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How to Dress for a Baby Shower


Figuring out what to wear to a baby shower can seem like a daunting task as no one wants to show up under or overdressed. While dressing down might seem like the right option because of the potential for messy games, there are a few unspoken rules for baby showers.

We know all the rules and even offer suggestions of what to wear the next time an adorable invite shows up in your mailbox or inbox. 

Don’t worry, an outfit for a baby shower isn’t as complicated as you think. When in doubt, find out what your friends are wearing or go shopping together to get some ideas. Now on with the show. 

what to wear to a baby shower

Types of Baby Showers

After considering the season, it’s time to consider just how formal the function intends to be for the shower. Most baby showers are cutesy parties at a friend’s house with tons of games. However, baby showers often come in a multitude of venues. 

Let’s take at each of the main types of venues and get a better look at the appropriate wardrobe for each option. We will look at what the mama-to-be should wear as well as the guest. 

Before we start, though, keep in mind, a baby shower should not make you broke. Look in your closet first, as chances are, you have something more than appropriate to wear to the shower, and you don’t need to spend a small fortune to look good. Spend the money on a baby gift for the mama-to-be. 

Also, you can consider purchasing a dress that could multi-task. Some dresses are appropriate for many functions and can cost a little now and be worn to multiple functions. 

Backyard Baby Shower

Backyard parties are the best because they are fun and come with tons of food. However, what to wear isn’t always so simple when it’s a party. 

What the Mama-to-Be Should Wear

If you are the mama-to-be, you want to look cute for your backyard baby shower. However, you set the tone, and you need to show off that adorable baby bump. 

A cute dress is the perfect way. Keep the dress short enough that going to the bathroom doesn’t become a gymnastic ordeal, too! Also, keep in mind that while longer dresses are cute, they can make moving with a belly more difficult, so definitely stick to dresses around the knee. 

Whatever you wear is what your guests are going to try and emulate, so make sure to share with your friends that you plan to be in a simple, comfy dress. 

What Guests Should Wear

Outdoor baby showers take advantage of warm weather and practically require a cute flowy dress. However, heels in the grass are not a great option. Definitely opt for flat shoes if you attend a backyard baby shower.

Although, try not to outdo the mama-to-be as she will probably be in a cute dress, too, to better show off her bump. A flowy skirt is another great option paired with a simple top. 

For a more casual baby shower surrounding a barbecue and tons of summer food dishes like potato salad and chicken wings, stick to blue jeans and a cute summer top. Make sure it’s appropriate to wear around older ladies who enjoy any youthful events as well, like your grandmother or great aunt Janet. 

At Home Baby Shower

Like backyard parties, at home showers are usually pretty casual and tons of fun. Food is a must, as are all the games you may not be able to do at other venues.

What the Mama-to-Be Should Wear

At home, you will want to wear what makes you comfortable, but with a slight touch of dressed up as your belly will be the main focal point. A simple dress in a floral pattern will more than suffice. However, if you feel more comfortable in jeans and a top, then by all means!

The right top can work perfectly to make you look amazing and show off your bump while keeping your cool, too. 

You are the guest of honor and set the tone. Just make sure your guests know what to wear too if they call and ask. Parties are more fun when everyone knows what to wear. 

What Guests Should Wear

If you are going to a baby shower in a home, chances are it’s more casual, and you are fine in a pair of jeans with an adorable top. Mind you, keep to the season, but most expectant moms overheat and will keep their house much cooler than others will. If you decide to dress warm, wear layers so you can add layers if the house is an icebox. 

You may want to check with the person hosting the party to find out what the appropriate attire is for the shower. Overdressing could upset the mom-to-be as she just wants to be comfortable. If the hostess says casual, stick to nice pants and a slightly dressy top, preferably not made of knit or loungewear material. 

Brunch Baby Shower

What the Mama-to-Be Should Wear

Dresses really make pregnancy easier, but as a mom-to-be, you can wear anything you want to a brunch. You make your brunch baby shower anything you like. Keep in mind, though, that your guests probably don’t want to wear a ball gown and would be more comfortable in slacks and a nice top. 

As a rule, brunch or tea require a slightly dressier attire than a casual party. 

What Guests Should Wear

Brunch is the time to dress up just a little bit. Pull the cute dress out of your closet! If you don’t have a cute dress, now is the time to get one and show off your figure. Or even pull out a fabulous vintage-inspired dress. 

If you aren’t comfortable with a vintage dress (or any dress), stick to a fitted blouse and a pair of nice pants. 

Basically, don’t show up in a pair of blue jeans or comfy clothes. Put in a little effort, and you will be just fine. 

Venue Baby Shower

Not many baby showers are venue-based, but if you get invited to a venue such as a country club, the attire definitely goes up a notch. Basically, country clubs alone have a dress code that usually doesn’t include ripped jeans or t-shirts. You could always check the country club website to find out what the rules are there. 

What the Mama-to-Be Should Wear

Country clubs or hotels require a little more business casual type wear such as a dress you can wear with a blazer. A dress with a pencil type shape works perfectly with a blazer, cardigan, or a simple string of pearls. Also, a knee-length is appropriate for a fancier venue. 

What Guests Should Wear

Even though baby showers are festive, at a hotel or country club, dress business casual. A pencil skirt is appropriate or a pencil dress. 

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It’s more about wearing quality fabrics and some fun colors for a baby shower. Stick with classier styles and keep the colors geared toward a baby shower avoiding dark colors as they are a bit somber for a baby shower celebrating new life. 

Church Baby Shower

Not only are church baby showers a great place to get a variety of food but also a variety of outfits. If you are invited to a baby shower at a church, simply pull out your Sunday best. 

What the Mama-to-Be Should Wear

While wearing jeans is the norm even for church nowadays, for a baby shower, try to dress up a bit. A maternity dress is still a great option, as are slacks and a nice blouse. Honestly, whatever you are comfortable in besides sweats works just fine because you are the guest of honor! 

Again, don’t pick a long dress if your baby is bouncing on your bladder and it stands to cause problems. However, it will show off your bump quite nicely, and it’s definitely church-appropriate, along with flattering. 

What Guests Should Wear

Guests should also wear their Sunday best to join the church community for a baby shower. Both a dress or slacks with a nice top are suitable options. Skip the blue jeans and short dresses as these are usually not appropriate for church either. 

Time of Year 

The first factor you need to consider for how to dress for a baby shower is the season. You don’t want to show up to a winter baby shower in a summer dress, as you will likely freeze! 

Spring 

In the springtime, many baby showers are inside, but some are outside if the weather decides to cooperate. It’s one of the hardest seasons to plan for because the weather is often so unpredictable. The best way to plan for a spring shower is with color. 

Spring is a time of new growth and sloughing off the darkness from winter. Dress up in either a pair of pants with a festively bright top or a cute dress with a pop of color. Either way, make sure to bring a coordinating sweater in case of a breeze.

Summer 

Summer is the fun season! Bring out the cute dresses of a variety of lengths. However, keep the length longer than you would wear to a club, as baby shower games can get inventive. Keep the style unfussy, too, for comfort as many summer showers take place outdoors. 

Fall

When autumn arrives, it comes with deep colors and cooler weather. Like with spring, you may want to pack a sweater, but this time you can go chunky. 

Pair with a cute top nice black jeans for a casual affair ready to keep you warm or cool depending on the venue. Of course, a dress is still a great option, but think warm to combat cooler mornings and evenings. 

Winter

Depending on where you live, winters are often cold, and the sun disappears far too early in the day. You are going to want a dress ready to wear with a sweater and maybe even some leggings to combat the chill. 

Pants are always an option, especially paired with an excellent pair of long boots! The options are endless, but definitely dress in layers. 

How to Fix Your Hair 

Styling your hair for a baby shower isn’t usually too involved. Skip the ponytails and claw clips, and you are fine. As long as you give your hair some effort, it will be noticeable. 

However, a baby shower rarely requires a trip to a salon. You don’t need to get a massive updo. 

A simple hairstyle will work just fine but do remember the baby shower games. Some of the games involve baby food, painting, or other antics, and you may want your hair out of your face and off your neck. 

Try a bun or neat low ponytail for a little glam without a lot of effort. 

The Right Shoes  

Thankfully, most baby showers aren’t Olympic events and rarely require a whole lot of physical excursion. A pair of flats are definitely a great go-to and work with most outfits too. 

Although, you will definitely want to pick your footwear based on the season and the venue, of course. However, there are a few don’ts for baby showers. 

Skip the sneakers and the utility style shoes. Definitely consider comfort, but think comfortable soles inside a beautiful shoe. 

Accessories 

You can accessorize as much as you like for a baby shower. From hair barrettes to jewelry or scarves, it’s time to dress up your outfit because it’s usually a party full of women who love a good accessory, too. 

Although some baby showers include babies, and if you plan on holding someone else’s baby, you may not know they love to grab accessories. Try to avoid drop-down earrings if you have to get your hands on those chubby-cheeked babies. 

Otherwise, pull out all the stops and have fun! 

What Not to Wear to a Baby Shower 

Most baby showers do not come with a lot of what-not-to-wears, but there are a few rules you should follow.

  • Blue jeans are often acceptable for home parties but not so much for venues or if the invite requests fancier attire.
  • It’s best to avoid overly dark colors like black or gray as they are a bit severe for a cheerful event.
  • Don’t outdress the mom-to-be! This is her time to shine, not yours!

Again, though, you know your group of friends better than we do, and they may have a normal that doesn’t fit the typical. Also, different cultures have different rules, and it could be appropriate. 

FAQs About What to Wear to a Baby Shower

Should I avoid dressing in pinks or blues? 

Mostly. Some people may try to dress the color of the baby being born, but honestly, that just requires far more effort than necessary. If you want to wear a specific dress or shirt and it happens to be pink or blue, then wear it. But do not feel like you should dress in a specific color because of the baby, instead pick a cute outfit for the baby in that color. 

I’m hosting the baby shower, should I be the one to tell people how to dress? 

Yes, absolutely. Most people will be able to tell by the location how to dress, but you may want to answer clarifying questions. May is sure to check with the guest of honor as she will probably have an opinion. If she wants it casual and you are telling everyone to dress up, that may make for an awkward party indeed. 

Otherwise, if people call, make sure to tell them specifics like avoiding jeans or we are going semi-dressy. Try to avoid saying, “wear what you want,” if at all possible, because most people want a more defined answer. 

What should a guy wear to a baby shower? 

Men can follow the same rules as women. Avoid t-shirts and ripped jeans. Basically, make an effort and wear nice clothing, and you should be just fine. 

Don’t pull out a tux but do consider a nice button-up shirt and your nicer shoes. 

Final Thoughts About What to Wear to a Baby Shower

Of course, many factors go into the decision of what to wear, and honestly, you don’t need to overthink the situation. If you are invited to a friend’s house for a shower, chances are you know exactly what your group of friends tends to wear for functions. However, if you were invited to a baby shower of someone you aren’t quite so familiar or comfortable around, you may need a few pointers. 

The most important thing to remember about how to dress for a baby shower is it’s a celebration, and it has a specific honoree. Your goal is to make the day special for the mother-to-be. While the wrong outfit won’t ruin the party, a good outfit for a baby shower will make you more comfortable and make the event more fun. 

When in doubt, wear a cute dress and accessories. Bring a great gift too, and have fun! The most important thing you need to bring is you and a smile! 

Remember, anything you wear will be well documented with tons of group photos and probably posted up on social media. Think festive and leave your favorite black t-shirt at home. 


Adrina Palmer is a stay-at-home-mom to three wonderful children and a wife to an amazing husband. She has a bachelors degree in Religion from Liberty University and works as a blogger, copywriter, and reviewer. Adrina is a Christian hoping to help other stay-at-home moms find the joy and simplicity as a mother and wife. In her free time she enjoys many crafts, writing, spending time with family, and reading. She would love to hear from you!



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