport coat or blazer and some dress shoes if you want to go more upscale. Or dress up your outfit with a bowtie and suspenders for a more old-school style.
You can also wear a tuxedo jacket over jeans and sneakers or sneakers with jeans. And finally, don't forget about your hat! You can try out different types until you find one that suits you best, from an Indiana Jones fedora to an Old West cowboy hat.
Smart Casual Attire
As the event is a social occasion, smart casual attire such as dark denim jeans and a light-colored button-down shirt is perfect for men. Additionally, with so many ladies in attendance, it's essential to wear something that doesn't clash with the women's clothes. Avoid wearing anything too bright or bold, and always be aware of your surroundings. You never know who you might run into! Sticking to neutrals will make sure that no one gets offended. For more stylish options, try mixing colors by pairing your outfit with an ivory suit jacket over a textured black turtleneck.
Add a pair of leather dress shoes and some rugged-looking leather gloves to complete the look. If you're going more formal, throw a navy blue blazer over a white dress shirt and khaki pants. Finish off the look with a tie, belt, and polished loafers.
Jeans and T-Shirt
Sometimes, you have to go casual. It would help if you stuck with black or dark-colored jeans and a neutral-colored T-shirt. Keep the shirt untucked, and consider slipping on some leather loafers to dress it up a bit. If you like taking your look to the next level, add an aviator bomber jacket or blazer to your ensemble. If you're going to be indoors all night, pair your outfit with lace-up boots. A tuxedo is always appropriate for any formal event—if that's what you're going for, choose a single-breasted option in navy blue.
Black pants paired with a black suit jacket are also an elegant choice that can be dressed down by adding sneakers instead of dress shoes. Dressy chinos with a striped button-down and matching tie are perfect for summer events. Stay away from anything too bright or flashy, as this might not match the party's mood. An easy way to stay warm outdoors during summer is wearing brown khakis and an oxford cloth button-down shirt.
Dark Suits with Light Accents
We love a good dark suit! This will never go out of style and looks extra sharp with some lighter colors. If you're going the more casual route, this look is perfect with fun socks, loafers, or tassel loafers and a tie. It's also important to ensure your belt matches your shoes so that everything is coordinated. If you plan on wearing something similar to the groom's, don't forget about accessorizing with cufflinks and a pocket square. Lastly, if it's chilly outside, add a blazer for an extra layer of warmth.
A light-colored sweater over a dress shirt with khakis is another option. For guys who are feeling adventurous, try pairing white pants with a navy shirt and boat shoes. Another fun way to stay cool during summer is by pairing denim shorts with a button-down shirt and sneakers. Lastly, we recommend adding a vest when wearing a button-down without a jacket or blazer.
Colorful Accents
Look no further. We have come up with great options that will make you look like a million bucks. The key is to mix and match colors, textures, and patterns to create the perfect ensemble! Don't be afraid to wear shades or patterns that may not typically go together (i.e., light blue and green). Wear a statement piece in one of these colors on your shirt or belt buckle to stand out. You can also tie it into your shoes or cufflinks if possible! Consider what color the bride-to-be's dress is when choosing your tie, so it matches her perfectly.
If you're wearing jeans, opt for a navy suit instead of black because they are more appropriate. If your trousers are plain, consider adding a colorful pocket square or socks to add some pizzazz. One last thing: don't forget to ask the bride-to-be about any dress code requirements before getting dressed!
Engagement Party Dress Code
Here are some rules for the engagement party dress code:
What to Wear in an Engagement Party If You Are Single?
As a single guy, this may seem like a silly question, but you don't want to be that guy who shows up in shorts. If the invitation said cocktail attire, I would recommend dark jeans or khakis and either a collared shirt or a dress shirt with no tie. You could also wear a blazer and some nice pants to stand out from the crowd. There are so many shoe options; choose something that compliments your outfit. A classic pair of loafers will work well with your firm if you wear more formal clothing. For those going casual, sneakers are always a great option as long as they match the rest of your outfit. The important thing is to have fun at the event!
What to Wear to Your Engagement Party?
If you are getting ready to attend an engagement party, you will want to ensure that your attire is appropriate. Look at the part of the happy couple with these tips. For men, consider wearing a button-down shirt or polo shirt with dress pants or jeans. For women, wear a lovely sundress or formal cocktail dress with heels. A clutch purse completes the look for both sexes. Your choice of jewelry should reflect your style, but keep it understated so as not to distract from the bride-to-be's accessories. Limiting yourself to one necklace and one bracelet is a good rule. Watches should be worn on the right-hand wrist. Keep your shoes polished and in good condition because you never know what might happen!
What to Wear on an Engagement Party If You Have a Significant Other ?
If you're in a relationship, your significant other might be just as stressed about what to wear. An engagement party is often a black-tie event, but don't let that scare you off. Many black-tie alternatives should work well. For example, if the party is being held at an outdoor venue and it's not your future mother-in-law's house, wear a tuxedo jacket with jeans and dress shoes. It's not too difficult to find a place where you can rent a tuxedo jacket. All you need is two pieces of identification and a credit card for a security deposit.
Find an outfit that contrasts its color schemes. For example, you can choose a charcoal suit paired with a navy blue shirt and a red tie. Then accessorize with a white pocket square, matching suspenders, and bowtie.
Accessories You Can't Go Wrong With on Your Engagement Party
Make a solid first impression with an impeccable sense of style. The right accessories can make all the difference in creating your desired look, but it can be hard to choose the best for you. Luckily, we've got your back! Here are different accessorized looks that will be perfect for any formal occasion.
- Gold cufflinks or tie bar
- Bold striped bowtie
- White pocket square
- Conservative suit or tuxedo
- Knot cufflinks
- Jewelry and necklace (optional)
- Athletic wear is not acceptable for this event
- Neatly manicured facial hair or close shave
Conclusion
An engagement party marks the official coming together of the bride and groom’s families. It’s a celebration that’s often as important to the parents as it is to the couple getting married. This means that, like your wedding day, this occasion demands that you look your absolute best — and what you wear to an engagement party can make or break how others perceive your social status. Engagement parties are formal and casual, depending on the time of day and whether or not dinner will be served. Cocktail attire would be appropriate for an early afternoon party. However, if dinner is made, you’ll want to wear something more excellent, such as a dark dress or suit with a tie. The general rule of thumb is to dress one level up from what you would normally wear in that situation.
FAQs About What to Wear to An Engagement Party
Here are different questions about what to wear to an arrangement and answers from some real wedding experts. We hope these answers help you decide what to wear on this particular occasion, whether you're the bride or the groom-to-be!
What are the rules regarding colors at an engagement party?
There are no hard and fast rules for colors at an engagement party. It is generally considered a more formal affair, so dressy clothing is the norm. Some couples will choose a color scheme, but if they don't, you should err on the side of conservatism and stick with one color or dark colors such as navy blue. If you must wear something brightly colored, pair it with neutral colors like cream or white.
Avoid clothes with sequins or anything metallic, as they can be easily stained. Evening gowns are appropriate for any time after dinner. Jeans are never fitting, and neither are shorts. The general rule is to dress up enough, so you're not embarrassed by your attire. But also, do not dress up too much where it's uncomfortable, and make sure your shoes match your outfit!
How do I decide on shoes for an engagement party?
Different regions have different opinions on this, but many people recommend a dressy shoe over a sandal. They are typically more formal. There are two kinds of shoes that you could choose from: heels or flats. They both have advantages and disadvantages, so pick whichever one you feel most comfortable in. However, heels would be better if your dress has an ankle length or a higher cut. If you choose heels, ensure they are not too high for your comfort level. You want to ensure you can walk comfortably in them without feeling off balance.
The second thing to consider is whether or not the party will require a lot of walking. If it does, then choosing flat shoes might be best. It gives your feet room to breathe at the end of the night when all those long walks take their toll on your feet.
What jewelry should I choose for an engagement party ?
Although the engagement ring is traditionally a diamond, you may want to choose something different. For example, if you have a family heirloom that has been passed down from generation to generation, this would be the perfect opportunity to showcase your unique jewelry piece. It's also possible that you want your engagement ring to match the color of your partner's eyes. Talk it over with them and then decide together.
What outfit combinations are appropriate for different seasons?
When selecting your outfit for a wedding, it is crucial to consider the season and the type of event you are attending. Traditionally, weddings are more formal during the fall and winter months. At these events, ladies dress in full-length gowns with heels and a jeweled clutch. While this may be considered the typical winter wedding attire, many other options are available.
For example, if you live in a warmer climate, such as Florida or California, wearing a full-length gown might not be the best option. For these regions, sundresses and flat sandals might be more appropriate. In addition to considering the time of year, also consider who will attend the event when deciding on your outfit.