What Shoes To Wear For A Christening
6 March 2026
A christening is a joyful occasion that brings together family and friends to celebrate a meaningful milestone - and usually there’s a formal dress code. Whether you’re attending as a guest, godparent, or close relative, it’s important to dress appropriately, and remember that this includes your shoes!
The right christening footwear can elevate your outfit, show respect for the occasion, and keep you comfortable through the service and any celebrations that follow. This guide explores what shoes to wear so you can make the perfect choice based on dress code, season, and style preferences.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- What is the dress code for a christening?
- What should you not wear for a christening?
- What colour shoes should I wear to a christening
- Best shoes to wear for a christening for women & men in summer & winter
- Christening dress FAQs
What is the dress code for a christening?
Generally speaking, christenings call for smart, semi-formal attire. While not as formal as a wedding or black-tie event, it’s still expected that you’ll dress respectfully to fit the atmosphere of the venue. Somewhere between Sunday best and garden party chic is a good reference point, with light, elegant clothing in muted or pastel tones being a popular choice, especially for spring or summer ceremonies.
Your shoes should match the tone of your outfit: stylish but not over the top, smart but not to the point of overly formal. Things like classic loafers, brogues, or leather lace-ups for men, and heeled courts, ballet flats or smart sandals for women fit the bill nicely.
And if you’re unsure, consider the venue (a church may call for slightly more conservative footwear) and whether there’s a reception afterwards, as this might influence your choice of comfort and style.
What should you not wear for a christening?
As a general rule, avoid anything too casual, too loud, or too revealing. This includes flip-flops, chunky trainers, stilettos with nightclub vibes, or shoes that clash with the more traditional or family-oriented setting.
Scruffy or overly worn-out shoes should also be avoided, no matter how stylish they once were. Instead, choose a polished, presentable pair that matches the thoughtful tone of the event. If in doubt, choose something classic over trendy: a timeless leather loafer or block heel will never look out of place.
What colour shoes should I wear to a christening?
Christenings are typically daytime events, so lighter, neutral tones are always a safe and stylish bet. Beige, blush pink, soft grey, navy, and even white can all work well.
That said, black shoes aren’t strictly off-limits - especially for men’s formal shoes like Oxfords or brogues - but they may appear a little harsh next to the paler palettes often worn to a christening. If you do go with black, balance the look with softer colours elsewhere in your outfit.
For a more seasonal touch, women might consider pastel tones for spring/summer, or deeper tones in autumn/winter.
Best shoes to wear for a christening
Whether you're attending a christening in the height of summer or on a frosty winter morning, here are some of the best footwear choices to keep you stylish and comfortable.
For Women
Women have a wide range of stylish and comfortable footwear options. Court shoes are a top pick, offering elegance without being over the top. Block heels strike a great balance between smart and stable, especially for longer services or receptions.
Low-heeled sandals, ballet pumps, or loafers can also work beautifully, especially when paired with a midi dress, jumpsuit or smart trousers. Our ladies' heeled shoes and ladies' flat shoes collections are ideal starting points.
For Men
Men should aim for clean, classic styles that feel polished without being overdone. Leather loafers, brogues, or oxfords are all safe bets, offering a timeless appeal that suits the smart-casual nature of most christenings. These styles pair well with tailored trousers or suits in soft greys, navy, or pastels, aligning with the event’s tone.
If the event leans more formal, opt for polished smart shoes in black or dark brown. For slightly more relaxed christenings, men’s loafers offer a touch of flair while keeping things grounded. Just be sure to avoid trainers or casual boots unless you’re confident the tone of the event allows it.
In Summer
Lightweight shoes are key when dressing for a summer christening. For women, open-toe heels, smart sandals, or stylish flats offer breathability alongside elegance. Neutral colours like cream, blush, or soft pink keep you looking fresh and occasion-appropriate, especially with floral or pastel outfits.
Men may want to choose loafers or unlined leather shoes that allow for breathability. Light brown or tan shades are ideal and pairing them with a linen or cotton suit in lighter tones such as beige, blue, or grey helps keep the look seasonally appropriate while maintaining a smart finish.
In Winter
Closed-toe shoes and darker tones make more sense in the cooler months, offering both warmth and formality. Women might consider knee-high boots, leather ankle boots, or block-heel courts paired with tights. Rich tones like burgundy, navy, or forest green can complement winter fabrics and colour palettes. Our heeled boots and flat boots collections offer plenty of seasonally appropriate options.
For men, opt for structured leather shoes such as brogues or Derby shoes in black or deep brown. If the weather is particularly cold, brogue boots add a layer of warmth and durability while still looking polished and respectful.
Christening Dress FAQs
Still have questions about dressing for a christening? Here are some quick answers to questions that come up quite often.
Should you wear heels to a christening?
Heels are a great option if you feel confident in them, especially block heels or mid-height courts that offer elegance without discomfort. Ultra-high stilettos, however, are probably a bit much for a daytime religious service.
If you prefer flats or have a long day ahead, smart ballet pumps or heeled loafers are stylish and appropriate alternatives.
Can you wear trainers to a christening?
It depends on the style, but lean towards no. Smart leather trainers in a minimalist design might be acceptable for some modern, informal christenings, especially if paired with a well-cut outfit.
However, athletic trainers or heavily branded styles are best avoided. When in doubt, lean toward classic smart shoes instead.
Can you wear black to a christening?
Yes, but carefully. While black is traditionally associated with more sombre events, it can work at a christening if styled thoughtfully. Pairing black shoes with a colourful or pastel outfit helps strike the right tone. For men, black leather shoes with a navy or grey suit is a timeless combination.
Find the Perfect Pair for Your Next Christening
We’re proud to offer an extensive range of men’s and women’s shoes that would work perfectly at a christening, whether it’s a church event on a chilly winter’s day or a nice warm outdoor summer ceremony.
We hope this guide has been helpful for you to understand the different options for christening footwear, and to make a confident, comfortable choice for your next event. Visit us online or in-store to explore our full range and we’ll be happy to help you find the right pair.