Ah, baby showers. A special occasion for soon-to-be-parents. But as much as you might
look forward celebrating with them, there’s that one thing that always lingers in the back
of your mind: What on earth should I wear?
Whether you have attended a baby shower before or this is your first-time (of course it
is), figuring out the right outfit can be a little tricky. Do you dress up or keep it casual? Is
it too much to wear something too fancy? Trust me, I’ve been there. I remember my first
baby shower invitation and the panic that followed when I had no idea what to wear. The
fear of being underdressed or overdressed was real, and I didn’t want to be the one who
stuck out for the wrong reasons.
Let’s take a deep breath and walk through what to wear to a baby shower as a guest.
This guide will help you feel stylish, comfortable, and most importantly, confident as you
celebrate the new arrival!
1. Know the baby shower theme and setting
One of the first things you should take note of are the baby shower them and
setting – because it can really impact your outfit choice. You don’t want to wear
an extravagant outfit on a laid-back backyard BBQ, do you?
A casual baby shower might call for a relaxed, yet put-together look, while a more
formal gathering might require something dressier.
In my personal experience, for a backyard event with games, laughter, and a
casual vibe, I wore a simple sundress and sandals, which worked perfectly for
the relaxed atmosphere. On the other hand, at my cousin’s baby shower, which
was more of an elegant brunch at a local hotel, I went for a dressy midi dress and
some heeled sandals.
2. Always consider your comfort
Let’s be real: When you’re attending a baby shower (or any other occasion for
that matter), you want to feel comfortable. You’ll be sitting, mingling, maybe even
playing some games or helping with food. The last thing you want is to feel
restricted by an outfit.
And as someone who has spent many baby showers in heels that were cute but
so uncomfortable, I can tell you that your feet will thank you for choosing
something with a little more comfort.
For instance, a casual baby shower is equaled to wearing just a cute maxi dress
with flat sandals. But if it’s a fancy party, it’s time to show off those shoulders by
wearing a flowy midi dress or a blouse with comfortable pants.
3. Consider the season
I don’t know where you live but, in our place, we experience all four seasons
which also factors the way I dress. Here are some key things to remember:
• Spring and Summer: Light fabrics like cotton, linen, and chiffon work well in
warmer months. You can go for pastel colors, floral prints, or even something
with a little pop of bright color. I remember attending a summer baby shower
where everyone wore their best pastel dresses and wide-brimmed hats—it
was the perfect fit for the season.
• Fall and Winter: Opt for richer fabrics like knits or heavier materials and add
layers like cardigans or jackets if it’s chilly. Darker shades like navy, burgundy,
or emerald, green are great for cooler weather.
Remember to check the forecast too! You don’t want to wear something that
looks amazing but leaves you shivering in the cold or sweating in the heat. I once
made the mistake of wearing a sleeveless dress to a baby shower in
December—let’s just say I spent most of the event trying to cover my arms with a
napkin!
4. Avoid upstaging the mom-to-be
Oof, this is an uncomfortable conversation, isn’t it? Still, you must keep in mind
that a baby shower is all about celebrating the mom-to-be, so you don’t want to
choose something that draws attention away from her. Keep in mind that this is
her special day, so while you want to look good, you also don’t want to upstage
her.
Now, if you’re still not sure what to wear, just go for classic and simple options.
For example, a knee-length dress in a neutral color with a nice pair of shoes is
usually a safe bet. I’ve seen some guests go for over-the-top outfits, but I’ve
noticed the mom-to-be often feels uncomfortable when attention is diverted. So,
think “understated elegance” rather than “show-stopping fashion.”
5. Avoid wearing white or anything too “bridal”
Yup, that’s it, I’ve said it. It’s a no-brainer, but worth mentioning: Don’t wear white
(unless you know it’s okay). White is traditionally reserved for the bride and
wearing it at a baby shower could send the wrong message.
Instead, stick to soft, neutral tones, or go for color. It’s all about balance! You can
still look amazing without trying to steal the spotlight.
6. Dress for the baby shower vibe
Baby showers are about warmth and joy, so it’s nice to wear something that
reflects that! I’ve always found that baby showers are full of lighthearted
conversations, laughter, and plenty of sweet moments. Whether it’s a small
gathering or a grand event, your outfit should make you feel confident and ready
to have fun.
Also, most baby showers don’t have booze (yep, I know, sad). But just think
about how the baby shower will make you feel. You want to be comfortable but
also feel cute!
In conclusion, when choosing what to wear to a baby shower as a guest, think about the
team, season, comfort, and the party vibes. Keep in mind that you are celebrating the
exciting new arrival of a baby here – not just about looking good. Also, don’t stress to
much about finding the perfect outfit – just as long as you are confident, I bet everything
looks good on you!