You know the drill: you’re invited to a baby shower, and you have no idea what to wear.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a closet full of clothes that are great for work and evenings out but not so much for anything else. So what do you do? You panic, that’s what.
But don’t worry—I’m here to help! In this post, we’ll talk about what to wear on your baby shower so that you can look chic and put-together without sacrificing comfort and ease.
What to wear on your baby shower
There are a lot of things in life that you can’t control: the weather, how much money you make, and even who’s going to win the next election. But here’s one thing you can control: what to wear on your baby shower!
Whether this is your first baby shower or your fifth, we want to help make sure you look and feel like yourself while still fitting in with the theme of the party. And if this is your first baby shower (where did the time go?), we want to help make sure it’s not your last one!
So let us take care of all of those details for you. We’ve got everything from classy dresses for when you’re feeling fancy (and fancy) to comfortable ensembles for when you’re getting cozy at home with friends and family.
Baby showers are a wonderful time to celebrate the upcoming arrival of a new little one. They’re also a great opportunity to get together with friends and family, and show off your gorgeous bump!
But what should you wear?
Here are some tips:
- Choose colors that suit your skin tone and hair color.
- Avoid white, as it can look stark against darker skin tones.
- Make sure the colors complement each other—for example, if you have a yellow dress, don’t wear red accessories.
- Keep it simple—you don’t want to be too flashy or put too much emphasis on yourself when there’s already so much going on!
Baby showers are a special time, and dressing for them can be just as important as the event itself. You want to look good, but you also want to feel good—and that means finding an outfit that’s comfortable and appropriate for the occasion.
But what does that mean?
A baby shower is an informal event, so you should be able to dress comfortably without having to worry about whether or not you’re dressed appropriately. But it’s still important to pay attention to what others are wearing so that you don’t accidentally look like you’ve just stepped out of a different kind of event than everyone else.
For guestsThe everyday guests have it easiest when it comes to baby shower attire. For the most part, just about anything can go as long as you dress it up a little. For example, if you want to wear a pair of jeans, opt for a pretty blazer or a nice blouse and some nice accessories to help dress them up a little.
What To Wear To A Baby Shower If You’re The Host, The Guest Of Honor, Or A Guest
There’s a wide range of options.
Baby showers happen all the time, but no matter how many you’ve attended you can still question your wardrobe for the event. It’s not always easy to know what to wear to a baby shower, because it can depend on the weather, the venue, the theme, or even the guest of honor’s general vibe (is she always dressed up, no matter the occasion, or does she live in jeans and a t-shirt?). Whether you are the host, a guest, or the guest of honor, there are a lot of things to consider when you’re planning a baby shower outfit.
As someone who has attended countless baby showers (and has hosted a few along the way), I often struggle with what to wear. To me, it seems like the right outfits are usually a step above casual, but not formal. Of course, this formula changes based on your role in the shower, which makes it all the more confusing. So, if you’re struggling with what to wear to a baby shower, here are some tips to help you find something that’s just right.
Baby shower outfit ideas for the pregnant guest of honor
As the parent-to-be, all eyes will be on you throughout the event, so you’ll want to look your best in something that’s a little more on the dressy side, but also, comfort is key. Typically, you’ll see the guest of honor in a dress at baby showers, but if that’s not your style, then there’s nothing wrong with some nice pants, a skirt, or even a stylish jumpsuit. The actual thing you wear isn’t as important as picking an outfit that relays some degree of respect and gratitude to your guests for taking time out of their lives (and money out of their pockets) to celebrate you and your baby, and is something you feel confident in and can comfortably sit down in (because you will likely be sitting while opening gifts).
When you’re shopping for the perfect outfit, think about where the baby shower will be held. Will you be walking around a lot? If so, you’ll want to make sure your dress doesn’t fall all the way to the floor where someone will be able to step on it. Also, think about what shoes your feet will be most comfortable in. Another thing to consider is how light/heavy your clothing should be, because if you’re in a small space with a lot of bodies, it will heat up quickly (I say this as someone who sweat her way through the presents portion of her own baby shower). On the flip side, if the event is held at a restaurant where you’ll be in once place and there could be a draft, it may be wise to opt for long sleeves or layers.
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Maternity outfits for the guest of honor
Mannequin in pink maternity dress
LaDiwithaBaBy, Ruffles and Bows Maternity Dress – Mauve Maternity Gown with Ruffle Detail
Etsy
SEE ON PINKBLUSH MATERNITY
For the host
While you won’t be in the spotlight as much as mom-to-be at the baby shower, as the host you will be very visible as you greet guests, sit next to mom to keep track of all of her presents, and generally run the show. Because of this, it’s a good idea to lean towards outfits that are a little more dressy than casual. Depending on your personal style and the time of year, you can consider a flowy dress with a floral print, a high-waisted A-line skirt with a cute top, a pair of paper bag pants with some classic pumps, or a casual dress that can be transformed into something more dressy with the right accessories.
Similar to the guest of honor, what to wear to a baby shower as the host will also depend on where it will be held as well as what you will be doing throughout. If the party is at your home and you’ll be doing a lot of running around (and possibly cooking), you may want to avoid anything too heavy that will make you hot. If it’s outside, it might be smart to skip heels if there’s a chance they’ll sink into the yard with every step. Basically, while style is certainly important, so is practicality when it comes to what to wear to a baby shower as the host.
For guests
The everyday guests have it easiest when it comes to baby shower attire. For the most part, just about anything can go as long as you dress it up a little. For example, if you want to wear a pair of jeans, opt for a pretty blazer or a nice blouse and some nice accessories to help dress them up a little. If you have a casual dress you love to wear, then the same idea applies, just style it up a bit with a jacket, some cute shoes, and nice jewelry. You can also keep it easy by wearing a dress that isn’t casual (but not super formal, either) or a cute skirt and top combo, neither of which will need much extra styling.
The easiest way to find the right balance is to think about what you’d wear to the workplace on a casual Friday (but, feel free to add a bit more color to the look than you might at a stuffy office).
SEE ON BANANA REPUBLIC
It’s understandable if you’re feeling stuck with what to wear to a baby shower, after all, it can vary widely based on who you are, what your role is, and when/where the event is being held. Since there aren’t any cheat sheets for finding the perfect baby shower outfit, just remember that you don’t need to be as formal as you would be for a wedding, but you should wear something comfortable that you feel good in.
What to wear to your Baby Shower! Our top tips!
What to wear to your Baby Shower
Are you wondering what to wear to your Baby Shower? Then you are not alone!
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Having a baby is a wondrous, magical time. And a Baby Shower is a chance to get together with loved ones and celebrate the joy that will soon unfold. Above all, you want to enjoy it. You don’t want to be stressing about what to wear to your Baby Shower.
To take the pressure off you, because goodness knows being pregnant is basically a full-time occupation at this point, we’ve come up with the ultimate guide for what to wear to your Baby Shower!
What should I wear to my Baby Shower?
Of course, the aim of the game is to feel comfortable AND beautiful!
Loose clothing and cool fabrics are your new besties. Go for accessories rather than belts or tight fabrics. That said, don’t drown yourself in material in an attempt to hide the bump. It’s your Baby Shower. Everyone knows you’re pregnant so embrace it!
Baby Shower Outfit Ideas
To really nail the look, ask yourself if you’ve checked the three T’s?
- Time of year. Summer is the season for florals and prints in bright colors, winter is more muted and may be slightly more fitted.
- Theme. Is there one? Matching the color scheme isn’t a must but can be cute, especially on photos afterward.
- Tone. More casual? Dress down with a gorgeous top and accessories and a simple pair of trousers or a skirt. Formal? A versatile jacket with a colored blouse. Cocktail? Glam it up with long, flowing, or fancy dresses.
A jacket is always a great idea because of those pesky pregnancy hormones that mean your body heat can fluctuate faster than a thermometer on a bouncy castle!
What about shoes? We all love shoes. But right now, your feet probably don’t love your fave, 4 inch stilettos. Be comfortable. And flats can be super chic and pretty – just make sure they’re supportive.
What colors should I wear to my Baby Shower?
Of course, it’s totally up to you. When deciding what to wear for your Baby Shower, color is significant. Have a think about whether you are making a statement about the gender. Or are you going to subvert gender stereotypes and wear whatever?
You could go for feminine and fun because you’re about to become a mum or because you’re having a girl.
Dark colors, especially navy are traditional for a boy but are also typical winter shades.
Be light and cheery. A baby shower is a celebration of new life, there’s no room for being sombre or stuffy!
Should I wear a dress to my Baby Shower?
Get a dress, forget the stress – all you have to do is accessorize. Plus, dresses are often looser and more comfortable.
Dresses are very feminine, something you might want to lean into when you’re heavily pregnant and started to get the mama bear vibes.
If you want to accentuate your natural femininity, go for a dress! Maternity dresses do a great job in showing off your beautiful bump. But ultimately go with whatever makes you feel beautiful
Best Baby Shower Dresses
We have put together our top 8 dresses to wear to a Baby Shower. From floaty, to skimming, these are our favorite Baby Shower dresses to really make a statement at your Baby Shower.
Soft and floaty…
This dusky pink dress by Mother Bee Maternity is flowing and feminine! I love the pastel pink shade, perfect for summer. And this subtle color shade looks good on most skin tones. Above all, the wrap of style means it will work for all stages of pregnancy and beyond.
Fresh and lacy…
Lacy, fresh and mid-length, this dress by Hello Miz is very versatile. Of course, it can be casual or chic depending on how you accessorize. I love its effortless elegance without being too formal. The faux wrap over is perfect for breastfeeding once your baby arrives.
Classic navy…
Navy is a great color if you’re having a boy, having a winter baby, or just love blue. This dress is patterned and fresh! And the satin ribbon tie is a flattering way to accentuate your bump.
Modern and stylish…
Stylish and comfortable, this dress by My Bump will suit any stage of pregnancy. And really makes your bump shine whilst being very flattering.
Boho babe…
Simply put, this boho style dress by Hello Miz, is ultra-feminine with casual vibes. This beautiful and extremely comfortable dress is available in many colors to suit your taste. Undoubtedly a great choice for a boho themed Baby Shower or summer event.
Floral style…
Another floral Baby Shower dress from Hello Miz, this one is a stunner! Fitted and loose all at once, this pattern is irresistible! Once again, this works perfectly for a Boho Baby Shower or Summer Baby Shower. And, the detachable belt can be removed for a more empire line look.
Delicate and pretty…
Delicate and oh so pretty, this dress is beautiful. A real showstopper for a shower, the lace yoke top is feminine and graceful. Simply add a floral headband and you are good to go!
Chic polka dots…
Dots are always darling! This figure-hugging dress from My Bump is perfect to show off your baby bump. Simply, dress it up for formal parties or leave it as is with sandals and bangles for the ultimate casual chic.
Can I wear jeans to my Baby Shower?
So, what to wear to your baby shower largely depends on the tone of the event. Are you going for a more formal occasion? Then you do not want to rock up in jeans. However, if you want something more chill, then jeans may be the perfect way to tone down an outfit.
What not to wear to a Baby Shower
First off, nothing tight fitting and uncomfortable
Don’t go for thick fabrics. Always wear a cardigan or jacket instead so you can take it off if you get hot. After all, we all know how you can feel the heat when you are pregnant!
Also, don’t wear something you bought two months ago unless you’ve tried it recently and are sure it fits.
And don’t wear super high heels. Go ahead and let your feet relax so you can enjoy every moment of your special party!
Finally…
Ultimately, deciding what to wear for your baby shower should be fun and full of joy. At the end of the day, be comfortable but take the opportunity to dress beautifully. After all, this will be an event that you remember and treasure forever!
What to wear to a baby shower as a guest in summer
Summer Baby ShowerThe obvious choice is a summer dress, but there’s no deed to despair if you are not a flowery, flowy, kind of girl. We’ve got something for you too. Casual tank dress for slightly dressy occasions. Off the shoulder, wide-leg pants jumpsuit that you’ll be able to use all summer.
What To Wear To a Baby Shower
Opening a baby shower invite can induce just as much panic as pleasure. If you’re anything like us, it will set off an instant cascade of questions.
Who else will be there? Will you be expected to join in all those terrible baby shower games?
What should you wear?
While we can’t answer every question for you, we can help you with your outfit. We’ll go over what to wear to a baby shower so you won’t stick out.
Are You Supposed to Dress Up for a Baby Shower?
Whether you dress up is, to some degree, a personal choice. You won’t enjoy yourself if you feel uncomfortable in what you wear, but at the same time, you may feel out of place if you’re dressed in a drastically different way than everyone else.
If you are unsure, the best option is to ask the host. If you know other people who are going, you can check in to see what they will be wearing and follow their lead.
If you’re going to a themed shower, it’s a good idea to dress appropriately and take part in the fun. And even if you don’t feel like breaking out your best clothes, remember, this is a celebratory occasion that isn’t about you.
What Should I Wear to a Baby Shower as a Guest?
You may want to look fabulous, but as a guest, you need to be careful not to outshine the mom-to-be. To give you some suitable ideas, here are some suggestions for baby showers at specific times of the year and in different locations.
Outdoor Baby Shower
The automatic choice for an outdoor baby shower is often a light summer dress. However, you can almost guarantee that the mom-to-be will be wearing a beautiful, flowy summer dress, and you want to be sure not to look too similar to the lady of the hour.
If the shower is to be held in a backyard, or other potentially grassy location, then heels may be a liability. You don’t want to sink into the ground or fall over, so light summer pants that look good with classic flats are a good choice. This kind of outfit can easily be dressed up or down with the right accessories.
Assuming that the outdoor baby shower is at a time of year when the sun is out, you could consider:
Drawstring linen pants with a relaxed-fit, lightweight ¾, sleeve tunic for a breathable choice.
Casual summer pantsuit with a flowing cardigan.
Wide-legged jumpsuit with spaghetti straps that will help you keep cool, and if you’re chilly, throw a light jacket over top.
At-Home Baby Shower
Product Image of the Womens Floral Blouses Tie Front V Neck Loose Fit Summer Blouses Short Sleeve…
It can be challenging to choose an outfit for a baby shower at the home of the host, or the mom-to-be. A lot depends on the home and lifestyle of the host. You should also consider if the baby shower is during the day, the early evening, or at night, and whether there is a special theme to the shower.
Your best option, in case there are any active baby shower games, is to go for something that allows you to freely move around. Layers are also a good choice. There’s nothing worse than spending the entire shower feeling too warm or too cold.
With those thoughts in mind, these are some great options:
Levi’s Classic boot cut jeans with a floral shirt for a low-key, informal party.
A casual flared party dress in a gorgeous color.
An off-the-shoulder elastic waist romper for casual comfort.
High Tea Baby Shower
Product Image of the Romwe Women’s Floral Print Short Sleeve Ruffle Bow Tie Blouse Top Shirts White…
A high tea baby shower is going to require a more formal approach. Even if the host and mom-to-be bill this as a casual affair, chances are they will expect you to at least make an effort with your choice of outfit.
Don’t look at this as a bad thing. There are few chances for most of us to dress up formally and maybe even throw a hat into the mix. This is one of those golden opportunities.
If you don’t have the money to lay down on a wear-it-once formal high tea outfit, look for separates that can be worn with other items in your existing wardrobe. Plain colors are the most versatile, and you can add accessories to change the look for different occasions.
Consider these fabulous options:
A vintage style faux wrap dress that will give you a touch of class.
Casual short-sleeve shirt with a women’s white crop jean, which will be fancy enough, but not overly dressy.
Pleated A-line midi skirt with women’s basic round neck tee that will let you be comfortable while still dressy.
Summer Baby Shower
Product Image of the Womens Racerback Dresses Summer Casual Beach Damask Print Racer Back Tank Dress…
If you are attending a summer baby shower, you’ll want to wear a lightweight outfit that won’t leave you wilting in the heat. It’s considered “bad form” to go for an overtly sexy look for a baby shower, so try to avoid the body-hugging, shear, or low-cut items in your wardrobe.
Instead, if you can’t suppress your particular flavor of gorgeousness, at least avoid overshadowing the star of the show. The obvious choice is a summer dress, but there’s no deed to despair if you are not a flowery, flowy, kind of girl. We’ve got something for you too.
Casual tank dress for slightly dressy occasions.
Off the shoulder, wide-leg pants jumpsuit that you’ll be able to use all summer.
Maxi boho dress that will work well for any other upcoming summer parties you’re going to.
Spring Baby Shower
Product Image of the OUGES Women’s Halter Neck Floral Summer Casual Sundress(Floral-37,XL)
Planning an outfit for any spring event can be a nightmare. Unless you live someplace where you can guarantee what the weather will be like, trying to predict outdoor conditions at this time of the year is almost impossible.
Hopefully, if you are attending an outdoor, spring baby shower, the host will be ready to take things indoors if the weather changes. But whether it’s indoors or out, you might want to take the opportunity to embrace the end of those long, dark winter nights with a pop of gorgeous spring color.
If you are also going to attend any spring or summer weddings, choosing an outfit that can be easily tweaked for double duty is a great way to stretch those dollars a little further.
This Lark & Ro Flare dress can be a blank canvas. You can partner it with a jacket, jewelry, or other accessories to create many different looks.
You could drop the jacket and replace the shirt of this R&M Richards women’s lace pant set for two completely different looks.
This floral halterneck dress could be worn to the store just as easily as it can to your spring baby shower.
Winter Baby Shower
Product Image of the Miusey Tunic Sweater for Women,Juniors Winter Clothes Dressy Long Tunic Blouse…
Your winter diary may be empty, booked solid with a dizzying round of parties and events, or somewhere in between. Either way, a winter baby shower can be difficult to dress for in ways you don’t encounter with summer events.
In the summer, you can almost throw on any dress and you’re ready. But in winter you have to consider whether you’ll be traveling through cold, wet, or snowy conditions and what that will do to the clothes you choose.
You’ll also have to take into consideration how formal the baby shower will be, as well as your budget, which can take a beating at this time of year. Here are some ideas to get you started.
A cute red gives a festive twist to an otherwise “ho-hum” boho dress.
This cowl neck sweater can be casual with leggings or a little more dressed up with pants.
Good quality jeans can be stylish with the right shirt if the party isn’t formal.
Fall Baby Shower
Product Image of the Tanst Sky Womens Casual Round Neck Plus Size Floral Tunic Shirt Dress with…
Fall has all the same problems as a spring baby shower. Will it be one of those warm fall days that let you enjoy the sun a little more, or will it be a freezing, blustery day with red noses and watering eyes?
The best way to get around this is to plan a warmer weather outfit that you can throw a coat over, or tweak at the last moment if you need to. Think thinner sweaters that will go with a light flouncy skirt, leggings, or jeans. Throw in some killer footwear like flats, heeled shoes, or boots, and you’ll be all set.
A simple dress is perfect.
An oversized off-the-shoulder sweater can go with leggings on a cooler day or a skirt and boots if it’s warm.
Sweater dresses are equally as flexible.
What Should I Wear to My Baby Shower?
Product Image of the Mother Bee Maternity Knee Length Wrap Dress with Adjustable Belt
When you are the woman of the moment, choosing what to wear for your baby shower is a little easier than dressing as a guest. You don’t have to worry about upstaging the mom-to-be, and your biggest consideration should be comfort. You don’t want to be physically uncomfortable while all of those guests are plying you with gifts and showering you in love.
This knee-length wrap maternity dress is available in 33 different colors and patterns, meaning you can find an example that works for any taste.
A strappy dress is both cool and comfortable.
Or perhaps you’d like to channel your inner diva with a full-length off-the-shoulder number.
What Should Men Wear to a Baby Shower?
It may sound strange but, to some degree, men should follow the same advice as women. You should ensure you will be comfortable, especially if games will be involved, and try to choose clothes that can be adapted on the fly, and dressed up or down.
FAQs
Now let’s take a look at the questions we hear most often when discussing what to wear to a baby shower.
Absolutely. The days when jeans were the equivalent to picking your nose are long gone. As long as you are going to be wearing clean jeans that fit you properly, there should be no problem.
The only exception to this would be if there was a particular dress code, or theme specified. In that case, anything that did not fit could be seen as inappropriate.
Now, this decision depends, to some degree, on culture. For many western cultures, black is seen as a color that is worn to funerals and might, therefore, raise eyebrows at a baby shower.
Meanwhile, in many Asian cultures, white is associated with death, mourning, and bad luck. In Brazil and Thailand, it is purple. And in some African countries, it is red (1).
So if you’re familiar with the host and mom’s culture, avoid any traditionally negative colors.
Dressing from head to toe in white could be seen as bad luck by some people, bad taste by another group of people, and just plain odd by others. Therefore, it’s best to stay away from solid white for your outfit, but white pants or a white shirt should be fine.
It may come as a surprise, but the association of gender and particular colors began in the early 20th century, and even then, only in the west. Pink was first deemed as a stronger color and more appropriate for boys, while delicate little girls often wore delicate blue clothes.
Fortunately, today we are much less tied to imposing gender-specific expectations on our kids, and this extends to the colors associated with them. So, unless you know it will bother the host or the mom-to-be, feel free to wear whatever color you like.
More Tips for Deciding What to Wear to a Baby Shower
If the invite specifies a particular theme or dress code, respect what is being asked of you — no matter how ridiculous you might think it is. As a guest, it is not up to you to decide whether the theme or dress code is appropriate or not. If you feel strongly enough that you don’t want to toe the line, don’t go.
Many baby showers involve games, some of which are extremely active. For this reason, it’s a good idea to wear clothes in which you are comfortable, and can move freely.
Contact as many of the other attendees as you can and check to see what they are wearing. You may not be worried about turning up in the same clothes as someone else, but checking in can help you hit the right level of formality, or otherwise.
If the baby shower is indoors, your host may ask you to take off your footwear, so be sure to wear something on your feet, inside your footwear.
Ensure your footwear is comfortable. You may find yourself on your feet for an extended period.
Don’t Forget To Smile
It can be easy to get caught up in the dos and don’ts of what you should wear to a baby shower. While being thoughtful is a good thing, don’t forget that a baby shower is supposed to be a happy, fun event.
Remember to enjoy yourself, and smile. You’re welcoming a new baby into this world, and that’s cause for celebration.
