Do I have to wear a dress to my bridal shower?

Absolutely not! When it comes to your bridal shower, you should wear whatever makes you look and feel your best. Some popular alternatives to bridal shower dresses are jumpsuits, rompers, suits, and separates.

What should I wear to an evening bridal shower?

If the bridal shower is taking place in the evening, you can opt for a more formal look like a floor-length or embellished silhouette. We also love the idea of dresses in rich jewel tones and silky fabrics for an evening soirée.

Do I have to wear white to my bridal shower?

Definitely not! Many brides-to-be opt to forgo bridal white in favor of bright colors , pastels, and floral prints.

18 Best Bridal Shower Dresses of 2021

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You’ve spent a lot of time thinking about your wedding dress, but a bridal shower dress is another look you’ll want to spend a good amount of time thinking about, too. As one of the most photographed outfits you’ll wear as a bride-to-be, you’ll want to choose a silhouette that stays true to your bridal style.

This season, feminine silhouettes with puffed sleeves, delicate lace details, square and off-the-shoulder necklines are majorly on trend, all of which are perfect for a fashion-forward bridal shower look. If you'd prefer a classic look, lace dresses are gorgeous and romantic whether you choose bridal white or a pretty pastel hue like soft blue or blush. If you want to wear white but are also craving color, go for a floral or even gingham print dress—there’s no hard rule that says you have to wear white to your bridal shower. If you’re a casual bride-to-be, a sundress in easy breezy fabrics like linen and cotton are an effortlessly chic choice.

Read on for the best bridal shower dresses for every bridal style, season, and budget.

Best Budget: Lulus Off-the-Shoulder Dress

From the stunning off-the-shoulder neckline to the gorgeous lace fabric, there's so much to love about this midi dress. Our favorite detail? The eyelash lace hem and sleeves.

Best Color: Yumi Kim Floral Dress

Looking to forgo bridal white entirely? This gorgeous pink dress is sure to complement a bold aesthetic and lively color palette.

For a Summer Shower: Lulus Swiss Dot Dress

Embody the carefree nature of summer in this cheery sundress from Lulus. Wear yours with beachy waves and a pair of sandals or espadrilles.

Best Mini Dress: LPA Bow Back Dress

What could be sweeter than this mini dress? Keep it casual with a pair of bridal sneakers or go for a more formal look with strappy heels or mules.

Best Floral Print: Self-Portrait Crystal-Embellished Floral-Print Dress

A pretty floral frock is always a timeless option for a bridal shower. We love this one from Self-Portrait for its flattering neckline and crystal-embellished bodice.

Most Versatile: Reformation Floral Fitted Bodice Dress

This floral-flocked sundress will quickly become one of your favorite pieces in your summer wardrobe. The fitted bodice gives way to a body-skimming skirt for a supremely flattering fit.

Best Allover Lace: BB Dakota by Steve Madden Lace Dress

Everyone should have a classic little white dress in their wedding wardrobe. This pretty lace style can easily be worn for any of your parties leading up to the big day.

Best Jumpsuit: Sachin & Babi Poppy Jumpsuit Set

We love this versatile jumpsuit for a wide range of celebrations from the engagement party to the bridal shower to the after-party.

Best Sundress: ASOS DESIGN Floral Print Dress

You'll look stunning from all angles in this sundress featuring a gorgeous floral fabric, ruffle-trimmed bodice, and unique strappy back. Wear your hair up to showcase all of the striking details this silhouette has to offer.

Most Pared-Back: Reformation Maxi Dress

All eyes will be on you when you enter the room in this simple yet elegant dress by Reformation. We're envisioning this style for the minimalist bride who loves a laidback silhouette.

For a Garden Party: Sachin & Babi Ivy Dress

This billowing maxi dress is perfect for a nature-inspired bridal shower. Wear yours with strappy sandals and statement-making earrings for an incredibly romantic look.

For the Classic Bride: Sabina Musayev Lace Dress

This tea-length dress in allover corded lace feels utterly chic for a daytime celebration. The straps can be removed for a strapless look.

Best Color: Alice + Olivia Smock Midi Dress with Bow Straps

In soft and flattering powder blue, this eyelet lace dress is dreamy for a summer bridal shower. The bow shoulder straps add the perfect finishing touch to this sweet silhouette.

Most Ethereal: Faithfull The Brand Maurelle Puff-Sleeve Linen Midi Dress

Crafted from lightweight linen, this breezy design is a fitting choice for a warm-weather celebration. The ethereal silhouette pairs beautifully with simple sandals and delicate personal jewelry.

For an Outdoor Bridal Shower: LoveShackFancy Tiered Broderie Anglaise Cotton Midi Dress

No one does feminine-meets-ethereal quite like LoveShackFancy. This effortless number is perfect for a bridal shower set outdoors at a garden or beach locale.

Most Elegant: Markarian Brocade Cotton-Blend Off-The-Shoulder Midi Dress

brocade dress — Courtesy of Moda Operandi

Featuring a feminine floral print, off-the-shoulder neckline, and a gorgeous open back, Markarian’s ‘Myrrha’ dress is the epitome of elegance. This versatile silhouette can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Most Fashion-Forward: Sleeper Silk White Dress

Effortlessly chic and sophisticated, this off-the-shoulder silhouette by Sleeper is a divine choice for the fashion-forward bride. We love it with matching white accessories for a modern monochromatic look.

For an Evening Bridal Shower: Retrofête Sequin Dress

If you’re having an evening bridal shower, consider wearing something with a little sparkle like this striking sequin dress from Retrofête. It's the perfect party-ready dress and will look great in photos, to boot!

What to look for in a bridal shower outfit

With so many pretty little white dresses on the market, finding the perfect bridal shower outfit can sometimes be overwhelming. To help narrow down your options, it's helpful to look for styles and silhouettes that not only feel appropriate for the venue but also match the theme of the bridal shower. The time of year will also help determine what you wear. For spring and summer bridal showers, we love mini dresses, tea-length silhouettes, and outfits crafted from easy, breezy fabrics. If the celebration takes place in the fall or winter, long sleeve dresses in heavy-weight fabrics are especially fitting for chillier weather. And of course, there's no rule that says you have to wear white for your bridal shower. If you prefer a more colorful ensemble, look for dresses in eye-catching floral prints, pretty pastels, or bright and unexpected hues.

FAQ

Do I have to wear a dress to my bridal shower?

Absolutely not! When it comes to your bridal shower, you should wear whatever makes you look and feel your best. Some popular alternatives to bridal shower dresses are jumpsuits, rompers, suits, and separates.
What should I wear to an evening bridal shower?

If the bridal shower is taking place in the evening, you can opt for a more formal look like a floor-length or embellished silhouette. We also love the idea of dresses in rich jewel tones and silky fabrics for an evening soirée.
Do I have to wear white to my bridal shower?

Definitely not! Many brides-to-be opt to forgo bridal white in favor of bright colors, pastels, and floral prints.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, wedding parties, and more.