What to Wear to a Baby Shower? Guest and Mom-to-Be Edition

What to wear to a baby shower? You’re not alone! Deciding on a perfect outfit for this is also quite challenging. This guide is for you as a guest walking up to the baby shower door and even more so, it’s for her – that mom-to-be who doesn’t have all day (or week or month!) to determine what will be most appropriate.

Key Takeaways

Choose the outfit that fits your dress code, event location and season

• Wear colorful or pastel, can be modest and that keeps you comfortable.
• For women, dresses and smart separates are perfect choices.
• Fancy pants and a collared shirt or polo for the men
• The mama-to-be should be comfortable… in bump-friendly style, duh.
• He says to steer clear of all-white, too casual or extremely revealing outfits.
• Your outfit is less important than the fact that you are there so be present and support your friend.

Understanding Baby Shower Dress Codes

The dress code at a baby shower can cover a wide area, which highly depends on a few things. The venue, the time of day, whether or not a theme is in place, and the season all play into dress etiquette. There are multiple types of baby showers: casual, semi-formal, and formal.

As always, if in question… just ask the host what they wore! This way, you will not be either underdressed or overdressed for the occasion.

Etiquette for Baby Shower Outfits

No matter the specific dress code, there are a few general rules of thumb to follow when choosing what to wear for your baby shower.

• Be Comfortable: Comfort is key, wear something you can move easily in. You probably will be doing alot of games and activities as well so ease is key.
• Color Choices: Bright or pastel colors. The colors are more commonly associated with newborns, and they help contribute to the general sense of festivity.
• No All-White, Ever: Unless you’re in a white-out situation and formal attire is requested by the bride, don’t do all-white. This color is especially reserved for the mom to be.
• Stay Classy: Keep a good balance of modest fashion. Baby showers tend to be more family orientated, so clothes that are too revealing might not fit in.

Outfit Ideas for Female Guests

You can also do a lot with your baby shower attire for female guests. The following are several suggestions from more formal to much less so.

Dresses

It is no wonder that dresses are everyone’s gem and can be similar with baby showers as well. Try a sundress or shirt dress for something more laid-back. If the invite says semi-formal, go for an A-line or wrap dress If the event is more formal then obviously you’re going to want a cocktail dress or maxi-help!

Separates

Separates can be an awesome step up if dresses just aren’t your jam. A pair of nice jeans with a casual flowy blouse is as good as it gets for informal showers. Skirt and Blouse Skirts are also a good choice for semi-formal occasions.

Accessories and Shoes

Wear easy shoes, like flats or low heels to finish off your look. Finished off the outfit with simple jewelry + a small purse or clutch (anything bigger in my hand and I would be furious).

Outfit Ideas for Male Guests

For men, your look should be polished yet casual. This will inform their choice and formality level.

Casual Options

Guys can wear khaki or nice jeans and a polo shirt to casual baby showers. A button-down shirt with chinos can als help create an air of casual sophistication.

Semiformal & Formal Selections

Wear pants (not jeans) with a collared shirt in the case of semi-formal events. A suit is only really suitable for the poshest of baby showers.

Accessories for Men

Wear the correct style of shoes: Match your belt with dress shoes or loafers (same color) as well. Whether or not you wear a tie is up to how formal the event will be.

What to Wear as the Mother-to-Be?

The mom to be will definitely want to feel comfortable and look stunning as she is the guest of honor. Here are some options to consider:

Reliable and Classy Solutions

One option is Maxi dresses that provide comfort and also takes up your elegance a notch. Dresses with empire waists offer flattering lines across your bump. Choose flexible materials that bend with you and adjust to your growing body.

Remember, comfort is key! You will be getting ready for the arrival of your little one so, make sure you wear an outfit that gives you freedom to enjoy on this big day and not feel suffocated.

Seasonal Considerations

Season can play a huge factor in what to wear at baby showers. Seasonally-appropriate outfit.

Baby Shower Outfits for Spring & Summer

Select lighter fabrics like cotton and linen for the warmer months. Whether they are bright-colored or floral prints, both will work well for the season. Keep cozy in a fun sun dress or light separates.

Baby Shower Outfit for Fall & Winter

During the winter months, layer with cardigans and blazers. Warm autumn colors work best. And remember to wear boots or a pair of closed-toe shoes that keep your feet warm.

What Not to Wear to a Baby Shower

What to avoid when picking baby shower outfits to give you an idea of what, don’t

Overly Revealing Clothing

Since baby showers are often a family gathering, it is best to choose a look that does not reveal too much. Do not show up in excessively low-cut tops, too-short skirts or anything overly tight and/or sheer.

All-White Outfits

Do not even bother wearing all white. The mom-to-be is usually in white. Consider white with another form of color or print.

Extremely High Heels

At the same time, bear in mind that there are common games at baby showers so you have to not only stylish cute. Super high heels can be impractical and extremely painful. Go for lower heels, wedges or dressy flats.

Overpowering Fragrances

Pregnant women frequently have an enhanced sense of smell and this causes them to be very sensitive to strong scents. Be light on the perfume/cologne or not at all.

Anything Too Casual

Depends on the style of baby shower, but even for a more laid-back one leave sweat pants and old t-shirts or flip-flops at home. You will want to look somewhat presentable and like you at least tried.

Uncomfortable Fabrics

Do not choose too light or thinner weaved fabrics which will easily get wrinkled by walking in, neither with thicker building-up fabric type that make you sweat… You want to stay fresh and comfy from the start of it till its all over.

Complicated Or Inappropriate Graphics

Avoid wearing clothes with vulgar jokes, images or political messages. Neutral and celebratory.

These are clothes that you should not wear… to keep your OOTD appropriate and respectful for the occasion. Above all, when unsure about the dress code it is better to be somewhat overdressed than underdressed.

How To Select the Ideal Baby Shower Dress?

Finally, some more tips to help you choose the perfect baby shower fashion:

• Check the location of the place and also time.
• When in doubt, better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed
• Balance style and comfort
• When in doubt, better to be slightly overdressed than underdress
• Look up the weather in advance and dress appropriately
• Opt for wrinkle-resistant clothes to easily polish the look from the beginning till the end of the evening.

Final Thoughts

Shopping for a baby shower outfit should be fun and not stressful. Because of the dress code, season, and how you would like to be dressed up. After all, the day is a celebration of an impending new little one, so you want to look your best and feel powerful enough to really have fun!

In preparation for the baby shower, you may wonder about different behavior of babies. For example did you ever wonder why babies touch faces or see your baby chewing but nothing is in their mouth?! All of the above are about to be your exciting journey into parenting!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Can you wear black to a baby shower?

Yes, but consider pairing it with cheerful accessories or a colorful cardigan.

Is it okay to wear jeans to a baby shower?

For casual baby showers, nice jeans paired with a dressy top can be appropriate.

What colors should I avoid wearing to a baby shower?

Avoid wearing all white (which is traditionally reserved for the mom-to-be) unless specifically requested.

Do I need to dress up for a virtual baby shower?

While you can be more casual, it’s still nice to wear something festive from the waist up for video calls.

What should I wear to a gender reveal baby shower?

For gender reveal parties, consider wearing neutral colors or a combination of pink and blue.