If You Don’t Know What to Wear to Your Next Bridal Shower, Here Ya Go

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Alright, let's talk bridal shower tings! As someone who's been to a bajillion and has been a savior to the bride bridesmaid countless of times, I know a thing or two about dressing up for every bridal activity. More conservative than the bachelorette party looks but less formal than the actual wedding ceremony attire, the bridal shower is the time to bring out the sweet floral dresses, midi skirts, and jumpsuits. It's the chic moment before the turn up and boy, do we love to turn up.

If you’re the bride, lucky you! It’s up to you to choose the vibe of the party—and since it’s your day, you can wear whatever you want. With that said, having endless options to choose from can be overwhelming, especially when you have multiple events and need an outfit for each. Many brides go for an all-white look, but you definitely don’t have to.

If you’re a guest, the real challenge when choosing what to wear to any event celebrating the bride is picking an outfit that isn’t too much but is still enough. Confusing, we know. Luckily, this list will help you on both sides of the coin, whether you’re the bride planning or a guest who’s googling what the heck this event is even about. (You've got this!)

Our top picks for what to wear to a bridal shower:

Below, browse 27 bridal shower outfits that not only are appropriate for the occasion but you’ll also want to wear again later. BTW, we got you covered for wedding guest dresses, too!

Silk Bias Midi Dress

How about a nod to the '90s with a silky midi?

Executive Jumpsuit

A white, square-neck jumpsuit is such an obvi choice for any bride-to-be!

La Raque Floral Smocked Organza Midi Dress

Add an extra dose of whimsy to the special moment with this organza midi.

Jacquard Skater Mini Dress

If this doll-like silhouette isn't enough to make you swoon, the oversized bow and jacquard details might just do the trick.

Tie Strap Wide Leg Jumpsuit

Shine bright in a wide leg jumpsuit that's topped with pretty bow details.

Midi Satin Skirt

A slip skirt in a pastel hue will serve you well for so many occasions. If you're heading to toast to a friend's marriage, though, pair it with a classic tank top and your sleekest heels. S'cute!

Nikki Dress

Make 'em dizzy in a simple, curve-hugging dress.

Puff Sleeve Midi Dress

This puff sleeve option is so dang fun; the flower print is both of-the-moment and timeless.

Evie Midi Sress

Keep it comfy and cozy with a knit dress. This pick is simple enough to wear over and over again—even after you get married.

The Friday Shirt

Heading to an outdoor shower? Keep it cool in a breathable, retro print top and bottom.

Chiffon Clip Floral Hi-Low Top

If you're a more casual bride, dress up some denim with a pretty chiffon top in a hi-low silhouette.

Hayden Floral Print Ruffle Maxi Dress

Pull out all the stops with a dress that's bright, has ruffles, tiers, and is super colorful.

100% Linen Tie-Waist Wide-Leg Jumpsuit

This linen jumpsuit is perf for the guest who wants to be cool but chic.

Convergence Ruffle One-Shoulder Sheath Minidress

This dress simple, elegant, and statement-making—all at the same time.

Hami High Waist Pants

This shimmering top and high-waisted pant by Andrea Iyamah will totally blow everyone away.

Pixie Ruffle Georgette Body-Con Cocktail Dress

The green hue is so bright and bold, and the tiers add extra interest to a classic silhouette. I'll take 10, thanks.

Rose Crochet Dress

You honestly can't go wrong with pink, especially when the look has cutouts and a crochet lil masterpiece in the middle.

Utopia Dress

Whether you wear this bodycon dress with fun sandals or some strappy heels, you can't lose.

Yellow Floral Lulu Dress with Detachable Rose

Don't shy away from a good shimmery moment. Same goes for ruffles and floral appliqués.

Strapless Midi Dress

If frills aren't really your thing, opt for this classic pink column dress. It's still colorful and fun, but you won't be dealing with extra fabric or embellishments.

Brailey Dress - Strapless Mini Dress in Orange Jacquard

Go for a strapless look if you're into no-fuss vibes. This orange jacquard mini is perf for just the right amount of slay.

Isabella Satin Slip Dress

She a baddie—she know she a 10...especially in this satin slip dress.

SEHER Manmzel

Give yourself a Carrie Bradshaw moment with this twirl-ready skirt and super cute wrap top.

Pleated Satin Oversized Sleeve Midi Dress

Waaaait, this rust is the moment! Get into the pleats, balloon sleeves, and deep V.

Arianna Maxi Dress

This is the kind of white dress you'll find yourself styling millions of ways after you wear it to your bridal events. Wear it as is (I mean, it's so good) if you'd like to make a simple statement or try adding a leather jacket to toughen it up.

Allie Maxi Dress

Featuring a tie-front and trendy cut-out detail, this adorable maxi is one for the books. You'll want to wear it long after the bridal shower—and thankfully, this dress is versatile enough that you totally can.

Wilfred Market Slit Dress

You're not a regular bride...you're a cool bride. This easy, breezy dress is ready to be worn with some trendy heels and your boldest accessories.

Real talk: Can you wear jeans to a bridal shower?

Whether or not you can wear jeans to a bridal shower is mainly going to depend on the bride (or the hosts of the party) and the dress code they've chosen—but in most cases, you should probably avoid it. (Sorry!) With options like jumpsuits, trousers, and flowy pants, though, there are plenty of ways to stay comfortable without wearing jeans. Low-key, you might not even miss 'em once you slip on a pair of silky pants that feel like pajamas. Just saying.

If the hosts do allow jeans, though, try wearing your fave pair (without holes or rips!) with an elevated blouse (something shimmery, satin, or with statement sleeves) or bodysuit. In other words, skip the T-shirt and hoodie this time around.

Wondering what you should avoid wearing as a bridal shower guest?

For any wedding-related event, as a guest and not the bride, it's best to stay away from white or overly white outfit choices. Try a sweet sundress in literally any other color! That'll go over really well.

And, if you're more of a casual person, you can opt for a matching set, skirt and top moment, or slacks over a dress—as long as you feel like you won't be too underdressed compared to other guests. Call up a few friends before you go to see what they're doing and match their vibe. Sometimes you can also glean a lot about what people will be wearing by the invitation: clues like where the event will be hosted (outside vs inside, during the day vs at night are both great clues for how to dress).

Okay, but what is a proper bridal shower outfit?

A proper bridal shower outfit is something comfortable but chic! Fun yet simple. Something that is true to who you are. We've chosen the best jumpsuits and dresses for the occasion so no need to panic—just take your pick from this list.

Here's why you can trust Cosmopolitan.

Cosmo’s team of digital fashion experts—which includes Fashion Features Director Rachel Torgerson, Fashion Editor Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien, and Contributing Fashion Editor Maggie Griswold—have decades of combined experience in the industry. They spot relevant trends on the runway before they even hit your TikTok FYP or Insta Explore Page and conduct research across retailers of all kinds—testing many brands IRL—to bring you the best clothing and accessory picks for every season. Basically, we’ve curated the internet to bring you the chicest options like it’s our job (because it is, heh). Each of our shopping articles adheres to the 15 Percent Pledge and includes products for all sizes.

For these bridal shower outfits, we focused on making sure the selects were a mix of casual and formal while also making sure you had plenty of stunning options in different fabrics, silhouettes, and colors—whether you're the bride or a guest.

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