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What to Wear to a Bridal Shower, According to Experts

You're gonna look ~so~ good in all those IG pics.

By Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien and Maggie Griswold
bridal shower outfitpinterest icon
Jeremy Moeller//Getty Images

Alright, let's talk bridal shower tings! As one 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:

  • Silk Bias Midi Dress

    this silk midi

    CURRENT AIR Silk Bias Midi Dress

    $190 at shopcurrentair.com
    Read more
  • Executive Jumpsuit

    this boss jumpsuit

    Good American Executive Jumpsuit

    Read more
  • La Raque Floral Smocked Organza Midi Dress

    this romantic piece

    En Saison La Raque Floral Smocked Organza Midi Dress

    Read more
  • Jacquard Skater Mini Dress

    this swoon-worthy dress

    ASOS LUXE Curve Jacquard Skater Mini Dress

    Read more
  • Tie Strap Wide Leg Jumpsuit

    this golden moment

    Eloquii Tie Strap Wide Leg Jumpsuit

    Read more

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!

this silk midi

CURRENT AIR Silk Bias Midi Dress

Silk Bias Midi Dress
this silk midi

CURRENT AIR Silk Bias Midi Dress

$190 at shopcurrentair.com

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

this boss jumpsuit

Good American Executive Jumpsuit

Executive Jumpsuit
this boss jumpsuit

Good American Executive Jumpsuit

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

this romantic piece

En Saison La Raque Floral Smocked Organza Midi Dress

La Raque Floral Smocked Organza Midi Dress
this romantic piece

En Saison La Raque Floral Smocked Organza Midi Dress

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

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this swoon-worthy dress

ASOS LUXE Curve Jacquard Skater Mini Dress

Jacquard Skater Mini Dress
this swoon-worthy dress

ASOS LUXE Curve 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.

this golden moment

Eloquii Tie Strap Wide Leg Jumpsuit

Tie Strap Wide Leg Jumpsuit
this golden moment

Eloquii Tie Strap Wide Leg Jumpsuit

Now 50% Off

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

this slip skirt

MANGO Midi Satin Skirt

Midi Satin Skirt
this slip skirt

MANGO 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 cutest heels. S'cute!

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this swirl bb

Wray Nikki Dress

Nikki Dress
this swirl bb

Wray Nikki Dress

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

this floral midi

& Other Stories Puff Sleeve Midi Dress

Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
this floral midi

& Other Stories Puff Sleeve Midi Dress

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

this knit cutie

Aritzia Evie Midi Sress

Evie Midi Sress
this knit cutie

Aritzia 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.

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this breezy set

Favorite Daughter The Friday Shirt

The Friday Shirt
this breezy set

Favorite Daughter The Friday Shirt

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

this chiffon top

Torrid Chiffon Clip Floral Hi-Low Top

Chiffon Clip Floral Hi-Low Top
this chiffon top

Torrid 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.

this dress that has it all

Alice And Olivia Hayden Floral Print Ruffle Maxi Dress

Hayden Floral Print Ruffle Maxi Dress
this dress that has it all

Alice And Olivia Hayden Floral Print Ruffle Maxi Dress

Now 50% Off

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

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this bright jumpsuit

Madewell 100% Linen Tie-Waist Wide-Leg Jumpsuit

100% Linen Tie-Waist Wide-Leg Jumpsuit
this bright jumpsuit

Madewell 100% Linen Tie-Waist Wide-Leg Jumpsuit

Now 15% Off

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

this ruffled number

Elliatt Convergence Ruffle One-Shoulder Sheath Minidress

Convergence Ruffle One-Shoulder Sheath Minidress
this ruffled number

Elliatt Convergence Ruffle One-Shoulder Sheath Minidress

Even if you're not the bride, this gorgeous dress is definitely worth snagging. It's simple, elegant, and statement-making—all at the same time.

this jaw-dropping moment

Andrea Iyamah Andrea Iyamah Hami High Waist Pants

Andrea Iyamah Hami High Waist Pants
this jaw-dropping moment

Andrea Iyamah Andrea Iyamah Hami High Waist Pants

Every bride deserves a look that blows everyone away. This glistening top and high-waisted pant by Andrea Iyamah does just that.

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this flirty number

HOUSE OF CB Pixie Ruffle Georgette Body-Con Cocktail Dress

Pixie Ruffle Georgette Body-Con Cocktail Dress
this flirty number

HOUSE OF CB 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.

this unique piece

Elexiay Rose Crochet Dress

Rose Crochet Dress
this unique piece

Elexiay Rose Crochet Dress

Now 30% Off

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

UTOPIA DRESS

UTOPIA DRESS

UTOPIA DRESS

Now 45% Off

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

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this sparkly stunner

Never Fully Dressed Yellow Floral Lulu Dress with Detachable Rose

Yellow Floral Lulu Dress with Detachable Rose
this sparkly stunner

Never Fully Dressed Yellow Floral Lulu Dress with Detachable Rose

This is your moment, bride-to-be! Embrace every sparkly dress you see.

this column pick

Victor Glemaud Strapless Midi Dress

Strapless Midi Dress
this column pick

Victor Glemaud Strapless Midi Dress

Now 60% Off

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.

Headshot of Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien
Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien
Fashion Editor

Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle.com almost 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is a Syracuse Masters graduate and the author of two books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @iamtarahlynn

Headshot of Maggie Griswold
Contributing Fashion Editor

Maggie Griswold (she/her) is a contributing fashion editor for Cosmopolitan and freelance writer and editor based in Los Angeles, covering everything from the latest wardrobe must-haves to interior design trends. Along with Cosmopolitan, you can find her work on Oprah Daily, StyleCaster, Women's Health, and House Digest, among others. She's a big (read: ridiculously huge) fan of the '90s sitcom Frasier, all things Shakespeare, and a good romance-filled YA novel. Follow her on Instagram

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