FASHION

WHAT TO WEAR TO AN ENGAGEMENT PARTY

By Sara Gomes, 19 January 2026

Aside from getting engaged yourself, there’s really nothing better than getting to celebrate your friends deciding to tie the knot. Weddings and engagement celebrations are some of the happiest times in our lives, but they can be tricky to navigate in the outfit department. What dresses are appropriate? Can you wear something other than a dress? What colours are best? Don’t worry, we’re here to make your outfit one less thing to stress about. Whether you’re a bride, part of the bridal party or a guest, here are our top engagement party outfit ideas.

FOR THE BRIDES:

ENGAGEMENT PARTY DRESS IDEAS

There are no rules when it comes to wearing dresses for engagement parties. Wearing white is the only tradition that’s usually followed, but if you don’t like white no one’s going to judge you – it’s 2026, after all. The run-up to your wedding is the perfect time to experiment with your style, that way you’ll have a better idea of what silhouette you might choose for the big day – and you can use your engagement party to do this. If you want to feel super chic, opt for a satin slip dress; if you love hyper-feminine styles, something with floral applique or a floaty short silhouette might suit; and if you’re a statement kind of bride, go all out with sequins and structure.

GET THE LOOK:

Vila satin cowl neck cami maxi dress in cream, £40

Pretty Lavish Bridal ruffle layered corsage halter neck mini dress in ivory, £88

ASOS DESIGN bridal asymmetric draped cami midaxi dress in sheer sequin, £150

Kaiia exclusive structured bandeau drop waist gathered skirt dress in cream, £65

ENGAGEMENT PARTY OUTFITS THAT AREN'T DRESSES

This celebration is all about you and your partner, so of course you don’t have to wear a dress – wear what you feel best in. If it’s a formal affair, it could be a simple skirt co-ord or a well-tailored suit, and if you need some casual engagement party outfit ideas, you can always dress up your favourite jeans with a white top or choose a fluffy white jumper and team it with a satin midi skirt. You want to feel like yourself, so if a fancy white gown isn’t your vibe, don’t feel pressured to wear one.

GET THE LOOK:

ARRANGE embellished bandeau square cut top in white, £95

YAS oversized tailored blazer co-ord in white, £75

ASOS DESIGN co-ord textured rib column maxi skirt in ivory, £26

ASOS DESIGN Supersoft asymmetric jumper with turn back cuff in winter white, £30

FOR THE GUESTS:

Dressing for an engagement party as a guest is arguably harder than the bride because you don’t usually have a colour to work with (just don't wear white, we beg). But don’t let that worry you, if no dress code has been mentioned, you’ve got free rein. Scroll for more engagement party clothing ideas.

ENGAGEMENT PARTY GUEST OUTFIT IDEAS

Pictures: ASOS

When planning your engagement party guest outfit, all you really need to consider is the formality of the occasion. Is it at a pub after work on a Tuesday? Then you’re almost certainly ok to wear your office attire. If it’s at a hi-fi listening bar on a Saturday night, consider something elevated like a tailored trouser or a dress with heeled boots. And if it’s at more of a ‘proper’ venue, that’s when we’d opt for something more formal – a longer dress or suit.

GET THE LOOK:

ASOS DESIGN satin lace trim asym cami top in olive, £32

ARRANGE drape neck square hem midi dress with trim detail in light olive, £140

Mango ruched side long sleeve mini dress in fig, £49.99

ASOS DESIGN tailored cocoon sleeve moulded hip blazer in brown, £65