Hello, future brides!

We know you’ve got a lot on your mind as you plan your wedding, and we’re here to help. We’ve put together a few ideas for what to wear to an engagement party in the fall so that you can be sure to look great and feel amazing on the big day.

Hey! You’re here because you want to know what to wear to an engagement party in the fall. And that’s great—congratulations on your engagement!

We know it can be hard to find the right outfit when you’re not sure what kind of party it is, but don’t worry: we’ve got you covered. By the time you finish reading this article, you’ll know exactly what to wear for any engagement party in any season.

What to wear to an engagement party in the fall

The fall season is one of the best times of year to have an engagement party. It’s a time of new beginnings, and nothing says “new” like a new love! This means that it’s time for you to get dressed up, pull out your best fall wardrobe staples, and celebrate with your friends. But what should you wear?

If you’re going to an engagement party in the fall, then you’re probably going to be spending most of the day outside. That means that layering is key—you want to be able to bundle up when it gets cold while still looking stylish. We recommend picking out a few long-sleeve tops in different colors and textures, like this red flannel shirt from H&M. Then add a denim jacket or vest over top. You could also wear a cardigan if it’s not too cool out—you’ll want something warm but not too heavy if you plan on being outside all day!

If there’s any rain or snow expected during the event, don’t forget your umbrella (or at least an umbrella holder). A cute clutch is another great accessory option for parties—it will help keep your hands free so that you can shake hands with everyone!

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year. It’s a time when you can enjoy the crisp, cool air and feel that crisp, new leaf feeling all around you.

This season is also an exciting one—there are so many fun things to do: apple picking, pumpkin picking, hay rides, and more! And what better way to celebrate than with an engagement party?

An engagement party is a wonderful way to bring family and friends together to celebrate your special occasion. Whether it’s your first engagement or your fiftieth, these events are always a good time.

So what should we wear?

If you’re invited to an engagement party, you probably know what to wear. But if you’re not sure, here are some guidelines:

It’s always a great idea to dress up—the more formal the occasion, the fancier your clothing should be. If it’s a daytime event, a suit or dress will do just fine; if it’s an evening affair, go for something even more formal—a tuxedo is always appropriate for an engagement party! And remember: no matter what time of day it is, the bride-to-be will be wearing her wedding gown. So if you want to stand out from the crowd (and show your support for the couple), try wearing something in the same color palette as her dress. You can also coordinate with her bouquet or jewelry by incorporating similar colors into your outfit.

Finally, don’t forget about shoes! You’ll want to wear heels that match your outfit—so if you’re wearing a red dress, don’t forget about those red pumps!

Getting engaged is one of the best feelings in the world. It’s a sign that you’re ready to take on the next chapter of your life, and it means you get to spend forever with your best friend.

But now what? Now that you’ve said yes, there are a million things to do: pick out wedding venues, talk to family members about seating arrangements, plan a honeymoon trip—the list goes on and on! You will be busy for months (and maybe even years) to come.

This is where we come in. We’re here to help you get through all of those stressful moments by providing some advice on what to wear for each step along the way.

Congratulations on finding the one! Whether it’s been a whirlwind romance that’s only just begun or a long-term partnership that you’ve been building for years, you’re now at a new point in your life. You have a partner who loves and adores you, and you have your whole lives ahead of you.

The next step is usually marriage—but how do you make sure your engagement is as fun and memorable as possible? We’ve got all the answers right here.

“For women, dresses are again the norm, but a nice two-piece outfit could fit the occasion. Dress up the look with some elegant jewelry,” Sanchez recommends. Formal or Black-tie optional: Most engagement parties likely won’t be this formal, but on the off chance yours is, you should know what to wear.

What To Wear To An Engagement Party For Men
Celebrate in style no matter the venue.

19 March 2022 by Joshua Green

What To Wear To An Engagement Party
It feels like every man and his dog are getting engaged right now. And with this comes the ensuing set of parties in every conceivable shape and size. From white themed harbour cruises to swanky cocktail events – when a friend chooses to tie the knot, they’re bound to do it with their own sense of style and panache.

But with engagement party dress codes running the full gamut from beach casual to semi-formal, it can be tricky figuring out what to wear. Here, we explain how to pull off a chic engagement party look no matter what the venue, all the while ensuring you don’t upstage the groom.

If you’re invited to an evening engagement party, chances are it’ll be a cocktail dress code. And sure, you’ve heard this dress code a thousand times, but what does it actually mean? First and foremost, think about the location.

If it’s at a venue, you can afford to be a little more on the formal end of the spectrum. Think a smart blazer with a statement Prince of Wales check over a pair of tailored trousers in a pale colour. Experiment with the details of this look by adding accents like a pocket square or lapel pin. In contrast, if you’re headed to a cocktail event in a private home, you can probably swing it with something a little more casual. A tailored shirt in a sateen finish paired with a pair of tab-waisted trousers and driving loafers is a classic look that’ll feel right at home.

What To Wear To A Pub Engagement Party

Believe us – this happens. We’ve all got a mate who loves their local drinking hole like it’s their own living room. And whether their other half likes it or not, chances are there will be some sort of engagement event held at said venue. But surely you need to dress up a little more than for the standard evening pint? Correct.

If you’re celebrating upcoming nuptials at a pub, it’s easy to elevate your look through some simple additions. Work off a base of dark indigo slim fit jeans with an oxford shirt in white, pale blue or stripes. Pair this with a pair of Chelsea boots or sneakers and an unstructured blazer to add some extra style. When looking at blazers, opt for casual styles in taupe or navy that are cotton rather than wool. This keeps your look casual while still being polished.

What To Wear To A Backyard Engagement Party

There’s nothing better than a lazy Sunday afternoon BBQ in the backyard and what better way to have a relaxed engagement party than to use this tradition to celebrate. Add a little polish to what you might usually wear by pairing a button-down collared shirt in a stripe or check with a pair of tailored shorts.

Play with bold colours here, looking for shorts in burnt orange, aquamarine or forest green. Pair the look back with a cable knit sweater over the shoulders and a pair of boat shoes. In the cooler months, opt for a pair of chinos in stone or navy, adding pops of colour through bright sweaters and shirts. Add extra elements like a canvas loop belt to really make the outfit stand out.

What To Wear To A Beach Engagement Party

Events on the beach are great until they’re not. And usually, that’s when half the beach gets in your shoes. It’s uncomfortable at the best of times and even worse if you’re in cheap dress shoes. For beach engagement parties, skip the hassle by going for chic but comfortable linen pieces that feel on cue for the location. Think cuffed trousers with a tab waist in white linen or cotton with a pale blue shirt.

If you’re feeling bold, experiment with the shirt collar and sleeves – a Mandarin collar is a sure fire way to add some extra style nous as is a shirt sleeve that hits mid-bicep. Top off your look with a pair of suede espadrilles or a woven leather sandal.

What To Wear To An Engagement-Wedding Party

Increasingly common, the engagement party-cum-wedding party poses a real challenge for those who are dressing for the former, but most certainly not the latter. Our advice? Err on the side of caution and read the invite extra carefully. The hint is usually in how formal the RSVP process is.

If you suspect that your mates’ party maybe something a little more formal, dress accordingly. Look at pairing chinos and a tailored shirt with a pair of leather Chelsea boots and a casual blazer, maybe even a tie. Have fun with the jacket, choosing an option in a bold colour and pattern – olive looks great over navy chinos and a crisp white shirt. And even if you’re wrong and it’s purely about the engagement, you’ll look like the sharpest bloke there.

What to wear to an engagement party

When you’re invited to an engagement party, you’re probably thinking about what you can bring, who you can invite, and how to make sure the bride-to-be has a great time. But what about what you’re wearing?

The engagement party isn’t just any party: it’s a special event in your friend’s life, and it’s important that you dress appropriately. You want to look good without being too much or too little, and you want to make sure that whatever you wear is going to be appropriate for the venue—and won’t make anyone uncomfortable.

We’ve got everything you need to know about dressing for an engagement party right here!

You’re invited to an engagement party!

And your outfit is a huge part of the evening.

You want to look like you, but also dress to impress—and those are two things that don’t always go together. If you’re going to a casual engagement party (think: BBQ), then you can probably get away with wearing whatever you want. But if it’s formal, then there are some things you should definitely keep in mind.

No matter what type of engagement party you’re attending, remember these tips for what to wear:

With the engagement party just around the corner, you’re probably wondering what to wear. You don’t want to look like you didn’t put any effort into it, but you also don’t want to be too flashy or overdressed.

That’s where we come in! We’ve got some great ideas for what to wear that will make everyone feel comfortable while still making a statement.

“For women, dresses are again the norm, but a nice two-piece outfit could fit the occasion. Dress up the look with some elegant jewelry,” Sanchez recommends. Formal or Black-tie optional: Most engagement parties likely won’t be this formal, but on the off chance yours is, you should know what to wear.
FAQs
Wedding receptions aren’t the only marriage-related events that require you to find just the right outfit. Months or even years before the big day, many couples will throw an engagement party, and if you’re close with the soon-to-be-wed duo, you’ll likely be invited to this event. However, as fun as it is to toast to the happy couple, figuring out what to wear can be something of a challenge. Many guests wonder if the same wedding attire etiquette rules apply to engagement parties (for example, is it inappropriate for guests to wear white?), and deciding how casual or formal to go can feel confusing.

In general, engagement parties tend to be more casual than a wedding reception, but if the guests of honor choose to go big with their engagement party, you may have to dress up a little more than you thought. Lisa Sanchez, in-house stylist and fashion editor of The Nines, notes that choosing the right outfit depends on the season, time, and venue.

MEET THE EXPERT

Lisa Sanchez is the in-house stylist and fashion editor of The Nines, an online destination for celebrity style and trends.
Allie McKenna is a New York-based wardrobe stylist and personal shopper who empowers women to embrace their signature style. She is also a stylist at Bloomingdales in New York City.
If you’re feeling completely unsure of where to start, there’s nothing wrong with texting the bride or groom and asking about the dress code or venue. But to further help you find the right look, we’ve put together a list of tips and outfit ideas for the perfect engagement party guest outfit.
How to Decide What to Wear
Before coming up with an ensemble, you need three important pieces of information: the location, the time, and the specific dress code. Most of this information should be available on the invitation, but again, there’s always the option of texting the bride or groom if you’re unsure.

Dress Codes
The dress code of the engagement party will likely fall into one of four basic categories, and as previously mentioned, will vary based on the venue and time of day.

Casual: This is obviously the most relaxed dress code, meaning it’s also pretty versatile. “If the party is in the afternoon, it is generally accepted to skip the tie and keep some of the top buttons undone,” Sanchez says, in regards to men’s attire. “For women, floral patterns evoke feelings of romance and joy, which is very fitting for the occasion. The length can be short or long, just as long as you are comfortable.” Fun patterns and bright and light colors are encouraged.
Semi-formal: Right in between casual and cocktail attire is semi-formal, which is a step above casual but not quite as dressed up as cocktail. “Semi-formal can also be called ‘dressy casual’ and the best way to interpret how to dress is a more formal business casual,” shares Allie McKenna, New York-based wardrobe stylist and personal shopper. “A more casual wrap dress is a chic choice, and a suit without a tie could also work in this scenario.”
Cocktail: “Think of what your parents might have worn to work,” Sanchez says. “In other words, take today’s business professional definition and dress it up a little.” She notes that for men, ties can be optional, and you can opt for short sleeves or bring a coat or sweater. “For women, dresses are again the norm, but a nice two-piece outfit could fit the occasion. Dress up the look with some elegant jewelry,” Sanchez recommends.
Formal or Black-tie optional: Most engagement parties likely won’t be this formal, but on the off chance yours is, you should know what to wear. “It’s important to remember you can never be too over-dressed. A traditional suit and elegant dress or jumpsuit are appropriate for this dress code.” McKenna notes. “A tuxedo is appropriate, but a dark suit with dress pants and nice shoes is also acceptable. Similarly, a floor-length gown is always a safe bet for any formal occasion, but a midi or knee-length or cocktail dress will also work.”
Every Wedding Guest Dress Code, Explained
Season
The outfit you choose for an engagement party in the middle of the summer is probably going to be different than the one you choose for an event around Christmas time. For spring and summer, Sanchez recommends playing around with color, like pastels and brighter shades. Neutrals are always on-trend, but colorful hues are fun when the weather is warm. She also recommends lighter fabrics, especially for the summer, like linen and seersucker.

“For men, socks may be optional, just consider the venue; it is okay to go sockless when wearing loafers for garden parties,” Sanchez says. “For women, floral patterns and lace are popular choices.”

For fall and winter parties, dress for the cooler weather. This means patterns and colors will be slightly subdued, fabrics will be heavier, and sleeves and hems will be longer. “For men, still consider a suit or maybe even a nice sweater or turtleneck for more casual events,” Sanchez says. “Plaid and houndstooth or solid darker colors are recommended.”

Sanchez also suggests lace patterns for women, which she says pair nicely with a shawl to stay warm. “Another option would be going with a solid color. If you don’t feel like wearing a dress, consider a formal jumpsuit.”

Venue
Once you get your invitation, immediately do a google search on the venue, as it is essential for figuring out the vibe you should be dressing for. “A venue is key to planning an outfit for an engagement party,” McKenna shares. “Not only does the venue help in dictating how formal your attire is, if it’s indoor or outdoor it also determines shoe choices, accessories, and outerwear.”

Backyard, or similar outdoor locations, generally dictate that the attire is pretty casual (unless noted otherwise on the invitation, of course). “A backyard party may not be suitable for heels as they would most likely sink into the grass, so a dress with a wedge or block heel would be the optimal choice,” McKenna notes. She also recommends khakis or nice jeans for a daytime or backyard celebration.

Sanchez advises that for outdoor parties, men can wear boat shoes or loafers, as well as short sleeve collard shirts or polos. For more formal venues, McKenna suggests sticking with a suit or a dress.

Time of Day
The time of day will also clue you in on what an appropriate outfit would be. McKenna recommends a floral mini dress or a printed maxi with flat sandals for a daytime engagement party. “For men, a classic button-down, clean jeans, and a sports coat” are appropriate, she notes. Sanchez also adds that daytime parties typically call for lighter colors and can be considered business casual or garden party attire.

And if daytime events are typically more casual, evening events tend to veer on the more formal side. McKenna recommends more formal attire with heels or a suit for an evening event. “Swap the jeans for slacks and the patterns for solid colors,” she adds.

Engagement Party Attire Etiquette Rules
Before we jump in, it’s important to note that there are no strict rules for engagement party guest attire. That said, there are some etiquette guidelines to keep in mind, which Sanchez and McKenna explain:

Avoid wearing white. It may not be their wedding night, but it’s still a wedding-related celebration.
Pay attention to the dress code recommendations. “If no dress code is advised, then you can assume business professional attire is appropriate,” Sanchez says. You can also reach out to family and friends of the couple if you don’t want to ask the couple directly.
Skip the jeans. “Generally, jeans are a no-go, but the venue could affect the style,” Sanchez shares. “For example, if the event is at a pub, then dark jeans paired with a nice shirt and jacket for a man and a formal top for a woman could work.” She recommends avoiding lighter and distressed jeans so you’re not overly casual.
Wear something tasteful that isn’t too bold. “Your goal as a guest is to celebrate the special couple, so it would be in poor taste to overshadow the event with a lavish, show-stealing outfit,” Sanchez says. “You are not expected to totally mute your individuality, but be respectful.”
30 Places to Buy Wedding Guest Attire You’ll Absolutely Love
Engagement Party Attire for Men
Keeping in mind the venue, dress code, and time of day, it’s pretty easy to come up with a basic engagement party outfit formula for male guests. Sanchez recommends coming up with a go-to look that would work well with or without a tie and sports coat. “Bring a tie with you and take notice of your fellow guests to gauge whether you should wear it or not,” she says. “The same goes for a sports coat.”

A basic outfit idea that would work with almost any venue and dress code would be slacks, a nice shirt, nice shoes, and an optional shirt and jacket. “You can’t go wrong with a neutral button-down shirt and a nice pair of slacks,” McKenna says. “If it’s a more formal venue, top off the look with a sports jacket and freshly shined shoes.” If the dress code calls for it, a simple suit works well too.

Engagement Party Attire for Women
For women, a go-to outfit is even easier: a dress works for almost any venue, season, and dress code, especially one in a neutral shade that can easily be dressed up or down. McKenna recommends a silk or satin slip midi dress in a neutral hue for most occasions.

Of course, nice pants and a top are a great option for those who don’t want to wear a dress. “In order to be comfortable, you need to be confident,” Sanchez says. “I recommend finding a dress or outfit to fit the dress code and matching it with complementary accessories.” Have fun with your look, but keep the statement-making pieces to a minimum.

FAQ
Should guests wear white to an engagement party?
For any wedding-related event, like an engagement party, it’s best for guests to avoid wearing white. The shade has such a strong bridal association that it’s just considered respectful not to wear it. Instead, opt for neutral shades like beige, black, or blush, or for a daytime casual event, play with patterns and brighter hues.

What should guests not wear to an engagement party?
Unless the engagement party is in a casual bar or in a backyard for an “I do” BBQ, guests should avoid wearing jeans. And even if the dress code is more casual, avoid wearing light-colored, distressed

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

eight − 1 =

Scroll to Top