My Best Friend Asked Me for Engagement Party Outfit Ideas, So I Sent Her These 6

Photo:

@nitsanraider

I'm at that pivotal age where people are making big life choices. While some of my friends are getting married or adopting dogs, I like to spend my nights alone at home, watching TikTok videos on my television with a glass of wine. While I'm not getting married anytime soon, my closest friends have allowed me to partake in one of the best parts of wedding planning: helping them choose what they'll wear for all their wedding-related events.

While shopping for wedding dresses with my newly-engaged best friend has been incredibly exciting, we've both agreed it pales in comparison to how easy and fun it is to shop for her engagement party look. For one, the stakes are nowhere near as high. You can choose a laid-back or on-trend outfit that's often less expensive and less complicated to style. The internet is full of engagement party outfit ideas, but few feel achievable, on-trend, or able to be re-worn for years to come. Naturally, as the fashion editor friend, I've been dropping messages into our group chat about how cute she'd look in one of the 50 different clothing options I've found (get yourself a friend like me). 

Below, I've rounded up six stylish looks to inspire the long list of engagement party outfit ideas that likely live on your Pinterest board. From It girl-approved maxis to suits fashion insiders love, here are a few looks that practically scream 'I do.'

Sleek Suits

Photo:

@bybiancabee. Photographed by Elizabeth De La Piedra

Fashion insiders know the way to create a great timeless shot is to wear a sophisticated two-piece suit. Harper's Bazaar Culture Editor Bianca Betancourt's stunning monochromatic engagement suit is perfect for any bride who loves a traditional all-white look but wants a bit of  edge. Plus, who can say no to pockets?

The anti-skinny pants trend has come back with vengeance. 

Blazers nipped in at the waist have been on everyone's mind since they made a runway comeback earlier this year.

You don't have to ask me twice; I'll take anything from Christopher John Rodgers.

If you're looking for a nontraditional blazer, this is sure to do the trick.

This is such an incredible find forunder $50.

Laid-Back Maxis

If we've learned anything about bridal style from Sofia Richie Grainge's nuptials, it's that the best engagement party outfit is one you don't have to think too hard about. Her relaxed woven maxi dress is the perfect inspiration if you're looking for something to wear while hosting a sweet garden party to celebrate your love. 

You can re-wear this dress on your honeymoon, too!

These cutouts make this basic white dress feel a bit more trend-forward.

Springtime Florals

Photo:

@rendagrella

While people get engaged year-round, I can't help but notice that spring and summer are popular seasons for engagements and engagement parties. (Who else can't open Instagram without seeing ring selfies from at least a few people from high school?) There's no better way to celebrate your upcoming wedding than by wearing a seasonally-appropriate flowy dress. You more than likely already have a favorite spring or summer dress in your closet, but if you don't, there are plenty of adorable options at all price points to satisfy your need.

Reformation is always a great place to look for floral prints.

If you plan to spend a lot on an engagement party dress, make sure it's something you love and will wear again. Case in point, this divine Isabel Marant dress.

If you're into abstract florals, this pick is for you.

While Reformation's dress offerings are already good, their range of extended sizes makes them even more irresistible. 

An Edgy Leather Look

Photo:

@itsmekellieb

You're not a typical bride. You're a cool bride. And that means a simple white dress won't cut it for your engagement party. My friend is a bit edgier than I am, so I automatically sent her biker-inspired leather pants, minidresses, and blazers to contrast the romantic, delicate nature of traditional bridal wear. 

The cutouts on this dress make it feel extra elevated.

This leather blazer is available in plus sizes and on sale!

I have these and can attest that you can dance in them all night and not get uncomfortable, which should be a requirement for your ideal engagement party outfit.

Satin Slip Dresses

Photo:

@nitsanraiter

The internet says your wedding dress should fit you like a glove. But shouldn't your engagement party dress feel equally divine? Slip dresses are a favorite among the fashion crowd for their versatility and timelessness. Play up the drama with a backless silhouette or embroidered details.

Although there's only one size left in stock, I had to include this gorgeous green strapless number.

Reformation's high-quality silk dresses make a worthy investment for an engagement party dress you can wear long after your celebration has ended.

Christopher Esber makes the prettiest delicate dresses.

Romantic Lace Dresses

While the internet freaked out about Millie Bobby Brown's engagement to Jake Bongiovi, I was freaking out about her dress. The romantic lace style tops my list as one of my favorite engagement outfits of all time, so I instantly had to send it to my friend when she was looking for ideas on what to wear. 

This dress is nearly identical to what Brown wore in her engagement photos.

For Love and Lemons designed Brown's custom engagement dress, and this option from their ready-to-wear offerings is the second best option.

Zimmermann's floral appliqué dresses are some of the brand's best-selling items for a reason. They're adorable.