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18 Best Bridal Shower Looks for Guests So You Can Dress to Impress

Look stylish without upstaging the bride-to-be!

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what to wear to a bridal shower
Ashley Alexander Photography

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Hooray, a loved one is getting married! There's so much celebrating to do, even before the big day arrives. There's the engagement party for the couple, the super fun bachelorette party for the bride, and, of course, the all-important bridal shower. Whether you're part of the team planning the bridal shower ideas or simply a guest, it's an honor to be a part of the day. You're helping the bride celebrate by literally showering her with gifts to start her new life.

But have you thought of what to wear to a bridal shower? You want to be festive yet respectful. You want to look your best but also not outshine the bride-to-be. If that sounds daunting, don't worry. Since the Drummond ladies have had so many special moments over the years, they've provided plenty of outfit inspo that you can look back on. Take a look at Paige's bridal shower outfits as well as the dresses Alex wore to Paige's bridal shower.

Here, you'll also find some advice on what to wear, so you look fabulous, feel comfortable, and, of course, keep from upstaging the bride. Think: cute floral dresses, comfortable heels, and looks that pull from your office and church wardrobes as well. Many of these ideas can even double as wedding guest dresses. Just make sure you read the invites carefully to determine how formal the ceremony will be. These ideas will help take the pressure off what to wear, so you can focus on what's really important: having fun with the bride!

All the Details on Paige’s Wedding:

1

Dress Up with Details

Dress Up with Details
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Credit: Ashley Alexander Photography

Take it from Alex: A pretty, feminine dress with thoughtful details is perfect for a bridal shower. Look for features like ruffles, lace, smocking, or puff sleeves to enhance the elegant vibe. Pair your dress with delicate accessories for a polished, charming look.

2

Consider the Venue

Consider the Venue
Credit: Ashley Alexander Photography

Why not let the venue guide your look? Ree's sister, Betsy, perfectly matched her farmhouse-chic dress to the location of Paige's shower. For a garden party, opt for light fabrics like chiffon or cotton in floral prints. If the event is in a formal indoor space, go for an elegant midi or wrap dress in classic tones.

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3

Select a Chic Silhouette

Select a Chic Silhouette
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Credit: Anna Koch

While white and cream are reserved for the bride-to-be, you can still take inspo from Paige's wedding shower outfit. It's made of a soft sweater knit fabrication with a sleeveless mock neckline that falls into a shift skirt which hugs just the right spots. Grab a similar dress in a different color for your upcoming showers.

4

Stick to the Season

Stick to the Season
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Besides the comfort of wearing a sweater dress in the winter for warmth or a short sleeve in the summer to stay cool, dressing for the season will make your outfit appropriate. Think: pastels in the spring and jewel tones when it gets colder.

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5

Get Dressy

Get Dressy
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Dressing up is part of the fun of going to a party! You can wear something a bit fancier, especially if the venue is a higher end place. Worried it's too fancy? Tone down your jewelry, perhaps wear a lower heel or flats, or layer with a sweater.

6

Pick a Fun Color

Pick a Fun Color
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By choosing to wear color, you avoid breaking the main rule of all bridal celebrations: don't wear white. That's the bride's color range, so that includes beiges, creams, and anything in that color family. And unless explicitly stated, you shouldn't try and match the bridal party to the exact shade either.

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7

Flaunt a Floral

Flaunt a Floral
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If you're worried about wearing a solid color, a flattering floral print is a great idea. It is just romantic enough to celebrate the occasion, yet it doesn't scream "bridal" either.

8

It's Okay to Be Comfy

It's Okay to Be Comfy
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Getting dressed up doesn't mean feeling constricted. Look for knit fabrics and details like smocking to keep you comfy while you celebrate. After all, you might be sitting (and partying!) for hours.

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9

Repurpose Your Work Wardrobe

Repurpose Your Work Wardrobe
Credit: Ann Taylor

A sleek tailored pant that you might wear to the office or church would absolutely work for a shower, especially if you aren't fond of dresses. Pop on a pretty blouse or sweater and you're all set!

10

Make Your Top Pop

Make Your Top Pop
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If you're going with a simple pair of dress pants or a solid skirt, don't be afraid to go a little bolder with your blouse on top. Try an elegant silky fabric or something with lace, ruffles, or bows to embrace the festive and feminine vibe of the occasion.

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11

Watch Your Hemline

Watch Your Hemline
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Credit: Lulus

There's a time and a place for that ultra mini party dress, but a bridal shower is not it. Thankfully, midi and maxi dresses are all the rage right now. They are stylish, respectful, and great for all seasons!

12

Check Your Neckline

Check Your Neckline
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There's nothing wrong with a beautiful V-neck blouse or a deep scoop neck dress. Just make sure that you're not exposing too much. Remember, much like your hemline, your neckline should reveal nothing but respect for the bride.

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13

Keep Your Footwear Classy Yet Comfy

Keep Your Footwear Classy Yet Comfy
Credit: Lulus

We get it: dressy shoes can be uncomfortable. But unless stated in the invitation, wearing super casual shoes like sneakers should be avoided. Find a comfortable pair of shoes like dressy flats, kitten heels, or stacked platforms instead.

14

Don't Go Full Bling

Don't Go Full Bling
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While you don't have to take off your diamonds, you do want the bride to shine more than your jewelry. Opt for more demure pieces like small pendants, stud earrings, and delicate baubles. The main focus should be on the bride and that engagement ring of hers!

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15

Layer It On

Layer It On
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No matter what the season, you never quite know what the temperature at the party will be. Layering with a cardigan or your favorite blazer will help make sure you feel comfortable. Plus, it helps just in case you need a little more coverage in certain areas.

16

Blue Is the New Black

Blue Is the New Black
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Credit: Madewell

Though it's not as much of a faux pas as wearing white, wearing black is a tough sell when you're supposed to be celebrating during the day. If you prefer darker tones, opt for navy or gray. Save your little black dress for an evening affair!

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17

Add Some Hair Interest

Add Some Hair Interest
Credit: Etsy

While some shower invites request hats or fascinators (fun!), that doesn't mean you have to avoid fun headgear if it's not required. Especially if you have a simple outfit on, a hair bow, headband, or fancy clip will dress your look up a bit.

18

Break Out the Fun Bag

Break Out the Fun Bag
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It's finally time to use that cute bag that's maybe a little too small or colorful for everyday use. While you want to avoid sequins and rhinestones and keep those for other occasions, a leather bag in a cheerful print or color will be a fun accessory to tote along with you.

Headshot of AnnMarie Mattila
AnnMarie Mattila
Senior Editor

AnnMarie Mattila is the Senior Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering a wide range of topics from food and cooking to home, beauty, style, and more.

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Macie Reynolds
Assistant Editor

Macie Reynolds is the assistant editor of E-Commerce and SEO for The Pioneer Woman.

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