First Communion outfits

Many people remember their First Holy Communion particularly well. After a child has started school, their First Communion is usually the next big occasion that a family celebrates.

Finding the right outfit for this occasion can be a bit of a challenge. Traditionally people have always dressed smart for church, but this does not mean that you have to forgo your own personal style. We'll show you what to bear in mind when choosing what to wear and also give you some inspiration for suitable outfits for guests and children making their Communion.

Holy Communion outfits: everything you need to know about looking smart

Choosing what to wear to a First Communion is about more than just finding a chic outfit - it is a gesture of respect and an expression of appreciation for this important occasion. Therefore, a First Communion outfit should honour the traditions of the church, be formal and elegant but also reflect your own style.

• Make sure that dresses or skirts are at least knee-length to suit the occasion.

• Your shoulders should be covered during the church ceremony. If the dress or top you have chosen is sleeveless, pair it with a short jacket, bolero or blazer.

• The neckline on your outfit should not be too low. You should avoid clothing with an open back or cut-outs or cover them up with a jacket.

• Pastels and light spring colours are the perfect choice for a communion outfit. Do note that black clothing is not necessarily suitable for a communion. Guests should also avoid white, as this colour is reserved for children making their First Holy Communion.

• Subtle patterns such as floral prints are also a good choice. Bold prints are less suitable for this occasion.

• Accessories can subtly enhance your outfit. Dainty jewellery such as a delicate necklace, earrings or bracelet and a matching watch will complete your outfit.

As a general rule, when it comes to communion outfits, less is more. So opt for a simple outfit with a couple of smart accessories.

A white communion dress is usually paired with white tights and a pair of white shoes such as ballerinas or chic sandals. You can also wear a refined white cardigan or bolero jacket over a sleeveless dress or on cold days. You can complete your daughter’s communion outfit with matching hair accessories (e.g. a flower wreath).

Discover our communion suits

White shirts look particularly smart, but soft colours such as light blue or a subtle design can also help to brighten up a suit. You can round off your son’s outfit with a simple tie or bow tie in a matching colour and pop a handkerchief in his breast pocket for a more formal look.

Holy Communion outfits for guests: tips for a stylish outfit

As a guest at a communion, the motto is to go for a jaunty yet understated outfit. With a simple but elegant outfit, you can honour the occasion and still express your personal style. Light, cheerful colours, pastel or earthy tones are the perfect choice for guests invited to a communion.

We'll show you what else guests should consider when choosing a communion outfit:

From timeless classics to more modern ensembles, here are tips and inspiration on how to put together the perfect communion outfit to suit the occasion and express your own style:

• Dresses: if you choose a dress as your communion outfit, you can opt for a sweeping A-line dress, a stylishly cut cocktail dress, a timeless shift dress or an elegant empire dresses. Fresh, cheerful colours, neutral tones such as beige, but also jewel tones are a good choice for such an occasion. If you choose a sleeveless dress, you should wear a matching jacket during the church ceremony.

• Skirts or trousers: pairing a blouse with a skirt or smart trousers is perfect for the occasion. Make sure that your skirt is at least knee-length to be in line with the dress code. Whether you choose close-fitting trousers or a skirt, or a looser modern style is entirely up to you.

• Trouser suits or jumpsuits: you can also choose an elegant trouser suit or a trendy jumpsuit if you would like to make more of a fashion statement at the communion. Pastel colours also look particularly good in this case.

You can add understated accessories such as a scarf or dainty jewellery, a refined handbag and matching shoes to complete your outfit.

The following men’s outfit suggestions are suitable as a communion guest outfit:

• A plain suit is a timeless classic that you can never go wrong with. You can choose between traditional colours such as black, grey or dark blue or opt for a more fashionable look with a suit in a pastel shade.

• The combination of chinos, a plain shirt and a blazer can look a little more casual but still elegant. If you add a waistcoat, your outfit will look more formal.

• It's best to choose a light-coloured shirt such as white or light blue to stick to a smart and light colour scheme. You can also choose a light-coloured tie, but this is not a must.

Conclusion: choose smart and jaunty styles for a communion outfit

Choosing the perfect communion outfit is not just a question of personal style, but also something that reflects the significance of this special event. Children who are making their First Holy Communion have a clearly defined dress code, but guests who are attending a communion have several options to choose from. You can't go wrong with fresh, cheerful colours and an outfit that is appropriate for the church ceremony.

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The image sources in this text are in chronological order

Cover photo: C&A
1. Image in text: iStock.com/Avalon_Studio
All other images in text: C&A