A Christening : What would you wear? - YouLookFab Forum

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A Christening : What would you wear?

Star

Veteran

Hi Everyone

I have a christening to attend next Sunday at 4.30pm in the orthodox cathedral and then after in an upmarket restaurant. What would you wear that is in your closet? The weather at that time will probably be around 24 degrees celsius and then cooling.

Thanks in advance!

Dressing

19 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

Indigoprint

Veteran

I would wear a dress/skirt with comfortable dressy shoes.

April

Veteran

I would suggest, depending on what you own, a covered-up dress (long sleeves, midi length, higher neckline).

You could also wear nice trousers and a jacket, though I don't know what the customs are regarding women's attire at such a ceremony.

To me, the main things would be modesty, respect for the occasion, and letting the little one and the parents shine.

SarahD8

Veteran

From my actual closet, I would wear:
*Black silk-cotton full midi skirt (it's modest and fairly traditional, and the fabrication has a sheen that can read somewhat dressy. All my summer dresses have skimpy straps so I'd pass them over for a traditional church ceremony)
* Embroidered woven top (it's colorful and joyful, and the cap sleeves mean that if it got really warm in the church my shoulders would still be covered
*Short-sleeve cardi (to pick up the white buttons on the skirt, and for warmth and further modesty)
OR
*3/4 sleeve liberty print top. If I didn't think I would need a topper. Similarly pretty/joyful print. The neckline is a bit bare though.

I would probably wear ballet flats -- of which I have black, gold, and pink velvet.

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Helena

Veteran

I would wear a dress with good coverage and if it was sleeveless, I'd bring a scarf to cover my shoulders. I think Orthodox churches are still a little old school with that stuff. A celebratory colour would be a nice touch. What a happy occasion to dress up for, enjoy!

ophelia

Veteran

SarahD8 you have pink velvet ballet flats???? {faints} Now I have to spend an hour googling.
It looks like you pulled your selections out of my closet, lol. But…I have no pink velvet flats. I do have some blue velvet.

Irina

Veteran

To me, in this situation color is more important. I would not wear dark colors. Cream pants and a beige silk blouse, plus a scarf for the evening or one of my printed Marimekko dresses - examples from my wardrobe depending on the level of dressiness.

Joy

Veteran

I would wear a modest dress or skirt outfit, dressy flats, nylon stockings and a light coat. From my wardrobe I would wear a grey long seabed knit cotton dress, a multicolor silk scarf on white of jungle animals. Black patent flats, a black leather coat and nude stockings. You do not need a hat but can wear one. Will you be holding a small child or baby? If so, wear something soft and comfortable and comfortable, sturdy shoes or boots. Wear a topper with a sleeveless dress so arms are covered. . If you are in the party party, you may be asked to hold a lit candle. You will want to wear something fire resistant then. Bring a small gift. Something religious like a small crucifix is a good choice.

Runcarla

Veteran

Dress or skirt outfit first, dressy pants outfit would also be acceptable. Colour preferable, but neutrals okay - just not black head to toe.

Bijou

Veteran

Dresses are what I mainly wear, so that is what I would wear, something modest given the cathedral setting. However, trousers or a skirt with a blouse would also be appropriate. I would also wear comfy shoes.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

That would be a difficult one for me because many of my summer outfits are sleeveless. I would possible wear this dress.

Another option would be the skirt and top outfit below.

Footwear and bag would vary.

What the others said, though -- modest, but colourful and festive.

And what a happy event to attend!

Printed Midi Dress

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Top Pick

19

Pleated Crepe Midi Skirt

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6

The City Stripe V-Neck Top

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3

Star

Veteran

Yes, nodding along to all of you. Lots of wisdom here. I will be taking a small gift. For the orthodox church it will be Mother Mary and Baby Jesus icon as a silver pendant. I won't be holding the little girl. She is one year. I too do not have a dress with long sleeves but I think my linen blazer is going to come in handy. I have two dresses in mind now and maybe knee high boots ala Angie's blog yesterday. Irina I think you are spot on regarding colour being the most important and cream it probably should be, however I do not have much cream or light colour items in my closet. Suz I would love your dress, I think it is very appropriate. All of you have have fab ideas. Thank you so much. I will try get a pic on the day.

Irina

Veteran

Star, I belong to the Eastern (Greek) Orthodox Church myself
I don’t know how strict the rules in Bulgaria but in Russia I would also wear a loose scarf covering my hair while in church.

rachylou

Veteran

Salwar kameez was what I wore to the last christening I went to. I really miss that outfit, but I became a different size

Star

Veteran

Irina Thanks for this. I don't think the church here is that strict any more but I will certainly enquire. Rachylou I empathise. 85% of my wardrobe currently is not fitting me hence my dilemma :(.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I would wear one of my pretty summer dresses and a cardigan or jacket, and dress sandals. Similar to what I would wear to a summer wedding. Depending on how hot or cold the church building might be I might add pantihose and/or closed toe shoes instead of sandals.
Sorry to hear 85% of your closet is not fitting currently! That’s tricky!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Star, I've been to a Greek orthodox christening with a meal in a banqueting hall afterwards. It was as dressy as a wedding! People were covered and modest. Suits, long sleeves, dresses, skirts, closed shoes, pantyhose - it was cold in Seattle, so coverage was important anyway.

I think I wore a dress and blazer with pantyhose and pumps. Greg wore a suit. I was a beautiful event!

Roberta

Veteran

I would wear one of my dressier Boden sleeveless dresses with the ever-faithful Nic and Zoe cardigan to cover my arms. The dress is full skirted and ends just below the knee, so I would be fine sitting or kneeling (and also high necked). Shoes that cover my feet seem more appropriate than sandals, and you said it would not be too hot. I would not wear stockings, but you may be more comfortable in them than I am. This is basically my outfit for any church occasion.

Star

Veteran

Angie Yes I think it will be the same here ie. being a bit like a wedding, maybe one level below wrt dressiness. Modesty is not such a big thing here though. I am told the Bulgarian Orthodox Church is less strict than the Russian and Greek when it comes to dress code. Although generally everyone here loves to dress up for an occasion. I am leaning towards a knee length dress, knee high boots and a linen blazer. Will still be too warm for pantyhose. Thanks EVERYONE!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sounds great! Hope to see the outfit.