What to Wear to an Engagement Party to Be the Best-Dressed Guest

Deciding what to wear to an engagement party should be the first order of business after the invitation—or, more likely, the Partiful link—arrives. It’s not hard to find a thoughtful card or gift last minute, but the perfect celebratory outfit takes time to put together. We don’t have to tell you not to wear white or ivory, of course, but otherwise there are almost too many options to navigate. It can be overwhelming, not to mention finding an engagement party ensemble that can walk the very fine line of garnering attention without pulling focus from the happy couple.

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 inform. A black-tie soirée calls for sweeping hemlines and tuxedos, for example, while sundresses and breezy button-ups work for a more laid-back gathering. If you’re still not sure, you usually can’t go wrong with cocktail attire—think semi-formal jumpsuits, midi dresses, or a matching blazer and trouser set.

All the best-dressed guests are turning to a very specific silhouette this wedding season.

By Isabel Serra

Once you know the vibe, you can have fun with the details. Dressing to the season is one idea: Linen does well at summertime events, autumnal shades and layers thrive in fall, velvets can warm up winter’s frosty chill, and floral prints in pastel colors emphasize spring’s budding blossoms. Another direction you could take? Following the party classics, such as a ‘90s-influenced little black cocktail dress à la Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy or a timeless boatneck number inspired by Audrey Hepburn. Playing with textures is a favorite route of mine, like mix-and-matching sequins with satins, silks, or even a denim wash.

Whatever direction you decide, envision this engagement party outfit as the opening number for your wedding guest ensemble on the big day. Ahead, check out our guide for landing on the unofficial best-dressed list for any engagement party. (Second only to the soon-to-be newlyweds, of course.)

A Classic LBD

It’s a classic for a reason and most likely already in your closet. The little black dress is my tried-and-true ‘fit for any semi-formal event and an MVP for what to wear to an engagement party thanks to its chic simplicity and endless versatility. Select your desired hemline length, experiment with necklines, and prepare to rewear it to multiple events. In fact, you could probably even get away with wearing it to the engaged couple’s rehearsal dinner or the reception itself with some creative accessorizing. Wear it as a blank canvas, or switch things up with a statement belt. Colorful tights, a sparkling clutch, or classic pearls also make for great engagement party attire.

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J.Crew Milano Dress

$178

J.Crew

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Everlane Ballet Slingback Heels

$198

Everlane

An Eye-Catching Midi Dress

I may be biased as a midi dress connoisseur, but the knee-length style really does fit into any capsule wardrobe. It’s especially elegant for special events, and it helps to have one in the closet as a backup wedding guest outfit. The dress can be as formal (ruffles, beading) or as casual (floral sundresses, strapless slips) as you desire, with plenty of flexibility in between. Sometimes it’s the accessories that decide—styling with a pair of high heels over flat sandals can make a big difference. The midi dress works for most seasons, too. In the colder months you can add a leather jacket or delicate cardigan on top or layer a turtleneck underneath.

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Babaton Worldly Dress

$138

Aritzia

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Madewell Simone Kitten-Heel Slingback Pumps

$148

Madewell

A Breezy Linen Dress

If the engaged couple is hosting a summertime fête, or you’re simply a fan of lightweight fabrics, a linen mini, midi, or maxi dress is a dressy but comfortable choice. It’s versatile to style, too. Western wear is currently trending thanks to Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour, so you could pair yours with heeled cowboy boots and a studded belt works for an outdoors-y engagement party. If your vibe leans more Grecian getaway, embrace raffia-forward accessories, open-toe sandals, and wide-framed sunglasses for a casually chic ensemble. (This makes for a great beach wedding outfit, too.)

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Boden Embroidered Linen Tassel Dress

$298 $209

Boden

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Staud Sienna Mini Leather-Trimmed Raffia Tote

$250

Net-a-Porter

Sequins, Sequins, Sequins

To reflect the celebratory mood in the air, go for some sequins. This sparkly party girl staple can take many forms, from a close-fitting minidress to flared trousers, but a light touch is probably the way to go unless it’s a formal event. Sequins shine best when used to experiment with various textures, such as pairing a floor-length sequin skirt with a basic top or grounding a sparkly slip with black leather accents. It is a celebration, after all!

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Rare London Sequin Bandeau Gown

$120

Nordstrom

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JW Pei Lily Shoulder Bag

$69

Amazon

A Party Pantsuit

This might sound like a cliché, but you truly can transition any pantsuit from day-to-night with ease. So it’s kind of the perfect option if the engagement party is taking place on a weeknight. Slip on some statement jewelry, swap your office-friendly loafers for strappy high heels, and leave the collared button-down at your nine-to-five in lieu of a dress shirt (or no shirt at all, if you’re daring). Whether your personal style leans more toward a menswear-inspired vest, an oversized blazer, a close-fit halter top, or a flared peplum blouse, any pantsuit combo works.

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Mango Linen-Blend Double-Breasted Suit Blazer

$200

Mango

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Mango Straight-Fit Linen-Blend Suit Pants

$140

Mango

Wide-Leg Dress Pants

Skinny jeans have returned in all their (polarizing) 2000s-era glory, but the wide-leg pants trend will not go gently into that good night. They’re an ultra-comfortable option for cocktail hour or a sit-down dinner, thanks to their breezy silhouette and spacious pockets. Go for a cropped and structured pair to show off your summer-ready sandals, or find a flowy, floor-length pant and dress shoes. Pleated trousers are especially striking in a monochromatic matching set, and a pattern-mixing ensemble will definitely turn heads at any engagement soirée.

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J.Crew Cutaway Linen Vest Top

$118

J.Crew

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J.Crew Linen Stratus Pants

$118

J.Crew

The Iconic Wrap Dress

Masterminded by the one and only Diane von Furstenberg in the ‘70s, the wrap dress transcends decades and is the most effortless engagement party dress you could find. Identified by its defining wrap-around belt, the cinched silhouette serves glamour without sacrificing comfort (a plus for celebrations that dip late into the night). Wrap dresses also play well with prints and patterns of all shapes and sizes, though a romantic floral number with wispy cap sleeves and ruffles is my personal favorite. Bust out some lace-up sandals (yes, they’re back!), block-heeled mules, or platform boots to finish off the look.

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