How to stay stylish at a christening (Archie's guests, take note)

Krissy Turner, Shopping Editor and Alice Newbold, Junior Style Editor 5 July 2019 • 3:19pm

The Duchess of Cambridge introduced the hatband to her repertoire at the christening of Prince Louis Credit: PA

On Saturday, 8-week-old Archie Mountbatten-Windsor will be christened in a private ceremony at Windsor Castle. The event, which will see members of the Royal family and close friends attend, will be taking place privately, with pictures of the celebration expected to be released in the days after the event. But that still means it's a high stakes style moment, for the Duchess of Sussex and Archie's prospective godparents alike.

Meghan may take some tips from her sister-in-law, the Duchess of Cambridge, who for her own children's christenings, sported an array of sleek pale tailoring. While Meghan may think it a risky option, it had some logic behind it. Immaculately nipped and tucked piece requires minimal effort and few accessories, but looks formal and pulled together, whatever drama might come her way on the day.

While young Archie will likely wear the same ivory gown that his cousins, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis wore for their own ceremonies, Meghan may have to do a bit of planning. 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 re-wear with other separates in the future.

The Duchess of Cambridge at Princess Charlotte's christening Credit: Rex

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 alterations, and it'll 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. Pair with chic accessories- the Duchess of Cambridge chose baby Louis's christening as the moment to make her first foray into the hatband, an accessory which she has now made her own.

Grey jacket, £149, Hobbs; and trousers, £75, Hobbs; Mizuki gold and pearl earrings, £475, Net-a-Porter; Mules, £25.99, Zara

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.

Kate Moss at the christening of Iris, the daughter of the Marquess of Cholmondeley Credit: Instagram

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.

Silk shirt dress, £295, LK Bennett; Wrap midi dress, £48, Oasis; Fit and flare dress, £55, Monsoon

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. Doria Ragland, little Archie's grandma, already had the hand of this styling trick at Meghan and Harry's wedding last year, giving a contemporary touch to her Oscar de la Renta ensemble with a twinkling nose stud and subtle earrings.

Doria Ragland at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex Credit: Reuters

Costanza coat, £129, Phase Eight; Lace dress, £225, Phase Eight; Tabitha Simmons metallic sandals, £475, Net-a-Porter; 1980s vintage Swarovski earrings, £55, 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.