As someone who has attended a handful of engagement parties in the last few months, I can tell you there’s nothing more exciting than celebrating a soon-to-be-married couple. However, deciding what to wear for the occasion can pose a bit of a challenge—especially when the invitation comes with an ambiguous dress code.
Through experience, I’ve learned that it’s best to err on the elegant side. The key to whipping up an effortless engagement party outfit is maintaining an assortment of sophisticated basics that check the “cocktail attire” box, like little black dresses, slinky slip skirts, and tailored trousers (yes, pants are considered formal, too). As for accessories, no celebratory look is complete without polished pieces like dainty kitten heels, shimmering gold hoop earrings, and glossy designer handbags.
Whether you’ve got one engagement party on your calendar or several, scroll on for a hand-picked list of looks that will simplify getting dressed for the moment.
Subtly Revealing
When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes recommended by a MC writer or editor, or by an expert we've spoken to. Learn more about how we review products.
Want to show some skin while feeling sophisticated? An off-the-shoulder dress will get the job done.
Instead of opting for a barely-there number, keep things classy with an off-the-shoulder dress that still offers a solid amount of coverage. Complete your look by matching strappy sandals and a mini handbag.
A Black and White Situation
You don’t have to overcomplicate things to achieve a put-together look.
If your personal style aligns with minimalism, you’ll appreciate a streamlined black-and-white dress that sticks to the basics. You can add a pop of color with a burgundy leather bag.
Slightly Sheer
Here’s how to make a diaphanous dress appear polished.
Sheer styles rank high on the list of 2025 fashion trends, so why not lean into the look with a semi-translucent maxi dress. If this piece feels too intimidating on its own, team it with a boxy blazer.
Go Green
Enhance your rotation of engagement party outfits with a radiant green dress that’s guaranteed to brighten up your day.
With spring around the corner, there’s no better time to embrace a botanical color palette. Choose a dress that’s plastered in a refreshing shade of green.
Billowing Bubble Hems
Give your look a whimsical boost with a flouncy dress.
Fashion It girls can’t seem to get enough of bubble skirts and dresses. Since temperatures are still a bit chilly, team this breezy style alongside a pair of tights to keep your legs warm.
Suit Up
A sharp suit set never fails to deliver.
When you’re not in the mood to wear a dress or a skirt, simply level up a pair of pants with a matching blazer. Embellish your straightforward suit with a pair of pointy pumps, and prepare to wear this outfit on repeat.
Slip Into Satin
Smooth satin fabrics are undeniably refined.
Dial up the elegance with a lustrous satin dress designed with a sculpted silhouette.This upscale number will look even better with heeled sandals and shimmering silver jewelry. If you’re in need of an extra layer, make sure to wrap a blazer or a shawl around your shoulders.
In Love With Burgundy
Go full-on monochrome in a head-toe-burgundy uniform.
Fashion’s affair with the burgundy color trend is far from over. Commit to the look by drenching your entire outfit in the shade.
Oh-So Embellished
Settle on sequins, and you’ll make heads turn.
Stand out among the crowd in a sequin-adorned dress that demands attention (but not too much). As to not upstage the bride-to-be, pick a neutral shade and go light on the accessories.
It’s All in the Details
Here, rippled fabric takes center stage.
Look closely, and you’ll notice that this dress is enhanced with draped detailing that delivers a sculptural appeal. Replicate this captivating outfit with a similar style below and add some gold-toned embellishments.
Office-Inspired
Champion the corp-core trend with a blazer dress that puts a sultry twist on office-inspired dressing.
Tailored jackets can function well beyond any workwear wardrobe. For your next engagement party, try on an oversized blazer that cosplays as a minidress.
The Beloved Black Dress
When in doubt, reach for this classic wardrobe staple.
Streamline your outfit with a straightforward black dress that boasts a no-frills, no-fuss attitude. Thanks to its versatile quality, you’ll be able to wear this look plenty of times on repeat.
-
Princess Anne Follows in Kate Middleton's Footsteps With Emotional Hospital Visit"Sadly, I don't have huge memories of being in here," the Princess Royal admitted.
-
'Apple Cider Vinegar's Milla Blake Is Inspired by a Real-Life Wellness Influencer—What to Know About Jessica AinscoughThe self-nicknamed "wellness warrior" treated her illness through alternative means.
-
Truman Capote Had His Swans—Now Christopher John Rogers Has His SquirrelsAs the designer prepares for his much-anticipated runway show at New York Fashion Week, we tap into the vibrant cult following that fuels his rainbow-colored world.
