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.
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!)
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.
Introducing: this white slip dress with a twist. It has all the '90s vibes you love with the added bonus of a luxurious plisse material. This one is available in sizes XXS through 5XL, too!
You can't go wrong with a classic smocked mini dress. This oh-so-cute pink iteration of the silhouette is ideal for wearing to celebrate a friend's upcoming wedding—and far beyond.
A slip skirt in a bold 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!
Show off those shoulders, bb! This gorge pink frock is a great option for a more formal shower—meaning it'll work well as cocktail attire for other events (and weddings!), too.
This neutral midi dress is so easy to dress up or down, depending on the vibes of the bridal shower. Add some chunky sandals and minimal jewelry for a can't-miss semi-casual look.
We l-o-v-e a wrap dress, and this floral option is so dang fun. The color is truly stunning, and the flower print is both of-the-moment and timeless. Plus, it's available in sizes XXS to 6X!
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. Iconic.
If it's comfort you're after, look no further. These silky palazzo pants are a perf option for looking sleek without having to deal with uncomfy clothing.
Yes, you can wear shorts to a bridal shower—especially if they're on the formal side. These tweed shorts are elevated enough that you can get away with wearing 'em instead of a dress or suiting.
Whether you wear this tiered dress with fun sandals or some strappy heels, you can't lose. It's the kind of white dress you'll find yourself styling millions of ways.
Give yourself a Carrie Bradshaw moment with this twirl-ready dress. The green hue is so bright and bold, and the tiers add extra interest to a classic silhouette. I'll take 10, thanks.
If frills aren't really your thing, opt for this classic pink tank dress. It's still colorful and fun, but you won't be dealing with extra fabric or embellishments.
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 or bodysuit. In other words, skip the T-shirt and hoodie this time around.
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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.
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.