What to Wear to a Baby Shower, According to Fashion Influencers (2024)

If you have a friend or loved one who is pregnant right now, chances are you'll be attending a baby shower soon. Luckily, unlikewedding dress codesthat can be quite complicated or confusing, it's much easier to decipher what to wear to a baby shower. We can even (almost) guarantee an event-appropriate outfit already exists in your wardrobe. (And if not, who doesn't love an excuse to go shopping?)

One thing to keep in mind when sifting through your wardrobe for the perfect baby shower outfit is that, unless specified on the invitation, you can pretty much wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable, be it a dress or pantsuit. If you're a stickler for guidelines, however, no worries: A quick Internet search of the venue will give you an idea of the event's vibe (casual, formal, semi-casual, etc.), and you can always get a sense of the party's theme by the invitation. Still unsure? Ask the host for more details when you RSVP.

Once you have a grasp on the type of party you'll be attending, you can assess the contents of your closet and start piecing together options. However, if you've never been to a baby shower before — or have been to so many lately, you're fresh out of outfit ideas — you've come to the right place. Below, stylists Hannah Schneider, Katya Bychkova, Catherine Grace O'Connell, and Kat Jamieson share their best baby shower guest looks.

Meet the expert

From one-and-done jumpsuits to era-inspired ensembles, keep scrolling for our complete style guide on what to wear to a baby shower.

Be Done In One with a Jumpsuit

What to Wear to a Baby Shower, According to Fashion Influencers (1)

According to Schneider, jumpsuits aren't among the status quo of go-to baby shower ensembles — and that's what makes them the perfect option.

"A wide-leg jumpsuit will make you feel like a million bucks," Schneider said.

Another reason to try this look? "You'll also be able to get a little active and participate in all the shower games!"

I Found the Ridiculously Comfortable Jumpsuit of My Dreams for $29 on Amazon

Layer Up

What to Wear to a Baby Shower, According to Fashion Influencers (2)

Whatever the forecast, know that weather can be unpredictable. To ensure you're safe and not sorry, Bychkova recommended donning a slip dress in a classic color (think black, beige, or white) as your foundation. Then, pair it with anoversized shirtor a cashmere cardigan for warmth.

Wear a Suit

What to Wear to a Baby Shower, According to Fashion Influencers (3)

When you don't know what to wear to a baby shower, you can't go wrong with a power suit, O'Connell told us.

"I like to have a little fun by wearing a classic jacket and pant set that's colorful or incorporates a beautiful print."

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Say "Yes" to a Silky Wrap Dress

What to Wear to a Baby Shower, According to Fashion Influencers (4)

All wrap dresses are a go in Bychkova's book, but she recommended a silky number to elevate your ensemble.

"A wrap dress made out of silk has that evening attire vibe to it, but it's not too fancy for daytime occasions like a baby shower," she explained. "The design is not too revealing and easy to move in, so you'll feel comfortable. [Plus,] the relaxed silhouette fits every body type and gives you room to lose the belt if you overdid it at the dessert table and want more room to breathe."

Florals Are Always Fitting

What to Wear to a Baby Shower, According to Fashion Influencers (5)

Jamieson suggested that florals for baby showers arealwaysgroundbreaking.

"I always like to wear some sort of floral or linen midi-style dress," she told us, citingZimmermannandReformationas her go-tos. "You can throw a blazer over the shoulders of your dress if it's fall/winter or even add a cute cashmere cardigan as well."

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Channel Another Era

What to Wear to a Baby Shower, According to Fashion Influencers (6)

The '50s and '60s are always sweet decades to channel when it comes to style. However, to keep from looking too retro, modernize your top by opting for an on-trend bracket or a crop top if you want a bit more coverage.

Embrace Comfort

What to Wear to a Baby Shower, According to Fashion Influencers (7)

Bychkova recommended combining wide-leg pants with a body-hugging top or a tailored vest.

"Wary of a wider leg? Don't be," she said. "If you counterbalance the exaggerated proportions with a tighter-fitting top, this outfit formula will be body-sculpting and very flattering. For a baby shower, I'd style these pants with an asymmetric neckline top, flats or heels depending on your comfort level, and a pair of hoop earrings."

12 Ideas for How to Wear Wide-Leg Pants

Pair with a Leather Jacket

What to Wear to a Baby Shower, According to Fashion Influencers (8)

A flowy dress might be your go-to outfit for a baby shower — and for good reason. However, to refresh this style and to keep it from feeling trite, simply throw on a leather jacket.

What to Wear to a Baby Shower, According to Fashion Influencers (2024)

FAQs

What to Wear to a Baby Shower, According to Fashion Influencers? ›

Florals Are Always Fitting

What is an appropriate outfit for a baby shower? ›

Although there's no official dress code for a baby shower, celebrating such a happy occasion suggests wearing happy colors and prints; be mindful to steer clear of traditional blue and pink hues though especially for gender-neutral showers.

What do you wear to a posh baby shower? ›

Make the baby's gender your outfits inspiration with an all-blue or pink ensemble. Or keep it simple but chic with a white cotton blouse, mom jeans and a mini bag to finish the look. Even though there are less rules than a bridal shower, choosing what to wear to a baby shower can still be tricky.

What to wear at a baby shower as a guest? ›

A dress and casual shoes makes an easy baby shower guest outfit. A dress is often my go-to for events like this. If you wear with a pair of casual shoes, like a slip on sandal, and then pair with a casual jacket, you'll feel comfortable whether the dress code is a little more casual or dressy.

Is it inappropriate to wear jeans to a baby shower? ›

Can I Wear Jeans to a Baby Shower? This one comes down to the dress code and location. If the dress code is casual, semi casual, or, in some cases, business casual, you're in the clear for jeans. For smart casual, cocktail, and lounge suit dress codes, jeans are not appropriate.

Is it okay to wear black to a baby shower? ›

Wearing black at a baby shower was once seen as quite a morbid fashion choice, given the bright and joyful spirit of the party, and was viewed almost as a bad omen. Yet, while many people are quick to relate black occasionwear to funerals and mourning, this superstition is now mostly outdated.

What is the etiquette for baby showers? ›

Never show up to a baby shower without a gift in hand! That being said, you're not required to buy a gift from the registry. Feel free to shop around and choose any special gift for the new little one (and their mommy!).

Do people dress up for baby showers? ›

There are no set rules for baby shower outfits, so unless the invite says otherwise, you're basically free to wear whatever you fancy and feel the most comfortable in. You'll still want to find out where the 'do will be taking place, though, as some venues will automatically require you to be a bit more put-together.

Can I wear a floral dress to a baby shower? ›

Florals are basically foolproof, especially in the warmer months. “A midi floral dress fits any occasion, especially a baby shower guest look,” says Courtney Glasser, who chose this sweet printed midi dress. Save on the best baby shower outfits with these Nordstrom promo codes.

How do I look good at a baby shower? ›

Baby Shower Outfit Ideas

Maybe a pair of comfy pants? It depends on the season, party theme, culture and of course – whatever makes YOU feel the most beautiful. Baby showers are less formal than other events, so choose outfits with pops of color, feminine silhouettes, or fun prints!

What is a guest of honor at a baby shower? ›

Traditionally, the mother-to-be is the guest of honor at the baby shower. That said, if you're hosting a couples' shower, then you should list both parents as the guests of honor.

Who needs to be invited to a baby shower? ›

Who should be invited to a baby shower? Anyone can be invited to your baby shower. This includes as few or as many of your grandparents, parents, siblings, aunts, cousins, friends, neighbors and coworkers as you'd like, as well as those of your partner. (Coed baby showers are growing increasingly popular!)

What to wear to a baby shower as a guest in 2024? ›

For a semi-formal or dressy baby shower, elevate your style while maintaining a tasteful and sophisticated look. Opt for a knee-length dress or a stylish blouse paired with tailored pants or a skirt. Consider more refined fabrics such as lace, silk, or chiffon to add a touch of elegance.

Why can't you cross your legs at a baby shower? ›

The object of this game is to not cross your legs to honor the mom-to-be who also can't cross her legs. When someone is spotted crossing their legs, guests should take that person's clothes pin. Or play a version of this game by picking a word that no one at the shower can say like 'cute' or 'baby'.

How do you dress for a baby shower? ›

For a fancier event, a nice dress or skirt-and-blouse combo are a safe bet. If you prefer pants, opt for dress pants and heels over jeans or leggings. For a casual affair, however (think: at someone's home or a park), jeans might be totally acceptable with a dressy top or a blazer. “When in doubt…

Are baby showers formal or casual? ›

One thing to keep in mind when sifting through your wardrobe for the perfect baby shower outfit is that, unless specified on the invitation, you can pretty much wear whatever makes you feel most comfortable, be it a dress or pantsuit.

Who traditionally put on a baby shower? ›

Traditionally, close friends, cousins, aunts, sisters-in-law, or co-workers of the mother-to-be hosted baby showers.

Can you wear a short dress to a baby shower? ›

Of course, if you're throwing a spring baby shower or something more in the middle of summer, a mini dress or cocktail dress may be your best bet. I hope the variety of baby shower outfit ideas below helps you to find a style that you love.

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