How to Dress for a Baby Christening

Baptism, reading prayers

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A baby's christening is a solemn religious occasion that welcomes a young child into the church family and commits the child to a life of Christianity. Because the christening typically occurs at a place of worship, the guests' attire should be both formal and respectful of the occasion. Christening looks can range from business-casual clothing to business formal, depending on the church, season and time of the event.

Christening Attire for Women

Appropriate christening attire for women includes a well-tailored pair of dress pants coupled with a modest blouse or sweater and high heels or ballet flats. That blouse or sweater can also be paired with a skirt, such as a pencil skirt. Women may also choose to wear a modest dress or business suit to a baby christening, focusing on styles that do not show too much skin. Hemlines should hit at or past the knees, and spaghetti straps and revealing the décolletage should be avoided.

Christening Looks for Men

Men can look the part for a baby christening by wearing dress slacks and a seasonally appropriate button-down shirt. This top can be paired with a blazer and a pair of leather shoes. Men who are playing a role in the christening, such as the father or godfather, might opt to wear a dark business suit and black or brown leather shoes for the occasion. A tie should be worn with a suit and is also a way to dress up the dress slacks and blazer look.