Grab the pink or blue balloons and get that diaper cake wrapped, because today we’re diving into the world of baby showers — more specifically, what to wear to a baby shower as a guest, with the cutest outfit ideas and attire sure to turn heads.
Unlike other special events, baby showers typically have more casual (and ambiguous) outfit dress codes when it comes to guest attire. How fancy is too fancy? Are jeans allowed? Do I have to wear a dress? If you’re currently panicking about what to wear — and what not to wear — to a baby shower, we’ve created a complete attire guide for guests, including a few cute outfit ideas for every style and dress code. Let’s get into it!
What We Cover In This Guide
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Everything You Should Know Before You Shop – Complete Guide on What to Wear For a Baby Shower
Ready to shower to mama-to-be? To help you pick out the perfect outfit for the occasion, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about baby shower attire for guests — from cute + comfy outfit ideas to what not to wear to a baby shower.
And yes, we’re also linking some of our favorite pieces, so you can arrive at the shower in style. We see a “best dressed guest” award in your future!
Factors To Consider When Putting Together Your Look
Before you choose an outfit to wear to a baby shower, there are a few key attire factors to think about (in addition to how cute it is). To ensure you’re dressed appropriately for the occasion, here’s a quick checklist of what to consider when putting together your look!
- Dress Code: When deciding what to wear to a baby shower, start by checking the invitation to see if there’s a specific dress code for guests. Whether it’s semi-formal or garden party attire, the dress code will help you choose a baby shower outfit that’s cute and appropriate.
- Theme: Similar to the dress code, the theme of a baby shower will point you in the right direction for what to wear. We’ve seen baby shower themes ranging from tea party attire to a specific color scheme. Check the invite, and go from there!
- Venue: Is the baby shower being held at someone’s home or at a formal event space? The venue of a baby shower will impact what attire you wear — after all, you wouldn’t wear the same outfit to a chic restaurant as you would to a backyard BBQ.
- Weather: The weather is always a factor when deciding what outfit to wear as a guest, and this also applies to a baby shower! Choose breathable fabrics for warm weather and layer up if it’s cooler. You may also want to consider the season when choosing what colors to wear to the baby shower. For example, pastels are perfect for spring, while darker hues are better for winter.
- Baby’s Sex: If the baby’s sex has been announced before the baby shower, you can always tailor your outfit to reflect the exciting news. Aka, blue for a boy and pink for a girl!
GWS Pro Tip: Remember: baby showers often involve games, mingling, and moving around, so comfort is key. In addition to these other factors, it’s also best to choose outfits that you can comfortably wear for several hours at a time. We’ve included cute AND comfy examples down below!
If you’re wondering what to wear to a springtime baby shower or garden venue, don’t miss our complete garden party attire guide — including cute outfit ideas for guests.
The Go-To Baby Shower Outfit Combinations For a Cute Look
No matter the attire dress code or aesthetic of a baby shower, there are a few outfit ideas that will always look good for guests. Below, we’re sharing the winning outfit combinations that are guaranteed to wow, whether you’re snapping group photos or playing baby-inspired party games.
While you can recreate most of these guest outfit ideas with items in your closet, we’ve also linked a few of our favorite attire pieces to wear to a baby shower. Because who doesn’t love an excuse to buy a new outfit?!
- A Floral Maxi Dress + Cute Wedges: When it comes to the best outfit ideas to wear to a baby shower, this combo is the gold standard. Cute and feminine, it’s perfect for any venue, theme, or season — just layer on a cardigan or denim jacket for the colder months, and you’re good to go!
- A Chic Jumpsuit + Statement Earrings: If you’re looking for cute, comfortable, and practical outfit ideas for a baby shower, why not wear a jumpsuit?! It’s just as effortless as a maxi dress, and it won’t hold you back from participating in any party games. Elevate the outfit with a pair of statement earrings, and get ready for major compliments!
- A Trendy Top + Tailored Pants: For guests who would choose pants over a dress every day of the week, this is one of the best trendy outfit ideas to wear to a baby shower. Opt for bright accessories (like a pink blazer or blue heels) for a pop of color, or keep it simple with a neutral monochrome look. Perfect for indoor venues or winter events!
- A Cute Two-Piece Outfit: Matching sets are seriously trending right now, and they’re also one of the best ideas to wear to a baby shower as a guest! No need to stress over whether or not your outfit matches — with a cute skirt set or tailored two-piece, you’ll always look polished and party-ready.
- A Simple Wrap Dress + Casual Shoes: Not only is a wrap dress universally flattering, but it’s also super versatile. Wear a silky maxi to an evening baby shower, or keep it casual with a pastel mini for a daytime picnic. Complete with cute sandals (or boots), it’ll never steer you wrong!
What colors are best to wear?
The best colors to wear to a baby shower will depend on the party’s theme, the dress code, and the time of the year. It’s always best to check the invitation before choosing your outfit — this is where you’ll find any info about guest attire recommendations or the aesthetic of the party!
If the invite doesn’t provide a specific dress code or baby shower theme, it’s best to wear colors that reflect the season. Bright and pastel colors will look right at home for a spring or summer soirée, while darker hues are a better fit for fall and winter events.
If the couple has already announced the sex of the baby, you can also wear a baby shower outfit that incorporates those traditional colors — aka, blue for a boy or pink for a girl. We’ve even seen some couples ask guests to wear the color associated with their guess for the baby’s sex…which will be revealed during the baby shower!
GWS Pro Tip: When in doubt, it’s best to wear light and joyful colors to a baby shower. After all, this is a happy celebration! Avoid wearing dark tones like black, even in the colder months — lighter neutrals like navy or cream will give you a more festive look.
What are the best attire alternatives if you don’t want to wear a dress to a baby shower?
While a dress is typically seen as the go-to guest outfit to wear to a baby shower, it definitely isn’t the only option! If a dress isn’t your usual sartorial style, here are a few cute attire alternatives + outfit ideas to wear to a baby shower instead of a flowy gown.
- A Stylish Jumpsuit: A jumpsuit gives you the same look and feel as a dress but with a cool and modern edge. From relaxed and flowy jumpsuits to tailored linen styles, there are unlimited options to wear to a baby shower when you want comfort and style. Pair with bold earrings for an instant cool girl look!
- A Trendy Skirt + A Chic Blouse: A skirt can be just as versatile as a dress but with wayyyy more options for styling! Wear a silky midi skirt with a trendy top for an elegant restaurant venue, or a black mini skirt with a cute cardigan for an autumn baby shower. The options are endless!
- Denim + A Dressy Top: For a more relaxed baby shower, feel free to skip the dress or skirt and wear a sleek pair of jeans with your outfit instead. Just be sure to elevate your look with a dressy blouse and elegant shoes, like heeled sandals or trendy ballet flats. Which brings us to our next FAQ…
Should you wear jeans to a baby shower or are they too casual?
For guests attending more casual baby showers, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear jeans with your outfit — as long as you style your attire with dressy accessories, such as a lacy blouse, a tailored blazer, or a cute pair of heels. Avoid wearing ripped jeans or overly casual pieces (like tennis shoes or graphic tees) with your denim. Even for super casual events, it’s better to dress up rather than down!
If you want to wear denim but are afraid of looking underdressed, you can always opt for a trendy denim skirt or an oversized jean jacket (styled with a cute floral top or dress) instead. We’re also digging this retro denim jumpsuit — SO cute for a retro baby shower!
And remember: always check the invitation before choosing what to wear to a baby shower. Jeans may be acceptable for a backyard baby shower that calls for casual attire, but you wouldn’t want to wear them to an elegant restaurant venue. When in doubt, choose a slightly dressier look than one that veers too casual.
GWS Pro Tip: If the invite doesn’t list a specific theme or dress code, the time of the baby shower can also give you a clue about the formality. Daytime baby showers tend to be more casual, while evening events are typically more formal. Keep this in mind before picking out your outfit!
Attire + Outfits To Avoid – What Not To Wear to A Baby Shower
Sometimes the best way to decide what to wear to a baby shower is to first decide what not to wear. So to help you achieve “best dressed guest” status, here are a few outfits and attire ideas to avoid wearing to a baby shower!
- Overly Casual Attire: Even if the baby shower has a super relaxed dress code, you typically shouldn’t wear overly casual outfit ideas, such as ripped jeans, graphic tees, or hoodies. Instead, opt for a flowy dress or a cute knit sweater. It’s a special occasion, so you might as well dress like it!
- Overly Formal Attire: On the other end of the spectrum, you also don’t want to be overdressed for a baby shower, so avoid wearing formal attire like evening gowns, tuxedos, or flashy jewelry. While a little sparkle can be fun, it’s best to save the sequins and ballgowns for more formal occasions.
- Athleisure or workout outfits: As much as we love our favorite pair of yoga pants, a baby shower typically isn’t the best time to wear them. The same goes for running shoes, sweatpants, baseball caps, or any other outfit ideas you’d wear to a gym — save those for after the baby shower!
- Flashy logos or brand names: When it comes to choosing outfit ideas for a baby shower, you want to wear something that looks good IRL and in photos. Because of this, we suggest trading bold logos and flashy patterns for more subtle or neutral attire. After all, the focus of the photos should be on the mama-to-be, not on your outfit!
Our Favorite Baby Shower Outfit Ideas For Every Type of Guest
Now let’s get into the outfits! In addition to choosing the perfect gift, one of the best ways to celebrate the mama-to-be is with a cute outfit. After all, there are bound to be photos involved, and you want to make that group photoshoot count!
So whether you’re headed to a casual backyard baby shower or a formal restaurant event, we’ve rounded up cute outfit ideas to wear to a baby shower for every type of guest, season, and attire dress code. From classy outfits for grandmas to comfy attire for hot weather, there’s a little something for everyone!
1. What To Wear For a Casual Dress Code: This Cute Maxi Dress Outfit
photo: Jessica Lynn Photo
One of the most fool-proof guest outfit ideas to wear to a baby shower with a casual attire dress code? A cute and simple midi dress! Opt for a design that reflects the vibes of the shower, like this olive green one for a springtime outdoor party. (We also found a similar dress at less than half the price!)
Styled with cute lace-up sandals, it’s ~just~ dressy enough to wear to a casual baby shower….and beyond!
2. What To Wear For a Formal Dress Code: This Chiffon Mini Dress Outfit
via @_pav_pavlina
Looking for outfit ideas to wear to a baby shower with a more formal attire dress code? Opt for a dress with an ultra-romantic silhouette, like this cute ruffle mini! The flowy fabric and fluttery sleeves give it an elevated look, without going over the top.
Complete with sparkly accessories, like rhinestone heels or cute statement earrings, it’s the perfect outfit for guests to wear to an elegant spring or summertime baby shower.
3. What To Wear to a Garden Aesthetic Baby Shower: This Cute Floral Jumpsuit Outfit
baby shower outfit ideas: Show Me Your Mumu
If dresses aren’t your jam, wear a cute jumpsuit to the baby shower instead! This patterned one is just as festive as a classic floral sundress, but WAY more stylish. Plus, it won’t restrict you from playing any party games, so you can go for gold!
And with a cute flower print, this outfit is one of the best ideas for guests to wear to a garden-theme baby shower. All that’s missing are some cute floral accessories, like these petal earrings!
4. What To Wear to a Baby Shower As A Grandma: This Classy Shirt Dress Outfit Idea
As the grandma-to-be, you’re also a guest of honor at a baby shower — and you need outfit ideas that reflect that! Our go-to look? A simple shirt dress. It’s classy, elegant, and totally timeless, and it can easily be dressed up or down for different dress codes.
Choose a color that matches the theme (like this blue one for a baby boy), or keep it classic with a chic white design. As a bonus, you’ll definitely wear it again after the baby shower!
5. What To Wear When It’s Hot: This Cute Ruffle Mini Dress Outfit
via @randa.la.ginge
If you’re a guest at a baby shower in extra hot weather, it can be a struggle to find something to wear that’s comfortable, on-theme, AND appropriate.
Enter: this cute ruffle mini dress! It balances a breathable silhouette with fun and festive details, like a bright hue and chic ruffles. Styled with a slicked-back bun (also great for hot days!), it’s one of the best baby shower outfits for guests who want to feel cool while still looking hot.
6. What To Wear When It’s Cold: This Turtleneck + Wide Leg Pants Outfit
via @larissadc
On the other hand, it can also be tricky to find cute outfit ideas to wear to a baby shower during the colder months. When a floral dress will leave you freezing, stay cozy with this turtleneck + wide-leg pants outfit instead!
We LOVE this monochrome cream look (great for any dress code!), but you can also incorporate pink or blue hues to match a specific aesthetic. Finish the look with a pair of heeled booties, and you’re pretty much golden!
7. What To Wear to a Baby Shower As Older Guests: These Cute Navy Blue Outfits
via @sarahrosesummers | baby shower outfit ideas: navy blue sweater set | patterned maxi dress
Whether you’re the future grandma or a close family friend, these cute navy blue outfits are some of our favorite baby shower attire ideas for older guests. Navy is a universally flattering — and slimming! — color, while also being more festive than an all-black outfit.
Whether you opt for that cute sweater set (great for cold weather) or the patterned maxi dress (perfect for all seasons), you truly can’t go wrong with wearing navy blue outfit ideas to a baby shower.
Our Favorite Beauty And Fashion Guides to Complete Your Look
A special occasion deserves a special outfit to match. So to help you dress to impress for your next baby shower, here are a few more of our best attire guides and outfit ideas to wear to the event!
No outfit is complete without a great pair of shoes, and we’ve rounded up the most comfortable heels to pair with your look. Great for a long day of mingling, taking photos, and playing baby games!
Another essential accessory? Your manicure. Check out our hub of cute nail ideas, from seasonal guides to trendy tutorials — they’re the perfect finishing touch to your baby shower guest outfit!
Speaking of finishing touches, we’ve also narrowed down our favorite Sephora products for your beauty look, as well as our favorite fragrances for your signature scent. A must for your party look!
Which of these cute outfit + guest attire ideas are you planning to wear to your next baby shower? Let us know in the comments below!