Got an engagement party on the horizon and not sure what to wear? Fear not. We've got you covered with the ultimate guide on what to wear to an engagement party. Whether you're attending a daytime garden gathering or an elegant evening soirée, we'll help you look effortlessly chic and on point - so you can turn heads without upstaging the beautiful bride-to-be.
It's time to explore team Runaway's top engagement party outfit ideas, from stunning dresses to stylish separates and beyond!
How to Decide What to Wear to an Engagement Party
When it comes to deciding what to wear as an engagement party guest, the devil's in the invite's details.
Think carefully about the time of day, the season, the venue, and the dress code mentioned on the engagement party invitation.
If it's a daytime garden party, celebrate the engaged couple in lighter fabrics and more casual styles. For an evening event, go for something a little more elegant and polished. Don't be afraid to show off your personal style, either - choose an engagement party outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident. And remember, it's always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed!
Styling Tips for Various Types of Engagement Parties
Time of Day
- Daytime Engagement Parties: For daytime engagement party outfits, think light and breezy. Mini dresses or midi dresses in floral prints or pastel shades are perfect. Pair with comfortable sandals or cute flats and some dainty jewellery in a complementary metal. A button-down shirt dress is also a great option for a chic, minimalist look. Bring the oomph with your fiercest pair of sunnies and a sleek shoulder bag.
- Evening Engagement Parties: Evening wedding-related events call for a little more elegance in the fashion department. Opt for evening dresses; perhaps a chic maxi dress in a luxe fabric like satin or lined lace. Shimmer under the lights of a nighttime party in a sequin dress if the vibe allows, but pare down the pizazz with nude or neutral strappy heels or pumps. Consider layering your look with a light blazer if the evening gets cool. Statement jewellery (did someone say chunky hoops?) and a classy clutch will add the perfect finishing touches.
Season
- Spring/Summer Engagment Parties: Embrace the warm weather with vibrant colours and lightweight fabrics. Slip dresses and shirt dresses are great choices here. If it's a more casual daytime affair, anything linen is going to be your best friend for its breathability factor. Playsuits and jumpsuits are also stylish, comfy options for summer events if you're just not a dress gal. Pair with espadrilles or open-toed strappy heels. A raffia basket bag will give you that effortless Jane Birkin off-duty effect - we love!
- Autumn/Winter Engagement Parties: For cooler seasons, opt for thicker, lined fabrics and layered looks. Figure-hugging long-sleeved dresses and knit dresses will keep you looking hot-even when the weather's not! Pair with heeled ankle boots, tights, and a classy coat or trench. A maxi dress in a rich, jewel tone like emerald green, ruby red, or navy blue is always a knock-out option as well.
Venue
- Garden or Outdoor Party: For outdoor settings, go for something comfy yet stylish. Casual wrap dresses or a flowy maxi dress work beautifully here. Flats, sandals or reliable wedges are also a must - you don't want to be hobbling through the grass before the champagne has even gone round! You could even opt for a gorg two-piece crop and skirt set if you're not feeling a dress. And don't forget your SPF!
- Indoor or Formal Venue: Typically, indoor drinks or formal dinners mean you'll be upping the ante. Evening dresses, sequin dresses, or a sophisticated jumpsuit are all great options. A slip dress with clean a cut can also be perfect, especially paired with a statement necklace to play off the simple silhouette. Pair with high heels and a clutch. Don't shy away from bold jewels and a sleek updo to complete your look.
Dress Code
- Casual Attire: If the invite states a casual engagement party, you can still look put-together. Casual Dresses or stylish separates like a Shirt and Skirt or Pants are perfect for a low-key, relaxed setting. Think laid-back, but polished. A Shirt Dress paired with a nice pair of flats is also great place to start for casual events! Accessorise with simple jewellery and a crossbody bag - easy.
- Semi-Formal Attire: For a semi-formal dress code, turn things up a notch with a Midi Dress or a chic Playsuit. Accessorise with statement jewellery and heels to complete the look. Consider a Long Sleeved Dress and a sleek bun for a sophisticated vibe, especially in cooler seasons.
- Cocktail Attire: If the dress code says cocktail party attire, you want to find a happy medium between formal and semi-formal. Think sleek midi dresses with bold accessories. A slip dress paired with high heels and statement jewellery can also work wonders. Avoid floor-length gowns to keep things fun and flirty for a cocktail dress code. For an on-trend alternative to a cocktail dress, try a structured jumpsuit with heels. Add a stand-out clutch, and you're selfie-ready!
- Formal Attire: A formal party means it's time to bring on the all-out glamour. Evening dresses and floor-length gowns with subtle embellishments are classics that will ensure you're on a theme. Go as high as you like with the heels and as blingy as you desire with the purse or clutch. This is the occasion to get your best jewels out too - pearls, sparkles, coloured accents - shine it up!
FAQ
Can I wear jeans to an engagement party? Jeans are generally too casual for an engagement party. Opt for a dress or stylish separates like pants and a shirt or blouse instead.
What shoes should I wear to an engagement party? Heels are usually a safe bet, but make sure they're comfortable. For outdoor events, consider sandals or dressy flats.
Can men wear sneakers to an engagement party? Sneakers are typically too casual for men too. To keep their look sophisticated, we recommend that the fellas opt for dress shoes or polished loafers.
Can you wear a white dress to an engagement party?
Wondering if you can wear white to an engagement party? Traditionally, white is reserved for the bride, but modern etiquette can be a bit more flexible when it comes to picking an engagement guest dress. When in doubt, it's best to avoid white and opt for other colours to let the bride stand out. However, a touch of white in a patterned dress or accessory can be a subtle nod without stealing the spotlight.
Slay Your Next Wedding Event With Runaway | Shop Engagement Party Guest Dresses Online
Now that you're no longer wondering what to wear to an engagement party, you're ready to slay the big day!
With these tips, you'll be the star of the celebration (without upstaging the happy couple, of course)!
Explore our latest collections at Runaway The Label for stunning dresses and chic separates that guarantee you'll look and feel your very best. Don't forget to show off your fabulous engagement party attire by tagging us on social media @runawaythelabel! Happy shopping and celebrating, gorgeous!