What Should You Wear to an Engagement Party?

Co-authored by Elle Monus and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: December 4, 2022 References

So, you get an engagement party invitation, and you’re so happy for the couple, but there’s just one thing—you have no idea what to wear! Have no fear because we’re here to help you look your best while following engagement party etiquette. From understanding the dress code to the big no-nos of engagement party attire, we’ve got your back. Read on to learn what you can and can’t wear to an engagement party.

Things You Should Know

Avoid whites and bold colors when attending an engagement party—you don’t want to take attention away from the bride!
Follow the dress code if there is one so you're not over or under dressed.
Ladies can never go wrong with a dress that matches their eyes, and guys always look dashing in a blazer or sports coat.

Section 1 of 4:

Dos & Don’ts

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Don’t wear white. When deciding what to wear for an engagement party, lean towards any color except white. Most brides will wear white to their party to signify their new bridal status, so let them have their moment.^{[1]
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- Wearing a white dress shirt is fine, but make sure it’s off-set with a colored tie or jacket.
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Do follow the dress code. You’ll most likely get a dress code to follow with your invitation. Many brides-to-be will explain exactly what they expect you to wear at their party with one simple word: casual, semi-formal, cocktail, or formal. Here's what each dress code actually means:^{[2]
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- Casual: Think dressing up your everyday look. Ladies can wear a simple blouse and tailored pants or skirt, a floral midi dress, or trendy jumpsuit. Guys can wear a button-down shirt or a polo. Khaki pants are preferred. You can also wear nice boots or clean and trendy trainers.
- Semi-formal: A blend of business and casual. Ladies can wear an a-line dress or a dress pant and blazer. Guys can wear dress pants, a button-down shirt, and a loose-fitting tie.
- Cocktail: The most common engagement party dress code. Ladies can wear an elegant cocktail dress with a modest hemline and heels. Guys can wear a suit, white button-down shirt, and a matching tie.
- Formal (also known as black-tie): Think of the fanciest party ever. Ladies can wear elegant jewels and dark colored, floor-length dresses. Guys can wear tuxedos — when specified, otherwise, a suit is more than adequate — with a black bow tie and shined dress shoes.
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3
Do dress for the season. Layer up in the winter and fall, and layer down in the spring and summer. If you get an invite for a party during the colder months, wear a jacket or sweater over a button-down top or dress. If you’re attending a spring or summer party, stick with short sleeves and flowy material to help you stay cool.
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Do accessorize for the weather and time of day. Before you walk out the door, make sure you check the forecast, so you can style your look to be comfortable all afternoon or night. For instance, leather jackets can add a casual yet formal edge to any look in cooler weather, hats are practical and stylish in the fall and spring, and sunglasses are great for when the sun’s shining.
- If you’re on the fence about a weather-related accessory, keep it in your car, just in case you want to put it on later.
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Do keep the venue in mind. When you get your invitation, look closely at where the party will be. For instance, if the party’s at a golf club, it’ll most likely be casual attire. But if it’s in the ballroom of a hotel, you’ll probably want to dress more formally.^{[3]
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- Don’t be afraid to do a quick online search on the venue. Look at the pictures and notice how people are dressed or if the venue already has an established dress code.
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Don’t wear jeans. Even if the dress code is casual, jeans most likely won’t be expected. Instead, opt for a casual skirt, dress pants, or khaki that pairs well with your top. You’ll look great and still be comfortable!
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Do wear black. When in doubt, put on a black dress or nice suit. Black flatters everyone, so it’s a great choice for an engagement party. Ladies can always get away with a simple black dress, and guys look dashing in black sports coats.^{[4]
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Don’t wear bold colors or patterns. Engagement parties are a time to celebrate the couple’s upcoming marriage, not a place to show off. Stick with muted and neutral tones when picking out your attire, so you don’t stand out too much. Choose colors that match your skin tone, like:^{[5]
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- For warm skin tones, wear honeys, olives, corals, and creams.
- For cool skin tones, wear blues, lavenders, roses, and grays.
- For neutral skin tones, wear blues, jades, reds, and whites.
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Do bring a backup tie or flats. When you get to the party, glance around the venue and at what everyone else is wearing. Follow everyone’s lead and quickly tweak your outfit before you make an appearance.
- Guys, it’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. Drive to the party with a fancier outer layer and a more casual base layer, so you’re prepared for any scenario.
- Ladies, consider bringing a pair of foldable flats you can tuck them into your purse or clutch and change into them whenever.

Section 2 of 4:

Outfit Ideas for Guests

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Dresses, skirts, dress pants, and jumpsuits are great options for women. Ladies, the fashion world is abundant, so have a little fun with your engagement party look! Choose a look you feel confident in and fits the dress code and conditions of the party. Take a look at some of these outfit ideas and see what you like:
- A velvet dress with a black heel for a formal party in the winter.
- A pleated skirt with tights, a form-fitting top, cardigan, and ankle boots for a casual party in the fall.
- A flowy floral midi dress with wedges and a floppy sun hat for a casual outdoor party in the spring.
- A slip dress and clutch for a formal, cocktail, or semi-formal summer party.
- A wide-legged jumpsuit with a dainty necklace and heels for a semi-formal indoor party.
- A solid-colored blouse tucked into dress pants with a blazer for a semi-formal party in any season.
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Nice pants and a button-up shirt are a charming combination for men. Guys, you can style a pair of khaki or dress pants up or down for any dress code or occasion. Keep your outfit simple and dashing, but make sure you can move and groove in it! Here are some outfit ideas to get you started:
- A pair of tan-colored khakis with a white shirt and dark-colored sport coat for a casual party.
- A matching suit set and a button-down shirt for a formal or cocktail party.
- A button-down shirt with a patterned tie and a belt for a semi-formal or casual party.
- A pair of slacks with a sweater layered over a collared shirt for a casual party outside.

Section 3 of 4:

What to Wear as the Bride

If you’re the bride, wear something white to your engagement party. Stick to the dress code you’ve made, but don’t be afraid to be a little over-the-top—it’s your party, after all! Check out these stunning outfit ideas for any scenario:
- A form-fitting cocktail dress with hanging sleeves and rhinestone heels for an indoor cocktail party.^{[6]
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- A lace jumpsuit with a cinched waist and white pumps for a semi-formal party.^{[7]
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- A slip dress with stiletto heels for an indoor formal or semi-formal party.^{[8]
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- An a-line dress with pockets and off-the-shoulder sleeves for a cocktail or formal party.
- A boho-style mini dress with frills for a casual party indoors or outdoors.
- You don’t have to wear white! Pick a dress or outfit you feel the most comfortable and confident in.

Section 4 of 4:

What to Wear as the Groom

If you’re the groom, wear a dark-colored suit, button-up shirt, and tie. You can never go wrong with a suit and tie, especially when you’re the groom! This super simple yet handsome outfit is the perfect staple for any party. Dress the suit up by leaving it as is, or dress it down with khaki pants.
- Ditch the tie and unbutton your collar if the party’s more casual.
- Try a bow tie that matches a pocket square for a formal or cocktail party.
- Coordinate your outfit with your partner’s so you match.
- Wear a solid-colored dress shoe no matter the dress code.