What to Wear to a Baby Shower

The clock is ticking. The day is approaching. So how do you know what to wear to a baby shower? Peanut to the rescue. Keep calm and read on.
We’ve done so much online socializing in recent years that the thought of an actual in-person event — like a baby shower! — can be daunting to say the least.

How do you know what to wear to a baby shower? Does this mean it’s time to swap out the sweat pants?!?

Don’t worry. We’ll clue you in.

Let’s start with the #1 question.

In this article 📝

Can you wear jeans to a baby shower as a guest?

You sure can!

As long as your jeans are neat, clean and fit you properly, they can be dressed up with a heel or a stylish sandal and made event appropriate. Ta daaaa!

Now that that’s out the way, back to general baby shower attire.

The invitation might provide dress code clues.

The easiest place to start when looking for baby shower outfit ideas is to take your inspo from the invite.

Did it arrive in your mailbox, hand-addressed on a thick embossed card?

Or did it arrive in your inbox, quirky and with an emoji in the subject line?

These two invites suggest very different events.

One is much more formal and the other feels more relaxed and like there might be a game or two as part of the proceedings.

Factor this into your outfit planning.

What can the venue tell us about how to dress?

Lots, as it turns out!

Outdoor picnic:

These are usually more casual events.

As long as you look clean, neat and put together, the options here are almost endless.

Although, protip: a short skirt is not the best for a party where you might be sitting on the ground.

Heels are also probably not a great idea, as you might spend all your walking time sinking into the ground.

If heels are your jam, try wedges instead.

Garden party:

This one can go either way.

If it’s at a high-end country club, we’d err on the side of elegant and chic.

Something like a mid-length dress and heels or a wide-leg trouser and classic blouse.

If it’s at the host’s home, feel free to wear anything from a pretty floral dress and wedges, to a pretty blouse with slim-cut trousers or some smart jeans.

Again heels could be tricky, depending on whether the area is paved or grassed.

It’s completely acceptable to check in with the host or other invitees who may have some inside info.

No one wants to spend their morning tottering around.

And don’t forget the best garden party accessory — a hat or fascinator.

This can really make a statement and provide sun protection.

At the host’s home:

It’s a good guess to expect this to be more relaxed (unless the host’s home is a mansion, of course).

So keep it neat and put together and you probably can’t go wrong.

Pro tip: the host may ask you to remove your shoes in the house, so make sure your socks don’t have holes in them and that your toes are audience-ready.

A restaurant:

Check out the venue’s website and any photos you can find online.

If there are white table cloths and crystal chandeliers, bet on a classy dress or something like a jumpsuit with a jacket, if that’s more your style.

If the seating is hay bales in a barn, you can take it down a notch. Or two.

Online:

Hold on: Just because you’ll be in your own space doesn’t mean you can keep on the PJs for a virtual baby shower.

Take the same care in what you wear as if you were seeing the mama-to-be in person.

Imagine you’re suddenly asked to participate in a virtual game and stand up to reveal your hole-y pajama shorts.

Awkward.

(Btw, if you’re the one planning a baby shower, here are some great venue ideas.)

A note on theme: If the party has a theme, it’s polite to make an attempt to dress to it.

It doesn’t have to be a full-on Halloween costume, though.

If the invite says Princesses and Fairies, a little tiara in your hair could be a nod to the theme.

If it’s Disney, how about a Minnie Mouse headband.

Or if it’s Old Hollywood, a string of pearls could do the trick.

What color should you not wear to a baby shower?

This one depends on the culture of the mama-to-be and her family.

In Western cultures, black, which is usually associated with mourning and funerals, might not be the best option for an event celebrating new life.

Similarly, in many Asian cultures, white is associated with those same ideas of death, mourning, and bad luck.

And in Brazilian culture, it is considered bad luck to wear purple outside of a funeral.

This is a bit of a gray area, so just be sure to be sensitive to the cultural history of the family you’re celebrating with.

Seasonal ideas

When deciding how to dress for a baby shower, the season will also play a big part.

What to wear for a winter baby shower

For winter baby shower outfit ideas, darker colors are more acceptable here, but don’t go all the way to black.

A warm sweater is a must! Pair with a long skirt and a cute ankle boot, or a nice pair of jeans with heels and a blazer.

A pair of simple, classic earrings will really class it up.

What to wear for a spring baby shower

For spring baby shower outfit ideas, a light jacket worn over a floral blouse with slim-fit trousers could work here.

Or a belted longer length dress and heels.

Just don’t forget a cover-up, should the weather turn.

Color-wise, look to beige or white as a base.

What to wear for a summer baby shower

Summer baby shower outfit ideas: Calling all dresses, long, short, wrap, or off the shoulder!

Or if shorts are more your vibe, why not a pair of printed paper bag shorts with a plain tank and wedges for a casual garden party.

A stylish shift dress will do for a high-end affair.

Bright and breezy are your keywords, and pops of color are welcome.

What to wear for a fall baby shower

Fall baby shower outfit ideas: Layers!

Layers are your friend.

You’ll have a better idea on the day of just how many you’ll need, whether a cardigan and scarf will do the job or whether you’ll need to bring a raincoat.

Dark jeans and a button-down blouse are a classic combo.

If you’re looking for colors, rich green, rust, or navy are timeless fall shades.

We’ve had a lot to say about what to wear and what not to wear, but don’t forget, you want to be comfortable and feel like yourself.

As long as you’re neatly attired and respectful of the event itself, you’ll probably be ok.

Most importantly, it’s about welcoming a new human to the world.

And acknowledging the huge shift the mama-to-be is about to experience.

What a blessing to be invited to celebrate with them.

It takes a village, after all.

For more outfit inspiration or any other baby shower questions, chat with the mamas in the Peanut community.

💡 More baby shower inspiration from The 411:
28 Show-Stopping Maternity Photoshoot Dresses
24 Beautiful Baby Shower Themes
10 Baby Shower Themes for Boys
10 Baby Shower Themes for Girls
Baby Shower Etiquette: 7 Guidelines
What to Write in a Baby Shower Card
Baby Shower Favors: Ideas, Cost, and More
How to Make a Diaper Cake
26 Ideas for Baby Shower Prizes
25 Baby Shower Decorations Ideas: Costs, Etiquette & Inspo