When it comes to baby shower attire, do you need to remain reserved and conservative with your outfit choice or can it be another fun occasion to get dressed up to the nines? Whether you’re the expectant mum or attending as a guest, we’ve got all bases covered for your baby shower looks.
First Things First: What’s a Baby Shower?
In a nutshell, baby showers are a great excuse to get together for a party with your closest friends, eat lots of cake and celebrate an imminent arrival. It usually takes place in the daytime over an elegant afternoon tea, summer BBQ or brunch and, traditionally, the mum-to-be can expect some beautiful gifts that are sure to make the whole room ‘ooh’ and ‘ahh’.
But when it comes to such an occasion, particularly if you haven’t been to one before, you’ll be sure to find yourself asking the question, ‘what do you wear to a baby shower’?
Unlike a wedding day, when you don’t want your outfit to take away from the bride, a baby shower dress code is that little bit more relaxed. Think about the location: if it’s taking place in a hotel or restaurant, rather than at someone’s home, perhaps opt for a dress rather than smart jeans. Then think about the theme – it may well help as you go to raid the shops. And finally, don’t forget to ask around! If all attendees are on the same page, you won’t worry about turning up too dressy or too casual.
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What to Wear for a Baby Shower Party: Summer
When you think of baby showers, summer sun, pretty flowers and feminine dresses certainly spring to mind. Knowing this may well make that ‘what to wear to a baby shower in summer?’ question a little easier to answer! But if you’re still struggling, our baby shower outfit ideas can help.
If you feel confident in a dress, this is probably the ‘go to’ look. An elegant baby shower dress will suit the surroundings, particularly paired with nude heels or sandals, a statement bag and soft hair styling. High-waisted patterned midi skirts with figure hugging tops make really cute baby shower outfits too (leaving lots of room for cake!).
If the atmosphere is more relaxed and you’re wondering if you can you wear jeans to a baby shower, don’t worry – you most certainly can. Go for a flattering shape, perhaps with a smarter, floaty top and blazer with pretty pumps or loafers. Capes are also totally chic and work really well with distressed denim if you can’t resist something a little more fashion forward.
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What to Wear for a Baby Shower Party: Winter
Don’t be fooled into thinking baby shower dresses for winter are a no go. Add some thick tights or shop for a more subdued floral colour palette. There are also more structured fabrics that create gorgeous silhouettes and are definitely going to be warmer than something floaty and delicate.
Also, when in doubt, layer up! A baby shower outfit for winter can include your favourite pair of smart jeans with knee high boots or nude heels, a long sleeve shirt and structured coat. Very smart and yet comfortable too. And it’s not the sort of outfit that you wouldn’t be able to wear regularly if you’d spent a little more on it – win win!
We also love lace during the colder months, so another option for baby shower outfits for fall could be a darker coloured knee length lace skirt with smart jumper tucked in, or a high-waisted A-line skirt paired with a black lace top and long boots. ‘Pretty’ doesn’t always have to mean ‘pastels’ or ‘delicate’ when it comes to the perfect baby shower outfit.
The mini skirt is a total winner too. Go for a wool blend for some extra warmth and pair it with a long sleeve top and shoe boots. A floppy hat and blazer style coat will definitely complete the look if you’re wanting to accessorise.
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What to Wear to Your Baby Shower
Baby shower outfits for mom to be can be so fun to choose. This is your chance to allow yourself to look really special (even if you don’t necessarily feel it!) and enjoy the excitement of those around you at your shower.
Rule number one: don’t be afraid to embrace your bump! We love the figure hugging, comfortable midi dresses that are affordable and simple, but oh so stylish. And the best thing about the look is that both heels and flats look great with it, as well as oversized trench coats and casual denim jackets.
Gorgeous empire line maxi dresses are prefect for a summers day – we love a long white dress for baby shower fun, or a floral shift dress with gladiator sandals for that extra pop of colour. Breathable fabrics in pretty shades are the perfect pregnancy look.
If your day falls during the colder months and you’re left wondering what to wear to a baby shower in winter, rock your favourite pair of maternity jeans with a flattering v-neck top and blazer or trench coat if it’s wet.
But whatever the weather, no more questioning ‘what to wear to my baby shower?’ – it’s your day so go with what feels right for you.
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Celebrity Mum Styles
For the lavish, most extravagant kind of celebration, look to the world of celebrity for inspiration. The Kardashians, for example, certainly know how to dress for a baby shower: from a gorgeous Breakfast at Tiffany’s theme with a black and white dress code, to flower crowns with bohemian sweeping dresses and even a pyjama party – the looks are varied, creative and yet all equally amazing.
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Actress Blake Lively went for a rustic theme where guests could feel at one with nature, sporting busy, clashing floral baby shower dresses that were perhaps unconventional, but totally worked with the autumn inspired setting.
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Gwen Stefani showcased her edgy side with the choice of baby shower outfit. The leather sleeved jacket and black trousers were smart and yet totally individual for the star-studded event. And those heels!
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The effortlessly stylish Emily Blunt showed exactly what to wear to a baby shower if you’re going for comfort as she donned a floaty blue maxi dress and denim jacket combo, in celebration of her new arrival. This understated but feminine look worked particularly well for the summery outdoor event. We love the delicate jewellery and subtle curls too.
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How to Dress for a Baby Shower: Final Note
- Stuck on what to wear to a baby shower as a guest? Have fun with your outfit choice and if there is a theme, embrace it!
- If you are the mum-to-be, don’t be afraid to show off that baby bump in something figure hugging – it will definitely be comfortable.
- Florals are a match made in baby shower heaven and work whatever the weather.
- If you are putting together a baby shower outfit for winter, don’t feel like you can’t wear a dress – just include tights, boots and a smart coat to complete the look.
- Think about the location of the baby shower when picking your outfit. If appropriate, jeans and a smarter top can work.
Whether you’ve had a baby shower invite or are planning one yourself, have fun with your outfit choice. With so many options to choose from, the main thing to remember is to simply make a bit of an effort as you mark the special occasion and you really won’t go wrong. Mum’s the word.
Read more great articles on women’s fashion here at alexie.co.
Last reviewed and updated on April 15, 2023
