Deciding what to wear to an engagement party should be the first order of business after the invitation arrives. It’s not hard to find a thoughtful card or last-minute gift, but the perfect celebratory outfit takes time to put together. I don’t have to tell you not to wear white or ivory – I hope, the bride will likely wear a white engagement party dress – but otherwise, there are almost too many options to navigate. Knowing what to wear to an engagement party can be overwhelming and, if you’re anything like me, often ends with half of your wardrobe thrown onto the floor. Not to mention you want to find an engagement party ensemble that’s giving without pulling focus from the happy couple (just me?).
Before heading down an online shopping rabbit hole, check to see if there’s a dress code on the invite for any guidance to make sure you’re not underdressed (or overdressed, for that matter). If not, the event’s venue and time of day might help steer your styling decision. A black-tie soirée calls for sweeping hemlines and tuxedos, for example, while floaty dresses and wide-leg trousers work for a more laid-back gathering. If you’re still not sure, you usually can’t go wrong with cocktail attire — think semiformal jumpsuits, midi dresses, or a matching blazer and trousers. Chic and easy.
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Once you know the vibe, you can have fun with the details and the new season brings us lots of fashion trends to get excited about.
If you didn’t try the see through dress trend this summer, it’s not going anywhere for autumn/winter. The Dior Cruise 2026 show gave us romantic sheer dresses skimming the catwalk floor. I also love the high-street’s lace take on the sheer trend – ASOS, I’m looking at you.
As I’ve mentioned, tuxedos and blazers can make ideal engagement-party dressing and lucky for us, tailoring is set to be everywhere thanks to the runways of Schiaparelli and Saint Laurent.
Whatever you’re shopping this season I recommend playing with textures. Mix sequins with satins, silks or tulle – another material we’re about to be seeing from designers and the high street alike. And envision this engagement party outfit as the opening number for your wedding guest dress on the big day.
Ahead, check out our guide for landing on the unofficial best-dressed list for any engagement party.
1. A Classic LBD
Edward Berthelot