What to Wear Wedding Dress Shopping? (Spoiler: It’s Not What You Think!)
Let’s be real—wedding dress shopping is a whole vibe. You're not just picking a dress; you're stepping into one of the most unforgettable moments of your bridal journey. But as thrilling as it is to finally try on those dreamy gowns you've pinned a hundred times, there's one practical detail that's easy to overlook: Your outfit for the appointment.
Sure, you won’t be the one walking down the aisle just yet, but you will be stepping in and out of a dozen (or more) dresses, posing in front of mirrors, and maybe even getting teary-eyed in front of your mom and besties. So yes, what you wear on this day matters more than you think.
Let’s break it all down so you feel confident, comfortable, and totally prepared when your bridal shop appointment rolls around. From undergarments to makeup tips to what shoes to bring—this guide will help you get the most out of the big day before the big day.
1. Wear Comfortable, Nude Undergarments
Let’s start with the basics: your underthings.
Why it matters: Most bridal gowns have light-colored or sheer fabrics. You’ll be trying on a range of silhouettes and materials, and the last thing you want is your hot-pink bra stealing the show.
What to wear:
A strapless nude bra (or go braless if that’s your style, since many dresses have built-in support)
Seamless nude underwear
Shapewear (if you plan to wear it on your wedding day)
Some brides even bring a couple of bra options, just in case. And remember: it's totally okay to ask the bridal stylist what undergarments work best with each gown—they’ve seen it all.
2. Skip the Heavy Makeup (Trust Us)
You want to feel put-together, but too much makeup can actually be a problem. Wedding dresses are white or ivory, which means they can pick up makeup stains very easily.
Do:
Wear a light base
Keep lipstick minimal (or skip it altogether)
Bring blotting paper if you're worried about shine
Don’t:
Wear heavy foundation or bronzer
Apply freshly-done spray tans
Most bridal shops will ask you to avoid makeup smudges for the sake of keeping sample gowns clean. So a fresh, natural look goes a long way.
3. Easy-On, Easy-Off Clothing is Key
Imagine this: You’re halfway through your appointment, already five dresses deep, and you’re struggling to take off your tight jeans or turtleneck for the sixth time.
Save yourself the stress.
Opt for:
A loose dress or easy pullover top
Leggings or soft shorts
Slip-on shoes
The idea is to wear clothes that come off and on with minimal effort. You’ll likely be undressing and dressing multiple times—so the easier, the better.
4. Bring the Right Shoes
You don’t need to show up in bridal heels, but you do want to have some kind of shoe option that resembles what you plan to wear on your wedding day.
Why? The right shoes will help you get a better idea of how the gown falls, fits, and looks with added height.
Bring:
Nude or white heels (if you plan to wear them)
Flats or sandals (if you're going for a laid-back look)
It’s not a dealbreaker if you forget, but it does help visualize the complete look.
5. Pack a Small "Try-On" Kit
This isn’t required, but many brides find it helpful to bring a few extras to get the full experience.
Here’s what to toss in your tote:
Hair ties or clips (to see how your hair looks up vs. down)
A strapless bra (if you didn’t wear one)
Your wedding day jewelry (or something similar)
A water bottle (trust us, it gets tiring!)
Optional but helpful: a small notebook or your phone’s notes app to jot down dress names or thoughts during the appointment.
6. Think About Your Wedding Vibe (But Stay Open-Minded)
What you wear shopping doesn’t stop at clothing—it also helps to bring your vision.
Before you go, ask yourself:
What is the vibe of my wedding?
Am I leaning boho, classic, glam, beachy?
What silhouettes do I think I love?
Having a general idea helps guide the stylist—but also be ready to try on a wild card or two. Many brides fall for a style they never expected.
7. Choose Your Entourage Wisely (and Tell Them What to Wear Too!)
Who you bring to your appointment matters—both for your peace of mind and your experience.
Here’s the thing: Everyone has opinions. Choose people whose feedback you genuinely value and who will be supportive.
And yes, they should follow the dress-shopping guidelines too:
No heavy makeup
Comfy shoes
Easy clothing for those rare moments they need to help zip you up
Also: remind them to take photos only if the bridal shop allows it. Some places have a strict no-photo policy.
8. Timing Your Appointment? Dress Accordingly
Your outfit might change a bit depending on the season or time of day.
Morning appointment? Maybe layer up with a cardigan. Winter wedding shopping? Wear boots that are easy to slip off. Mid-summer heat? Avoid heavy fabrics and go for breezy comfort.
Being temperature-conscious = happy, relaxed bride.
9. Mindset is Everything (So Dress the Part!)
Okay, real talk: Wedding dress shopping can be emotional. You might cry. You might not. You might fall in love with the first dress. You might not.
But what you wear can help you feel:
Confident: Choose an outfit that makes you feel good from the start.
Relaxed: You’re not on stage; you’re exploring.
Open: Be ready to surprise yourself.
You don’t need to dress like you’re headed to fashion week. Just wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident.
10. What Not to Wear Wedding Dress Shopping
To wrap things up, here’s a quick list of what to avoid wearing on your bridal shopping day:
Loud patterns (they can clash visually with the dress)
Bright undergarments
Tightly-fitted tops or bottoms
High-maintenance hairstyles
Fresh self-tanner (it can stain the gowns)
Perfume (some boutiques are scent-sensitive)
Final Thoughts
Your wedding dress shopping day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It should be joyful, memorable, and maybe even a little magical.
By planning ahead—and wearing the right outfit—you’re setting yourself up for a stress-free and fun day filled with "oohs," "aahs," and maybe even that teary-eyed moment when you just know.
So go ahead, book that appointment, grab your besties, pack your try-on kit, and get ready to say yes (to the dress).
And hey—don’t forget to celebrate afterward. Dress shopping is a big deal.