What to wear to a christening

Next Monday, 11-week old Prince Louis will be christened at the Chapel Royal in St James Palace surrounded by the members of the Royal Family and close friends. The event will likely be the next outing that the Duchess of Cambridge attends, and while she'll be busy organising the festivities. dress shopping will be the last thing on her priority list. 

At Prince George and Princess Charlotte's christenings, the Duchess opted for sleek pale suiting, and while it might not have seemed like the most sensible option, it had some logic behind it. Sleek tailoring requires minimal effort and few accessories, but looks formal and pulled together, whatever drama might come her way on the day.

The christening date coincides with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip's engagement which was announced 71 years ago to the date, making the event extra special for the Royal Family. 

While we spend weeks rigorously planning outfits for wedding season (when five friends decide to get married in quick succession), christenings are a formal event often forgotten about. Grandmothers and godmothers will not want to upstage Mum, and guests will be anxiously trying to remember which outfit they wore to the couple’s nuptials to avoid duplication in the photographs.

So, whatever your role in the christenings and naming ceremonies in your diary, here’s how to dress appropriately for the occasion.

What to wear if you’re the mother of the child

While we advocate minimal tailoring, make no mistake, as by suit we don’t mean a fusty twin-set. Try a dress coat, à la Kate, or sleek trouser suit that you can rewear with other separates in the future.

Avoid pattern, which will date, and go for classic cream, pale grey or blush pink tailoring. Make sure the cut is right for you; it only takes 10 minutes to take a suit into your local drycleaners for alteration and will save you a lifetime of looking back at the photos and regretting that boxy jacket fit. The right style will skim over the stomach area, nip you in and look utterly classic.

Double-breasted blazer, ￡399, Hugo Boss; and trousers, ￡199, Hugo Boss; Leather slingbacks, ￡49.99, Zara; Mizuki 14-ct gold pearl earrings, ￡475, Net-a-Porter; 

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What to wear if you’re godmother of the child

Your first wardrobe priority as godparent is to check the general tone of the celebration. For the christening of Iris, the daughter of the Marquess of Cholmondeley, godmother Kate Moss wore a whimsical Alexander McQueen maxi dress. No other guests were baring quite as much skin, which is worth taking note of as the event is likely to take place in a church.
Being a supermodel, Moss got away with her maxi (it was McQueen, after all), but your friend might not take too kindly to being upstaged.

Instead, choose a short-sleeved, calf-length dress that skims your silhouette. Stick to the subtle side of the pattern spectrum to avoid clashing with anyone in the family, or opt for elegant embroidery and lace, like Harley Viera Newton (below).

Boe dress, ￡195, LK Bennett; Polka dot midi dress, ￡49.99, Mango; Pleated dress, ￡78, Oasis

What to wear if you’re grandmother of the child

Follow the mother’s lead and stick to timeless tailoring. A well-cut blazer worn over a matching dress might sound unoriginal but when done well, (see Cate Blanchett who nails it below) it looks fabulous.
Avoid fascinators, hats or brooches which will age your look and are much too formal; instead, treat yourself to a pair of beautiful drop earrings, which will steal the spotlight if you wear your hair swept off your face. 

Francine coat, ￡249, Hobbs; Francine dress, ￡189, Hobbs; Rupert Sanderson metallic pumps, ￡165, Martha Louisa; 1960s vintage Trifari clip-on earrings, ￡95, Susan Caplan 

What to wear if you’re a guest

It’s highly likely you will be doing some running around to keep young children amused, so sensible footwear is essential. A block heel is a good bet for any time of year, particularly if you'll be heading to a reception outdoors afterwards, and will add a little elegance to an outfit that might otherwise be pulled on by youngsters.
A Fifties silhouette on either a shirt dress, or a top tucked into a stylish printed midi skirt, is a safe, figure enhancing silhouette that will keep your sartorial cool.

Diane von Furstenberg printed silk skirt, ￡450, Net-a-Porter; short sleeved blouse, ￡238, Goat; Lilac bloxk heels, ￡56, Topshop; Fringed bag, ￡49.99, Mango

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