How to Dress for baptism, or a Bar Mitzvah

Old etiquette: Trot out the Sunday finery. Florals welcome, hats and gloves preferred!

New etiquette: Honor the occasion in attire that is tasteful, not stuffy.

What to wear: For starters, “choose an outfit that’s appropriate in a religious facility―not too low-cut or clingy,” says etiquette authority Lizzie Post. (If you’ve never been to a particular house of worship, it’s a good idea to double-check its conventions.) Just as important is steering clear of anything overly serious when you’re celebrating a happy milestone in a child’s life. For a baptism, “wear a little bit of color, like a bright suit or a pretty daytime dress,” says Post. The dress code for a Bar Mitzvah or a Bat Mitzvah can be determined by the party held afterward. “If the party immediately follows the service, you’ll wear the same thing to both, so put on a cocktail dress, but make sure to cover up with a jacket or a shawl at the temple,” says fashion consultant Lauren A. Rothman. “If there’s a break before the reception, you may want to change.” A feminine suit works well for the service; wear something dressier to the party.