EVELYSS / Guides / Travel & Everyday

What to Wear to a Christening in Winter (Guests and Godmothers)

“A christening is the baby's day, so the best outfit is the one nobody comments on except to say you look lovely. In winter that mostly means a beautiful coat, because in an old church you may never take it off.”Her take

How smart is a christening?

Dressier than Sunday lunch, quieter than a wedding. Think of what you'd wear to a smart family lunch in a nice restaurant, then make sure it's appropriate for church: shoulders covered, a hem around the knee or longer, nothing too tight or sheer.

Most christenings are a service followed by a gathering at someone's home, a pub, a hall or a restaurant, so your outfit needs to work sitting in a pew, standing for photos and chatting over food for a few hours.

Plan for a cold church

Many churches and chapels are chilly in winter, even with the heating on, and the service may last an hour. Plan to keep your coat on, and choose one that looks good done up and sitting down: a tailored wool coat at knee or mid-calf length, in a colour that works with your outfit.

Layer underneath rather than relying on one thick piece. A thin thermal top under a dress, opaque tights and a fine knit or blazer mean you can take layers off when you get to a warm pub or a crowded front room.

Outfit formulas that work

Pick one of these and add a coat, smart shoes and simple jewellery. Each looks polished without competing with the family.

• A knitted midi dress or jumper dress with opaque tights and knee-high boots.
• A long-sleeved ponte or crepe dress in navy, burgundy or forest green with block heels.
• Tailored trousers with a fine-knit jumper and a blazer, plus loafers or heeled ankle boots.
• A pleated midi skirt with a roll-neck and a smart coat.
• A tea dress with long sleeves in a winter print, worn with tights and a cardigan.

Dressing as a godmother

Godparents stand at the front, often hold the baby and appear in most of the photos, so dress a step smarter than the other guests, without matching the parents or upstaging them.

Think about the baby too. Avoid scratchy sequins, large brooches, chunky necklaces and long dangly earrings that small hands can grab. Soft fabrics and a neat neckline are easiest for holding a baby. Choose shoes you can stand steadily in by the font, such as a low block heel or a smart flat.

Colours and what to avoid

Leave white and ivory to the baby, whose christening gown or outfit is traditionally white. Winter colours suit a christening well: navy, burgundy, forest green, camel, plum and soft grey. Black is acceptable, especially in winter, but adding a coloured scarf or a softer knit keeps it from looking sombre.

Skip anything you'd wear to a club: very short hems, low necklines, heavy sparkle and anything see-through. Jeans and trainers are usually too casual for the service, though a smart family may relax for the party afterwards.

Hats, church etiquette and the party after

Hats aren't expected at most christenings, though a warm felt hat is practical in the cold and some families like a more traditional look. Customs vary by church and denomination, so if you're unsure, ask the parents what they'd like.

Bring a bag big enough for gloves, a scarf and a small gift. Afterwards, if the party is at home or in a pub, take off the coat and blazer and you'll be dressed for a relaxed afternoon.

Questions people ask

The takeaway

Smarter than lunch, quieter than a wedding, warm enough for a cold church, and white left to the baby.

Read next