With the summer heat in full swing, bridal dress codes and practicality meet in the middle: make the most of light, white tones wherever you can. Whether it’s through cotton poplin dresses or lightweight linen accessories, this season offers plenty of white (and off-white, and ecru) options—so if you’re planning a bridal shower, you’re in luck.

Of course, to find the perfect bridal shower outfit, you first need to decide on the perfect bridal shower activity. Some people go beyond the traditional and choose celebrations that feel personal and memorable, like a girls’ night in or a day by the sea. Others might include their partner with a couple’s celebration. And some stick with tradition, hosting a garden party or a sit-down brunch with their closest friends and family. Whatever feels right for you, we have some ideas on what to wear.

Vogue’s Guide to Bridal Shower Outfits:

The Embroidered Midi
Loretta Caponi Castiglione Broderie Anglaise dress
$895 NET-A-PORTER

The Elegant Kitten Heel
Black Suede Studio Sequined pumps
$345 BLOOMINGDALE’S

The Classic Halterneck
Bernadette Marilyn dress
$950 NET-A-PORTER

The Satin Bag
Loeffler Randall Kenzie bag
$325 LOEFFLER RANDALL

The Sweet Mini
Anthropologie x Shona Joy sequin dress
$320 ANTHROPOLOGIE

The Lace Sandal
Khaite Yvonne sandal
$1,495 NORDSTROM

The Beachy Favorite
ESCVDO Siula dress
$1,450 NET-A-PORTER

Ahead, six bridal shower outfit ideas for every kind of dress code, setting, and occasion.

The Classic Shower
In its most traditional form, a bridal shower is a daytime event: an elegant brunch, a bright setting, and just the right amount of ceremony. For an occasion like this, go with a timeless silhouette—Bernadette’s crisp poplin halter dress, Aquazzura’s barely-there slingbacks, and Mikimoto’s pearl-and-diamond drops are effortlessly elegant and will still look chic years from now.

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Bernadette Marilyn dress
$950 NET-A-PORTER

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Aquazzura So Nude 85 sandals
$695 NET-A-PORTER

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Mikimoto Drop earrings
$3,150 NET-A-PORTER

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Loeffler Randall Kenzie bag
$325 LOEFFLER RANDALL

The Garden Shower
A flower-filled setting might suggest freshness and ease, but in the middle of summer, it can be just as hot as it is romantic. That makes it the perfect place for broderie anglaise or other perforated, open-knit fabrics—linen, crochet, and airy materials are welcome. Add florals directly into your accessories (like Gucci’s white leather handbag stamped with the house’s archival Flora print) and instead of delicate jewelry, go for something more sculptural to balance out the botanicals. Finish with a wedge or kitten heel that won’t sink into the grass.

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Loretta Caponi Castiglione Broderie Anglaise dress
$895 NET-A-PORTER

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Tiffany & Co. Lacquer bracelet
$950 TIFFANY & CO.

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Khaite Loop kitten heel
$890 KHAITE

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Gucci Lady Lunetta bag
$1,500 GUCCI

The Seaside Shower
Similar to a garden shower, the key to a beachy bridal event is to keep the fabrics airy. Crochet feels especially fitting here because its handmade quality gives it a more unique, artisanal feel, while the open weave keeps it light and breezy. Like jewelry, Amanu’s satin-and-gold loop sandals add a subtle metallic touch, and a sleek pair of sunglasses is a must for a party by the sea.

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ESCVDO Siula dress
$1,450 NET-A-PORTER

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Eres Harmony embellished swimsuit
$675 NET-A-PORTER

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Bottega Veneta Classic oval sunglasses
$495 BOTTEGA VENETA

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Amanu The Kibera embellished sandals
$325 NET-A-PORTER

The Slipper Soirée Shower
A theme, a dress code, and a later start time can add a playful twist to your bridal shower. Invite guests to come in their bedtime best…Treat the occasion like a grown-up slumber party, complete with classic sleepover activities and plenty of champagne. For this look, try Olivia von Halle’s ecru silk-satin pajamas, and add a floor-sweeping cape in embellished tulle for a more dramatic finish. Lace mules complete the outfit.

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Rat & Boa
Seraphina cape
$1,130 RAT & BOA

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Olivia Von Halle
Elvira pajama set
$950 NET-A-PORTER

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Black Suede Studio
Sequined pumps
$345 BLOOMINGDALE’S

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Completedworks
Drop earrings
$395 NET-A-PORTER

The Couple’s Cocktail Shower
Make the shower feel like it belongs to both of you and double the fun while you’re at it. Lean into something that feels more like a cocktail party, with special pieces to match—feathers, sequins, or even a little shimmer go a long way. Just make sure guests know this isn’t your average cocktail hour; it’s one that will likely spill onto the dance floor, and dressing the part is highly encouraged.

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Anthropologie x Shona Joy
Sequin dress
$320 ANTHROPOLOGIE
Shop at SHONA JOY

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Sophie Buhai
Pearl drop earrings
$475 NET-A-PORTER

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Khaite
Yvonne sandal
$1,495 NORDSTROM

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Sophie Bille Brahe
Lou ring
$1,250 FWRD

The Wellness Shower
For the bride who can’t sit still: Why not make it a wellness-focused shower? Start with a Pilates class, move on to an infrared sauna, and finish with a healthy brunch so everyone leaves feeling their best. For the dress code, go with workout wear in shades of ivory, and layer on a colorful button-up if you want to break up the neutrals.

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Agolde
Maria McManus oversized shirt
$490 NET-A-PORTER

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Nike x Skims
Scoop bra
$48 NIKE
Shop at SKIMS

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Nike x Skims
Flare pant
$78 NIKE
Shop at SKIMS

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Miu Miu
Tyre ballerinas
$1,020 MIU MIU

Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs based on the topic of bridal shower outfit ideas

Bridal Shower Outfit FAQs

1 Do I have to wear white to my bridal shower
Not at all While white is a classic choice its not a rule Many brides love a white or ivory look but pastels floral prints metallics or even a bold color are perfectly fine Choose something that makes you feel like the guest of honor

2 Whats the difference between a bridal shower outfit and a rehearsal dinner outfit
A bridal shower is usually a daytime casualtosemiformal event focused on games and gifts Think sundresses jumpsuits or a nice skirt and top A rehearsal dinner is often an evening event so its typically dressierlike a cocktail dress sleek pantsuit or a fancier gown

3 Im having a beachthemed shower What should I wear
Go for something light and breezy A flowy white maxi dress a linen jumpsuit or a floral midi dress with flat sandals or wedges works perfectly Avoid heavy fabrics like velvet or thick satin

4 What if my shower is at a fancy restaurant or brunch spot
Elevate your outfit a bit A structured midi dress a chic wrap dress or a blouse with tailored trousers and heels is a safe bet Add statement earrings or a clutch to make it feel special

5 Can I wear a jumpsuit instead of a dress
Absolutely Jumpsuits are a trendy comfortable and very chic alternative Look for one with a cinched waist a Vneck or a wideleg cut Its perfect for a bride who wants to move freely

6 Im plussize Are there specific styles that work best
Yes Look for Aline dresses wrap dresses or fitandflare silhouettes that cinch at the waist A jumpsuit with a wide leg and a defined waist is also very flattering Avoid anything too boxy Stretchy fabrics like jersey or crepe are your friends

7 What shoes should I wear to a backyard garden shower
Comfort is key Block heels wedges or dressy flat sandals are ideal Avoid stilett