What to Wear to a Baby Shower—Guest Outfits From Casual to Fancy

Your Go-To Guide, Plus 7 Cute Baby Shower Outfits That Hit the Mark

A baby shower is one of the sweetest celebrations on the calendar—a special day dedicated to showering the mom-to-be with gifts, playing games, enjoying good food, and, of course, cooing over all things baby.

If you’ve RSVP’d “yes” to one, you might be wondering what to wear. The goal is to find an outfit that’s both comfortable and cute—something that shows you’ve made an effort, without stealing the spotlight from the guest of honor.

That’s where Rank & Style comes in. We’re here to help you navigate the dress code with confidence, whether the invite calls for backyard casual or country club chic. Ahead, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about baby shower guest outfits, along with some stylish picks to inspire your look.

What to Consider When Picking a Baby Shower Outfit

Like any social event, baby showers come with their own set of fashion and etiquette expectations. The right outfit shows respect for the occasion—and the mom-to-be—while still letting your personal style shine. Not sure where to start? We’re highlighting a few key factors to help you dress the part and avoid any outfit missteps.

Venue and Theme

When it comes to baby shower attire, the invitation holds all the clues. More often than not, you're dressing for the location rather than the occasion itself—which means anything from jeans to a semi-formal dress could be fair game.

If the shower has a specific theme, let that guide your look. For example, if the invite mentions a “rose garden” theme, feel free to lean into floral prints. And if the parents-to-be have shared the baby’s gender, it’s always a sweet touch to incorporate pink or blue into your outfit.

Season and Weather

Don’t sacrifice comfort in the name of looking overly formal. Baby showers are all about celebrating, mingling, and sometimes helping the mom-to-be, so your outfit should feel as good as it looks. For winter showers, layering a blazer or cardigan over a dress is both stylish and season-appropriate. In spring and summer, a breezy sundress strikes the perfect balance between polished and comfortable—no overheating required.

Comfort and Fit

Believe it or not, baby showers can be surprisingly active. Between games, chatting, and the gift-opening marathon, you’ll want to wear something that moves with you. Plus, offering a hand with heavy gifts is always appreciated, so comfort is key. A pair of tailored slacks and chic flats, for example, can strike the perfect balance between style and practicality.

Respecting the Mom-to-Be

When dressing for a baby shower, your goal is to look polished and put-together—not to steal the show. Outfits that are overly flashy or attention-grabbing can come off as disrespectful, so before you head out the door, ask yourself: does this look shift the focus away from the guest of honor? If the answer is “yes”, it’s worth reconsidering.

Personal Style

Of course, you still want to feel like yourself. Your personal style should always shine through—just be sure to tailor your look to the event’s theme, setting, and level of formality. Think of it as dressing to celebrate, not to impress.

What Not to Wear to A Baby Shower

Before you start planning your baby shower look, here’s a quick style PSA: a few fashion choices are better left in the closet for this occasion.

To avoid any outfit faux pas, steer clear of the following:

All black:
Save the all-black ensembles for more somber occasions. Baby showers call for bright, festive colors or, at the very least, light neutrals.
Overly casual outfits:
Looking like you didn’t make an effort isn’t the vibe. Baby showers deserve a little polish.
Athleisure or workout outfits:
Unless the baby shower is happening at the gym (spoiler: it’s not), skip the leggings and sneakers.
Overly revealing or sexy outfits:
Showing too much skin can come off as trying to steal attention from the guest of honor.
Overly formal attire:
Going full black-tie will leave you feeling awkward and out of place.

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April 23, 2025

Written By:Meredith Rimmer

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

Casual Backyard Baby Shower

@kristen.niblett

For a backyard baby shower, you can’t go wrong with an adorable day dress in a playful floral print. Flowy silhouettes and vibrant patterns are perfect for capturing the laid-back, festive vibe. Think wrap dresses, tiered styles, loose-fit maxi dresses, or smocked designs—all of which offer comfort without sacrificing style.

If dresses aren’t your thing, a linen or cotton jumpsuit is another great choice for staying cool and polished. To finish the look, opt for lawn-friendly footwear like flat sandals or low wedges—both stylish and practical for an outdoor setting.

Need help shopping? Many of our favorite dresses from Amazon are perfect for baby showers. Hello Molly also has a great selection of floral maxi dresses and breezy pastels perfect for the occasion (psst: don’t forget to snag a discount with a Hello Molly discount code). (Image credit: @kristen.niblett)

Elegant Indoor Baby Shower

@jeanwang

For an indoor baby shower at a nice restaurant or banquet hall, a polished, elegant look is key. We love pairing cream slacks with a petal-colored lady jacket for a sophisticated vibe. A sweater shell or blouse underneath works as a sleek base. Finish the outfit with cream-colored kitten heels and chunky gold stud earrings for that perfect country-club feel.

Other options that achieve the same polished aesthetic include a sleek jumpsuit or a midi or knee-length dress in softly muted colors or subtle prints, paired with flats.

Looking for a "country club" look on a budget? Nordstrom Rack is a top choice for posh, stylish dresses, jumpsuits, and separates that will elevate your indoor baby shower look without breaking the bank. Be sure to check for a Nordstrom Rack promo code for an even sweeter deal. (Image credit: @jeanwang)

Winter Baby Shower

@laurenperez

The cozy-chic look of a sweater dress with tights and knee-high boots is perfect for winter baby showers. Add a stylish coat or jacket to complete the look, and you’re ready for both comfort and style. Another great option is a long-sleeve faux wrap dress made from soft, cozy fabric—perfect for colder temps. If you're looking for fashionable and affordable winter options, Mango has some great choices. Plus, don’t forget to use a Mango promo code to score a discount on your perfect shower dress.

Winter baby shower attire often mirrors the polished look of office winter wear. So, follow our list of trending sweater dresses to find stylish, cold-weather options that you can wear beyond just one event. (Image credit: @laurenperez)

Baby Shower Brunch Look

@charmedbycamille

Get ready for mimosas and celebration with a comfortable, yet stylish brunch outfit that feels put-together. A lightweight short-sleeve sweater paired with wide-leg pants is a great choice for a chic and easygoing vibe. For inspiration, check out our roundup of favorite wide-leg pants that work perfectly for casual but polished everyday looks. Bonus points if you add soft pink or baby blue pieces to your outfit. If not, opt for neutral khaki pants paired with a white or olive shirt.

For baby showers hosted at a café or restaurant in the morning or early afternoon, a lightweight, flowy midi dress is always a winner. Alternatively, tailored pants with a structured shirt strike the perfect balance between casual and elegant. Our list of trending floral blouses features picks that are perfect for brunch and beyond. As for footwear, go for flats, loafers, or block heels to elevate your look while keeping it comfortable. Keep accessories simple with a neutral-colored tote and diamond studs for just the right touch of sparkle.

Not sure how to nail the perfect brunch look? Almost anything from J.Crew offers that sweet spot between casual and elegant. Use a J.Crew promo code to stock up on wardrobe essentials for any occasion. (Image credit: @charmedbycamille)

Maternity-Friendly Outfit

@rebeccahuntersundvall

Expecting and looking for the perfect baby shower outfit? Embrace a form-fitting dress with stretchy fabric or a flowy maternity dress with an empire waist—both options will highlight your glow in any color you choose. Keep accessories simple with a delicate necklace or a wrist full of fun bangle bracelets for a chic finish.

If you're unsure where to shop for fashionable maternity wear, check out our guide on where to find stylish maternity clothes. It covers everything from supportive undergarments to statement-making pieces. We’re particularly fond of Lulus for chic maternity styles that combine comfort and flair. Treat yourself with a Lulus promo code to make your shopping experience even sweeter. (Image credit: @rebeccahuntersundvall)

Garden Party Baby Shower

Old Marigold

A garden or floral-themed baby shower is your invitation to go big with a delicate, feminine look. Twirl among the peonies and roses in a floral-print dress or paisley jumpsuit with flowy, lightweight fabric. Our favorite signature look for a garden party baby shower guest is a corset dress with puff sleeves with some serious "Bridgerton" energy. See what we mean as you soak in trending floral dresses we're swooning over.

For stunning floral dresses that are both stylish and practical, check out Free People and Anthropologie. These brands offer a wide selection of garden party-appropriate dresses with comfortable fits—perfect for avoiding any costume-like mishaps. Don’t forget to use a Free People promo code to score a deal on this season’s most gorgeous floral looks.

With a garden stroll on the agenda, complete your outfit with sensible flat sandals or wedges. Keep jewelry minimal with stud or drop earrings paired with a delicate gold chain for a refined, understated touch.

Travel-Friendly Shower Outfit

@paigecarmichael

Going the distance to cheer on a mom-to-be? Pick an easy-to-pack, travel friendly outfit with minimalist, neutral undertones. For this, we like a shirt dress or wrinkle-resistant, versatile separates that can be mixed and matched. Consider a top from our list of must-have oversized button-down shirts paired with our favorite travel pants.

Pick fabrics with hints of movement to hide any creases that crept up during travel. For warm weather, flat loafers or strappy sandals are great. For winter, look polished in a flat riding boot.

When luggage space is limited, we adore travel-ready UNIQLO pieces that hang on the body like a dream. To get amazing deals on fresh UNIQLO staples, use this exclusive UNIQLO coupon. (Image credit: @paigecarmichael)

Questions About What to Wear to a Baby Shower

Can I wear jeans to a baby shower?

Generally, no. Exceptions would be a very casual backyard- or Western-themed baby shower. Alternatively, white jeans that can be dressed up may be appropriate for laid-back venues in place of trousers.

Should I dress up for a baby shower?

Yes, plan to put your best foot forward as a baby shower guest. Dressing appropriately is a sign of respect and decorum. However, attendees should be mindful not to take attention away from the mom-to-be.

What color is best for baby showers?

If the theme is "baby girl" or "baby boy" for the baby shower, feel free to dress in pink or blue. For showers with no specific theme, choose neutrals, pastels, florals, or subtle patterns.

What shoes should I wear to a baby shower?

While athletic shoes are to be avoided, semi-casual footwear like loafers, strappy sandals, or flats is acceptable. In winter, riding boots or sleek ankle boots look stylish. For heels, avoid stacked high heels in favor of wedges and kitten heels.

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