Baby Shower Guest Outfits (What to Wear and What Not to Wear!)

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When I first moved to the South, I made a major baby shower outfit mistake—I showed up in jeans. Back in Utah, baby showers were typically casual, so I didn’t think twice about wearing denim. But as soon as I arrived at the shower in North Carolina, I realized I had completely misjudged the dress code. Every other guest was dressed up, and I immediately felt out of place. I’ve never worn jeans to a baby shower since!

That experience taught me an important lesson: baby shower attire can vary depending on the host, the guest of honor’s style, and even regional culture. Some showers feel like mini weddings, with guests in cocktail dresses and heels, while others are more laid-back. So how do you know what to wear? Here’s a foolproof guide to help you choose the perfect baby shower outfit—without worrying about being underdressed (or overdressed!).

What Do You Wear to a Baby Shower as a Guest?

The best way to figure out what to wear to a baby shower is to consider the invitation, venue, and overall vibe of the event.

Check the invitation

If the shower has a theme, dress accordingly. A garden party might call for a floral sundress, while a brunch at a fancy venue might require something more polished. I’ve also been to a baby shower at a barn, and jeans were totally appropriate there.

Think about the venue

A baby shower at someone’s home may be more casual than one at a country club or upscale restaurant, but that’s not always the case. Two of the nicest baby showers I’ve been to were at someone’s house around a pool.

Consider the guest of honor’s style

If the mom-to-be is known for loving fashion, plan to dress up a bit. If she’s laid back in her own style, it’s likely to be a more casual baby shower.

And, of course, location plays a role. In my experience, baby showers in Utah tend to be more relaxed, whereas North Carolina showers lean more formal. But no matter where you are if you’re unsure, it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.

I’ve found that a dress is always a safe bet if you’re unsure about the dress code. Dresses are polished, comfortable, and perfect for any setting. Maxi or midi dresses are especially great options because the longer lengths lend themselves to both dressy and casual events. I shared a few of my favorite options below for both dressy and casual showers, and I even included some skirt and pants options that are still appropriate if you’d prefer not to wear a dress.

What to Wear for a Dressy Baby Shower

Tuckernuck Chloe Dress

The first dress that comes to mind when I think about baby showers is the Chloe Dress from Tuckernuck. It’s a polished midi that works effortlessly for daytime events like showers and luncheons. It’s made in a textured cotton-blend fabric that feels nice but not overdressed, if that makes sense. The placket and hemline make it feel extra special but with very minimal effort. I’d style this with a pair of block-heeled sandals (I adore this affordable pair of Stacy sandals from Target, or you could opt for a pair of Loeffler Randall heels, which I rounded up here). I love that this dress comes in a ton of colors, too – so if you know the gender of the baby, you could wear the pink or blue options.

I shared the rest of my favorite Tuckernuck dresses in this post.

Romantic Floral Cotton Linen Mini Callie Dress

The Romantic Floral Cotton Linen Mini Callie Dress is another polished dress option for a dressy baby shower. It has similar details to the Chloe dress above: cap sleeves, and a hidden front placket. But the mini length and floral pattern give it a more “youthful” feel. I love the tie waist versus the belt, too. Pair this dress with nude-heeled sandals like this Mikel Dune Bow Mid-Heel Sandals from Loeffler Randall (see my favorite Loeffler Randall dupes in this post).

Pink Embroidery Eliza Midi Dress

The most amazing dress for a shower honoring a baby girl! This Pink Embroidery Eliza Midi Dress is a great level of dressy – it’s not cocktail by any means, but it’s dressier than something I’d wear on a regular day. I like to call this kind of dress “daytime-dressy” which is what we’re going for when shopping for a baby shower or luncheon. This dress would be great paired with heels that don’t compete at all with the dress– maybe these Light Nude Aurora Low Block Heels.

Moon River Light Yellow Maxi Skirt and Top

If you love a skirt or set more than a dress, but the shower is dressy, this Moon River Light Yellow Maxi Skirt paired with the matching Light Yellow Tank Top is the ideal outfit. Even though both pieces are a lightweight, relaxed cotton, the fact that it’s a matching set totally elevates the look. That, and the scalloped trim and delicate embroidery. Yellow is a great color to wear to a baby shower since it’s gender-neutral but soft and happy. I’d pair this set with the Stacy heel to keep it dressy. If you want to wear it more casually, opt for flat sandals like these Amazon bow slides.

Peacock Border Freya Skirt and Top Set

Another set that would work perfectly for a dressy baby shower: this Peacock Border Freya Skirt and Top set. While block print isn’t always my cup of tea, this set most definitely is with the peplum style top and its decorative buttons down the front. And I love that the skirt is a simple A-line which doesn’t compete with the top. If you’re attending a baby shower for a little boy, this set would be a show-stopper.

For a casual baby shower

Pomander Place Mabel Maxi Dress

A lightweight, breezy maxi dress with flat sandals or casual espadrilles is a great choice for a laid-back baby shower. This Pomander Place Mabel Maxi Dress is a perfect example. The material is cotton, so it’s definitely lightweight and effortless, and the “shirt dress” shape gives it a relaxed feel. This comes in a handful of colors if you want to coordinate with the baby’s gender, but you could also simply opt for the cream or floral print. This is the perfect maxi dress to pair with Castaner espadrilles, flat sandals or even white sneakers (see my favorite white sneakers in this post)

A maxi dress is also a perfect go-to option if you’re attending while pregnant. If you’re rocking a growing bump, this dress is for you.

o.p.t Sibel Linen Maxi Skirt

I recently got a few pieces from Few Moda, and I’m so impressed by the quality. This o.p.t Sibel Linen Maxi Skirt would cost anywhere near $200 at a different retailer, but it’s only $69 on Few Moda (all you have to do is join as a member and you get the member prices. I think it’s 100% worth it). I love the idea of wearing this a long skirt with a cute top for a casual shower. I’d pair this linen maxi skirt with a short-sleeved sweater like this from Quince, or a linen tank like the model is wearing. Pair with flat sandals.

Tuckernuck Prado Skirt

The Prado Skirt (really any flowy midi or maxi skirt in a lightweight fabric) is another great option for a somewhat casual baby shower. It’s a great outfit idea if you want to be a bit more dressed up without going all-out. This skirt is feminine with its tiered layers and ruffle detailing, but it’s also effortless since you just pull it on. It comes in blue and a printed pink, or you could opt for green to stay more gender-neutral. Pair it with a feminine blouse, button-down, or this fitted tank from Amazon, depending on the level of dressiness.

Cerise Blossom Erin Pants

If you don’t want to wear a dress or skirt, you could opt for trousers or even pleated jeans. These Cerise Blossom Erin Pants are such a fun alternative. They’re silky, which makes them a little dressier than traditional pants, but the wide-leg trouser silhouette is easy to style with something as simple as a fitted tank or tee. These pants come in a few jazzy prints, so I’d definitely stick to a solid-colored top to keep this look more laid-back. I like the idea of this high-neck tank in black from Quince. I have a full Quince review linked here.

Julep Gingham Deacon Short and Top Set

If you live somewhere warm and want to opt for shorts, this Julep Gingham Deacon Short set is a great option. I love that it’s polished but simple (great for a casual baby shower!). The Julep top has four decorative buttons that give it a retro feel, and the Julep shorts have a hidden fly with a hook and eye closure. So cute!

Madewell Superwide-Leg Jeans

Pleated jeans can work for a casual baby shower, especially when paired with a polished top, blazer, and heeled sandals. White jeans are also a polished choice if styled correctly (see my very favorite white jeans in this post). These Madewell Superwide-Leg Jeans are a great option since they look dressier than the jeans you might wear on a normal day. I appreciate the dark rinse, wide hem, and font pockets. Definitely wear a feminine blouse and a nice sandal.

If you’re opting for pants, make sure to elevate your look with accessories. A structured bag, delicate jewelry, and stylish shoes will make even the most casual outfit feel intentional.

Final Thoughts

Dressing for a baby shower doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you go for a classic maxi dress, a chic long skirt, or stylish trousers, the key is matching the vibe of the shower while staying comfortable and confident.

And if you’re ever in doubt? Err on the side of being slightly more dressed up. After all, it’s always better to feel a little fancy than underdressed—trust me, I learned that lesson the hard way!

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