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Easter Sunday is fast approaching, which means you may have a lot on your plate right now. Whether you're planning fun Easter party activities, compiling the tastiest Easter brunch recipes, or researching restaurants that are open on Easter, there's a very good chance that you've totally overlooked one important component of a smooth Easter Sunday: what you and your family will wear, of course! By planning Easter outfit ideas ahead of time, you'll be able to skip the part where you (and your kiddos, if you have them) are scrambling to find a presentable ensemble for the holiday festivities.
When figuring out what to wear for Easter Sunday, there are a few fashion rules (or suggestions, rather) to keep in mind. For starters, Easter Sunday generally calls for a bit more formal attire, typically in refreshing spring hues. Think: whites, creams, nudes, and pastels. (And yes, it's totally acceptable to wear white before Memorial Day.) Depending on where you live, you can incorporate this color palette into your Easter Sunday outfit with dresses, skirts, beautiful blouses, bright trousers, and fun accessories. Rather than simply tell you, though, we're here to show you how it's done. Ahead, discover the many different ways you can show up on Easter Sunday, whether you're headed to church, brunch, or a formal family dinner.
Women's Easter Outfits
If you plan to attend a religious service on Easter Sunday, you may be unsure of the attire expected and requirements. For instance, what colors are best to wear on Easter Sunday, and is black OK? Should you show your shoulders or cover up? Is it appropriate to wear jeans?
"This really depends on your church and your community," says Lizzie Post, author and etiquette expert for The Emily Post Institute. "Church used to be a place that had stricter standards for clothing and attire. Now, I think most churches are trying to be more encouraging and prioritizing participation over attire."
All in all, people still tend to dress up for religious services, Post says. "For the most part, people are looking to avoid jeans and T-shirts and go a step up from that, whether that's khakis and a polo shirt, a really nice dress — it varies by community and service."
If you do pick a sleeveless dress or one with spaghetti straps, consider going with a longer length to balance things out or adding outerwear to complement the look. For example, if you're showing a lot of shoulder, add a cardigan or go with a midi or maxi length for your dress.
If going to mass isn't a part of your Easter routine this year, but you have a family brunch or get-together to attend, a dress is still an appropriate option. While you can feel free to wear something that's slightly less formal, you'll still want to look festive. "Dresses are an easy go-to," says Mary Krosnjar, a style expert at Sportsanista and a Marshalls ambassador. "Not only that, they are a safe option that can be personalized. This season I am loving dresses in bright colors, beautiful prints, and delicate laces."
You can also wear a bold print or a jumpsuit if you want to do something to stand out. A light jacket — cropped or blazer — in white can complete the look nicely and keep you cozy if warm spring temperatures haven't quite arrived yet.
Depending on where you live, it might be too cold to wear a dress on Easter Sunday. The good news is that paper bag pants and trousers are on-trend for spring. Try pastel-colored pants that are on the dressier side with a white blouse or sweater for a cute spring-inspired look that's ideal for transitional weather. White mules will keep you comfortable and on-trend. Looking for a more casual option for brunch or the neighborhood Easter egg hunt? Pair white denim with a floral top and your favorite booties or elevated sneakers.
Shop Easter Outfit Ideas for Women
NYC-based influencer Greivy made a statement in this green Tanya Taylor Danielle Dress. For a similar look, shop the pieces below.
ASOS Vero Moda Midi Dress in Oversized Green Floral
JW PEI Women's Ruby Shoulder Bag in White Croc
By Anthropologie Floral Hoop Pearl Earrings
By Anthropologie Floral Hoop Pearl Earrings
Men's Easter Outfits
"Men should consider wearing a light-colored suit and experiment with fun shirt and tie combos that embrace the spring weather," Krosnjar says. "Consider a crisp pastel shirt with a complementary tie — maybe even something that matches with your family." Stylish boat shoes will look great with this Easter look, while festive socks can add a little fun.
Shop Easter Outfit Ideas for Men
Studio DIY founder Kelly is known for her love of color, so it's no surprise that she dresses her entire family in the perfect pastel Easter ensemble. To recreate her husband's look, shop the pieces below.
Vineyard Vines Classic Fit Gingham Button-Down Shirt
Vineyard Vines Classic Fit Gingham Button-Down Shirt
Bonobos Original Stretch Washed Chino
Cole Haan 2.ZeroGrand Laser Wing Oxford
Cole Haan 2.ZeroGrand Laser Wing Oxford
Good Man Brand Nickel Buckle Leather Belt
Girls' Easter Outfits
"For church, consider a cute dress with volume, playful prints, and detailing made with luxe fabrics," Krosnjar says. When it comes to Easter parties — filled with egg hunts and other outdoor activities — you want to put your little girl in something that has moveable fabric, Krosnjar suggests. Fortunately, combining a cute dress with colorful leggings and a cardigan works for both formal religious services and holiday parties. Find adorable yet comfortable sandals or dress shoes so your little one can run and play during the Easter festivities.
Shop Easter Outfit Ideas for Girls
Whether you have one daughter or multiple, picking one dress will do. After all, it's cute (and even customary) for kiddos to match — just look at Amy Ann's precious girls.
Mini Boden Print Linen & Cotton Fit & Flare Dress
Capelli New York Kids' Assorted 8-Pack Bow Clips
Nina 'Bonnett' Mary Jane
Boys' Easter Outfits
Swap your son's jeans for little-man trousers, paired with a breathable button-down in a crisp white or pastel. This way, he'll be able to wear this at church and then at your Easter brunch shortly after. Finish off the look with cute accessories, like colorful socks and a hip fedora.
Shop Easter Outfit Ideas for Boys
How adorable is Chelsea's (of Lovely Indeed) little boy in his Sunday best? To dress your boys similarly, shop the pieces below.
Vineyard Vines Kids' Island Cotton Blend Twill Button-Up Shirt
Vineyard Vines Kids' Island Cotton Blend Twill Button-Up Shirt
Nordstrom Sawyer Lace-Up Dress Shoe
Nordstrom Kids' Madras Plaid Silk Blend Bow Tie
What Not to Wear to Church on Easter Sunday
Again, this really depends on your church, Post reiterates, and many religious communities will take you just as you are, but as a general rule, try to avoid the following:
1. Overly casual outfits
"Especially on holidays, I tend to avoid dressing in my weekend casual style because we can do that any day!" Krosnjar says. "Trade in your jeans for a pair of flowy dress pants or a pleated skirt — both have really fun movement for the season and are still comfortable."
2. Anything with holes
This one may be intuitive, but it's important to highlight, according to Post. "I wouldn't wear anything tattered or things with holes," she says. This can make you look disheveled, even if the style is trending right now.
3. Distracting attire
"Distraction could be anything from a shirt that has a ton of writing on it to something that's provocative, or even just something that's loud in color or bangles that make a lot of noise," Post explains. "There are lots of ways for clothing to be distracting other than provocative."
4. Uncomfortable clothing
Skip ensembles that are too tight, shoes that pinch, or materials that are too scratchy — they'll only detract from your enjoyment of the Easter holiday. You'll thank us later!
5. Ill-fitting pieces
This point should be followed beyond Easter. It's easy to want to wear your tried-and-true, but if those pieces just don't fit, move onto something that will make you look and feel great. The right fit and size can make a huge difference in your overall vibe.
The bottom line when it comes to dressing for Easter: A good rule of thumb for any occasion is simply thinking about who will be there. Heading to a brunch with friends on Easter Sunday is a very different get-together than going to a service at a church. Dress accordingly!
Brie Gatchalian is a mom of two, experienced cat mom, wife and freelance writer based in North Jersey. She loves finding the best products and sharing the info with family, friends and readers. She thoroughly researches before she buys, so you don't have to.
Rebecca Ravee Norris is a full-time freelance writer with a decade's worth of lifestyle media experience. Based out of the Washington metropolitan area, she writes for a variety of publications, covering everything from beauty and wellness to style and celebrity news. She is a graduate of George Mason University. There, she earned her B.A. in Media: Production, Consumption, and Critique, along with a minor in Electronic Journalism. When she's not working, she can be found with her beloved Jack-Chi, Cash, adventuring with family and friends, working through reps at the gym, dreaming up her next home decor project, testing a new recipe, getting lost in the pages of a book, or catching up on her favorite shows.
