What To Wear To a Baby Shower

For many people, dressing up can feel like the first step in an exciting new adventure. Throwing open the closet doors or browsing new pieces online is the first stage of any important celebration.

However, sometimes finding the perfect outfit for an occasion can prove to be a little tricky. We have so many things we adore that it’s hard to narrow down our choices.

Certain dress codes for specific events can vary based on region, time of day, and the specific dress standards mentioned in the invitation. For example, at Western weddings, guests know that white is the color reserved for the bride. In Western funerals, black is standard unless otherwise specified. 

Other events, like graduations, baby showers, and birthday parties, land more in a gray area when it comes to whether or not you should dress up. If you are dressing for the occasion, there is continued ambiguity over what you should choose from your closet.

Today, OnPost is discussing dressing for baby showers. These events usually have more leniency in the dress code, but there are certain aspects that must be considered before heading out the door. 

Baby Shower Etiquette

Despite many baby showers being more casual events, there is no hard and fast rule for how exactly to dress up for one. However, it’s easy to inquire further while still observing baby shower etiquette.

If you are unsure what you should wear, you might want to ask the host of the shower or a mutual friend what they would advise. It is generally considered to be in bad form to reach out to the mom-to-be herself in this incredibly busy and demanding chapter of her life.

While there are a lot of things that you can wear to a baby shower, there are a few pieces of clothing that you might want to reconsider wearing to this event.

Is This a Themed Baby Shower?

Depending on the gender of the baby or how much the person hosting the shower likes to dress up, there may very well be a theme for the baby shower that dictates what you should wear.

Some baby showers will encourage the guests to dress in a color that corresponds with the baby’s gender; these tend to be either blue or pink. Other baby shower hosts will ask the attendees to dress in a color (often pink or blue) that they predict will be the baby’s gender. For gender-neutral baby showers, safe color palettes include yellow, soft green, and similar pastels.

Other themes may include famous children’s literature, jungle animals, or pertain to the expecting family’s particular hobbies or interests. 

Since a baby shower is a celebration of a new life, many people will wear bright, fun colors to the shower. If you are going to wear black, try adding some bright accessories to liven it up.

If there isn’t a predetermined theme, here are some ideas to help you figure out what to wear to a baby shower.

The Best Casual Outfits for a Baby Shower

Usually, baby showers are more casual events that don’t require you to get too dressed up. A lot of times, when the dress code is casual, you will have more options available.

Linen Dresses

If the baby shower takes place during the spring or summer, a casual linen dress is a timeless classic for a good reason. The Chelsea Dress from contemporary designer Concepción Miranda is both relaxed and refined. The off-the-shoulder neckline balances the wider skirt and dramatic bow for an effortless poise.

If you prefer pants, try a romper or jumpsuit with spaghetti straps or short sleeves. Summer nights can still get rather chilly, especially in the desert, so bring along your favorite cardigan or jacket just in case.

Neutral Blouses

If the shower is scheduled during the cooler seasons, such as winter and fall, you could try pairing a long-sleeved, neutral-colored blouse or a knit sweater tucked into a pair of skinny or straight-leg jeans.

When wearing jeans, think about the wash in relation to the event. Lighter-colored jeans are best for daytime or particularly low-key events like a picnic baby shower. Darker jeans are the color of choice for evening or slightly more dressy affairs. 

To make a slightly more formal pant choice, try a pair of khakis, palazzo pants, or any other type of dress pants. These are true chameleons — they can be dressed down a bit by pairing a basic T-shirt with them. Or, you can elevate them with a sleek turtleneck or tweed outerwear like the Lena Jacket.

Sandals and Flats

As far as shoes go, you don’t necessarily have to wear fancy heels or pumps, especially if the baby shower is outside in a grassy area. Instead, opt for a simple yet classy sandal or tried-and-true flats. While a sneaker can sometimes be appropriate, make sure it’s more athleisure than gym wear.

Feeling Fancy: Baby Shower Outfit Choices

Even though baby showers tend to lean more on the casual side when it comes to dressing up, you will still likely be invited to a more formal version of this event at some point. 

If you know the mom-to-be is going to be sporting a specific type of dress and wants to stand out, avoid that silhouette or color scheme. Other than that, formal bridal showers can be a great place to let your chicest side shine.

Heavy-Weight Fabric Skirts

There are plenty of other ways you could dress your outfit up for a baby shower. You simply can’t go wrong with a light, flowy cardigan over a T-shirt, midi, or maxi dress. Baby showers tend to focus more on comfort, so you likely won’t need to pull out the cocktail dress and towering high heels that you save for upscale evening weddings.

Guests may like to pair a basic white or black T-shirt with a striped, pink skirt from Pamela Stevenson’s high-quality and environmentally-conscious collection. Add in a string of pearls to polish off this fashion-forward piece.

Elevated Shoes

Depending on the weather or the venue, your choices will fluctuate for this critical accessory. Warm weather baby showers are a wonderful opportunity to sport a pair of low-heeled block heels or strappy sandals. Brisk weather may call for boots, with suede and leather being popular trends.

Elegant Gowns

Showers held at high-end restaurants or galleries are the time to unfurl your finest gowns.

Opt for the ruffled Vela Gown in emerald green or the Silvia gown in pesto. Shades of green pay a subtle but meaningful tribute to Mother Earth.

Celebrating New Beginnings With Classic Styles

No matter what the dress code is, finding a perfect outfit is simply child’s play when you know where to look. Order your gift off the registry, wrap it nicely, pick the perfect outfit, and you’re ready to go.

Whether it’s a casual shower or a more dressed-up, formal event, you’ll feel the picture of luxury while you celebrate with the expecting family. 

 

Sources: 

What To Wear To a Baby Shower: Outfit Ideas for All Seasons | Woman & Home

Your Baby Shower Etiquette Guide | Parents

Your Official Guide to Party Attire and Dress Codes | Byrdie