Picking an outfit for a baby shower can seem challenging. You want to dress appropriately for the occasion, look nice in photos, and stay comfortable as you celebrate with the guest of honor. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about what to wear to a baby shower, including:
- Basic dress code guidelines
- Outfit ideas for guests – women, men, teens/kids
- Considerations like weather, venue, time of day
- What not to wear
- Accessories that add style
- How to choose baby shower appropriate colors
- FAQs on tricky baby shower attire questions
Follow these tips and you’ll look great and feel confident at the next baby shower you attend!
Dress Code Guidelines
The baby shower dress code is typically casual, comfortable, and bright. Follow these basic guidelines when deciding what to wear:
Casual Style
While you want to look nice, formal cocktail attire or evening gowns are too dressy for a daytime baby celebration. Aim for casual elegance instead.
Comfort Counts
You’ll be mingling, eating, playing games, and having fun – so make sure your outfit allows you to move and relax. Consider fabrics, footwear, and accessories that won’t leave you tugging at your clothes.
Bright or Pastel Colors
Baby showers tend to be happy, cheerful events full of excitement about the new baby. Reflect that spirit in your outfit with fun colors and patterns. Soft pastels, jewel tones, or rainbow bright shades are perfect.
Keep these three dress code principles in mind as you choose what to wear. The details in the following sections will help you put together a winning baby shower outfit.
| Dress Code Type | Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Level of Formality | Casual elegance |
| Comfort | Allow flexible movement |
| Colors | Bright, cheerful, pastels |
Outfit Ideas for Women
Most female baby shower guests opt for a casual dress or a skirt with a cute top. Here are some flattering and fashionable ideas:
Dresses
The dress is the quintessential baby shower outfit pick for girls and women. Look for:
- Casual dresses: Sundresses, shirtdresses, tunics, or sheath dresses in floral, prints, or solids
- Jersey knit dresses: Stretchy soft jersey dresses that hug curves but allow movement
- ** Wrap dresses:** Flattering wrap styles that tie at the waist or hip
- Maxi dresses: Flowing floor length maxis in bright patterns or feminine florals
Pair with flat, low wedge sandals or ballet flats for an easy head-to-toe look.
| Dress Ideas | Best For |
|---|---|
| Floral sundress | Spring/summer showers |
| Jersey knit sheath | Showing curves |
| Printed wrap dress | Hiding problem areas |
| Bright maxi dress | Tall or petite frames |
Separates
Skirts and blouses allow more versatility and mixing and matching. Create stylish baby shower outfits with:
- Fun printed skirts: Knee length styles in lively patterns like polka dots fit the baby celebration motif
- Bubble skirts: The flared hem and floaty shape of bubble skirts are ultra-feminine choices
- Blouses: Solid color blouses balance more vibrant skirts, tucked in or worn loose
- Tunics: Colorful longer length tops pair perfectly with leggings or slim pants
Finish the look with strappy flat sandals, low heels, or booties depending on the weather. Add a cropped cardigan or jean jacket for a layered look.
| Bottom | Pair With |
|---|---|
| Dotted A-line skirt | Ruffled blouse |
| Draped bubble skirt | Embroidered tunic |
| Bright leggings | Oversized cardigan |
Rompers & Jumpsuits
If you want a one piece outfit, rompers and jumpsuits make cute and trendy baby shower picks. Look for:
- Short rompers: Rompers ending above the knee have a playful, youthful vibe perfect for a baby celebration
- Floral prints: Vibrant floral patterns compliment garden themed or spring/summer showers
- Wide leg jumpsuits: Flowing, wide leg jumpsuits in solid colors or prints are easy and comfortable
- Off the shoulder jumpsuits: These feature flirty shoulder baring details along with a slimming fitted shape
These keep your outfit streamlined and sophisticated. Add wedges, heels, or dressy flat sandals to polish it off.
Outfit Ideas for Men
Guys have an advantage when it comes to baby shower attire – it’s generally simple and straightforward. Just remember these guidelines:
Keep it Casual
Skip the business suit and tie which is overly formal. Opt for smart casual wear in darker jeans, pants, button downs, and sweaters instead.
Solid Colors
Block colors like black, gray, navy or white make masculine complements to the brighter female outfits. Leave loud prints and colors to the ladies.
Add a Sport Coat
Sport coats instantly upgrade a casual outfit like dark jeans and a button down shirt for baby shower events. They pull looks together for photos too.
Here are some easy baby shower outfit formulas for men:
- Dark jeans + button down shirt + sport coat: Dressier dark rinse denim balances the sport coat in a smart casual combo
- Slacks + sweater + dress shoes: Less casual than jeans yet still appropriate and comfortable
- Open collar shirt + sweater vest + chinos: Sweater vests add style while keeping outfits casual
The right sport coat, sweater, or sweater vest can make putting together baby shower outfits effortless for men.
Outfit Ideas for Teens & Kids
Baby showers are usually family friendly events so teens and kids may need special outfits too. Some cute ideas include:
Girls
- Jersey knit skater dresses
- Twirly patterned skirts with solid leggings
- Rompers with ballet flats
- Sparkly shoes and hair accessories
Boys
- Button downs partly untucked over jeans
- Khakis with a vest or sweater
- Polos and dark pants
- Fun novelty neckties
The most important rule is comfort to allow them to play games and have fun. But a touch of style makes photos glow!
What to Wear Based on Venue
The location of the baby shower can provide clues for what outfit to pick. Here are some common spots and what to wear:
| Venue | What to Wear |
|---|---|
| Home | Smart casual dress |
| Restaurant | Daytime cocktail attire |
| Outdoors | Weather appropriate outfits |
| Hotel ballroom | Dressy smart casual |
At home in someone’s house is generally the most laid back. Backyard baby showers call for practical shoes and layers in case the weather shifts. Hotels and restaurants normally suggest more formal party style clothing.
When in doubt over what to wear based on location, keep outfits simple, classy, and colorful.
Seasonal Considerations
Baby showers happen all year round so seasonal weather impacts what you wear:
Winter
The cold air calls for layers and coats. Opt for:
- Sweaters and cardigans over dresses or with skirts and pants
- Tights and leggings under skirts and dresses
- Tall boots or booties for snowy or wet ground
- Thicker fabrics like tweeds, wools, and knits
- Fleece lined leggings under rompers and jumpsuits
Spring & Fall
These shoulder seasons shift between warm and cold so layering is key. Choose:
- Lightweight dresses and skirts with cropped jackets
- Cardigans and kimonos over sleeveless styles
- Ankle boots or booties with tights if needed
- Rompers and jumpsuits in breezy fabrics like chiffon
Having a few key transitional layers allows adapting looks from indoor to outdoor as the temperatures fluctuate.
Summer
When heat waves hit, lightweight fabrics that breathe keep you coolest. Consider:
- Sleeveless or strapless dresses and jumpsuits
- Shorts rompers or lightweight wide leg jumpsuits
- Bright prints and colors that pop against summer tans
- Open toed shoes like strappy flats, sandals, or low wedges
Breezy chiffon wraps and cotton tunics balance sun dresses for air flow on sweltering days.
Dress Code Don’ts
Amid all the outfit options, here are a few things to avoid wearing to a baby shower:
- All white or cream outfits (leave those colors for the mom-to-be!)
- Short mini dresses or skirts (keep hemlines near the knee)
- Sheer fabrics that show underwear
- Crop tops or strapless tops (unless layered under a jacket or cardi)
- Athletic wear like tank tops, sweatpants, sneakers
- Overly revealing styles with cut outs or plunging necklines
The overall guidance is classy coverage to keep attention on the glowing guest of honor, not your outfit.
Styling Your Look
Accessories, layers, colors, and details help upgrade any go-to baby shower outfit into a head turning style sure to wow in photos.
Perfect Layers
As discussed for seasonal needs, well chosen layers do double duty. They allow adjusting looks from indoor to outdoor temps while also adding dimension and visual interest. Clever layering ideas include:
- Kimono cardigans and dusters over dresses, skirts, and rompers
- Cropped jackets or jean jackets layered over sleeveless styles
- Slouchy knit sweaters tying preppy shirts and skirts together
- Infinity scarves adding a pop of color over tunics and tops
Stylish Shoes
The right shoe choice completes your outfit for both fashion and function. For baby showers:
- Flats, sandals or wedges supply comfort for mingling and games
- Ballet flats offer no fuss polish perfect for dresses
- Low wedges or chunky heels provide subtle lift and elegance
- Strappy jewelry sandals take best dressed to the next level
Have a back up pair of flats or foldable ballet slippers in your bag just in case.
Signature Accessories
Unique accessories put the final touch on personalized baby shower style:
- Statement necklaces modernize basic sheath dresses
- Colorful scarves brighten neutral pieces
- Fun eyeglass frames or sunglasses show off your playful side
- Jeweled hair clips and headbands glam up messy ponytails
- Beaded bracelets and dangly earrings incorporate ladylike flair
Choose accents featuring your signature colors, prints, or jewelry materials.
| Accessory Style | Complements |
|---|---|
| Chunky bead necklace | Plain jersey sheath dress |
| Oversized sunhat | Floral maxi dress |
| Sparkly crossbody bag | Romper or jumpsuit |
Bright Colors
Don’t shy away from vibrant, saturated colors and rainbow bright patterns. After all, baby showers celebrate new life and new beginnings! These joyful tones communicate fun:
- Corals: Pretty peach pink compliments
- Yellows: Cheerful daisy hues pop against deeper tones
- Teals: Vibrant yet cool for hot temps
- Purples and violets: Regal mauve mixes sophistication and playfulness
Any colorful accent incorporated into a baby shower look lights up photos with joy. But be wary of too harsh or electric brights which can overwhelm.
Complementary Colors
If you shy away from loud colors altogether, incorporate complementary color combos instead. These harmonious mixes guarantee good photos while still making you shine. Try:
- Pink and navy: Classic preppy palette
- Red and green: Festive for winter showers
- Purple and yellow: Cheerful yet soft
- Orange and light blue: Retro summer vibe
Building outfits with two well matched colors looks pulled together yet still interesting.
| Color 1 | Color 2 |
|---|---|
| Blush Pink | Forest Green |
| Royal Purple | Sunshine Yellow |
| Navy Blue | Coral Pink |
Conclusion
A baby shower invites you to share in the joy of a new life coming into the world. As a guest, the expectant mother wants you to relax and enjoy the special day rather than stress over what to wear. Following the guidelines in this article helps take the guesswork out of choosing an appropriate, comfortable, and stylish baby shower outfit.
The main goal is expressing your personal style within the casual, colorful, cheerful dress code theme. Whether you prefer dresses, separates, prints, or solids, your outfit should sparkle as brightly as your smile in photos with the glowing mom-to-be.
Beyond the clothing itself, consider details like layers, shoes, accessories, and colors that reflect the happy occasion. Finishing touches elevate any simple outfit into a polished baby shower look. And practical tips help you dress appropriately for the weather, venue, and activity level required.
Most of all, let your genuine joy for the guest of honor shine through above anything you wear. Keep the focus on celebrating new life rather than your look. When in doubt, err on the conservative side rather than risking distracting from mom and baby. The memories made will outlast any outfit.
With this guide’s advice in mind, you can confidently choose a baby shower ensemble you love that follows etiquette. Trust your taste and have fun with your look rather than getting caught up in rigid rules. Any outfit radiating the delight of welcoming a new baby into the family qualifies as perfect for posing in photos with the pregnant star of the day!
Baby Shower Outfit FAQs
Still have some nagging questions on what is appropriate to wear? Here are answers to frequent baby shower attire questions:
Should I avoid wearing white to a baby shower?
Yes, steer clear of solid white or cream outfits. These colors are traditionally reserved for the guest of honor only since white symbolizes pregnancy and new birth. Any other light neutral solid could wash you out in photos as well next to brighter colors. Feel free to incorporate white patterns or accessories though. Just avoid head to toe white so you don’t accidentally match mom.
Can I wear black or other dark colors?
Absolutely, when balanced well black is perfectly chic for baby showers! As a neutral color, solid black outfits ensure you don’t clash with prints or other colors. Modern black and white combos look sharp too. Just add dimension with textures and feminine details like lace or ruffles so the look isn’t too harsh or wintery.
What if dress code wasn’t specified on the invitation?
When in doubt, smart casual is the best default. The tips in this guide help you achieve a classy yet comfortable in between level of formality perfect for most baby showers. You’ll look polished and festive without risking over or under dressing if the expectations weren’t clearly spelled out.
What do I wear if it is a co-ed couples’ baby shower?
Co-ed showers allow you to embrace more masculine influenced looks as a guest. While you still want to look feminine, avoid overly girly ruffles, large florals, and frilly details. Instead try:
- Clean lines with structure
- Mixed media like leather and lace
- Graphic modern prints
- Sophisticated jumpsuits
These fashion forward styles have wider appeal while still being special enough for baby shower photos.