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 (you can find some elevated ways to style a maxi skirt here).

What to Wear for a Dressy Baby Shower

Winetasting Dianthus Jacquard Lyles Dress

How beautiful is this Winetasting Jacquard Lyles Dress?! The winetasting shade is rich and flattering, and the jacquard texture gives it that subtle “I made an effort” vibe without feeling too formal. It’s the kind of dress you can wear to a baby shower at someone’s home or a dressier restaurant and feel completely appropriate. I’d probably wear it to a girl baby shower, but it could work either way! I’d pair this with chocolate brown suede boots like these from Sam Edelman, but if you’re a flats girl, this would be so cute with my favorite Larroudé ballet flats I included in this post on how to style Mary Janes.

The Lyles Dress also comes in navy, perfect for a boy-themed shower where you want to lean into that theme!

Plum and Dusty Blue Leafy Floral Kai Maxi Dress

The print on this Plum and Dusty Blue Maxi Dress transitions into fall so beautifully – the deeper tones keep it from reading springy, and the maxi length gives it a little extra warmth. It has that easy, romantic feel that works well for showers hosted at wineries, clubhouses, or someone’s home. If you want to lean more towards a feminine look, a neutral block heel, like these, or a ballet flat works. However, if you’re looking for more comfort or a casual look, you can check out my roundup of the best white sneakers for my favorite options.

Chocolate Brown Linen Zarah Midi Dress

Chocolate brown is just one of those colors that looks expensive and seasonal all on its own. Plus, it works no matter if the baby shower you’re going to is for a boy or girl mom-to-be! The Chocolate Brown Midi Dress from Tuckernuck has a relaxed structure, so it’s comfortable for sitting and mingling, but still polished. You could throw on pointed ballet flats or a heeled sandal and be done. And if you’ve been eyeing a pair of loafers for fall, these Scarosso loafers would be my top choice to pair with this dress (they are included in my guide on how to style loafers, with my favorite pairs as well).

Daisy Frances 3 Dress

If you still love florals in the fall, the Tuckernuck Daisy Frances 3 Dress is a great way to do it. The colors are softer and a little moodier, so it doesn’t feel out of place. The shape is feminine and forgiving – perfect if you’re going to be playing games, sitting on low furniture, or moving around a lot. It would also layer easily with a cream cardigan like this if the shower is indoors and chilly.

Navy Corinne Dress

Navy is one of those colors that always works, especially when you aren’t sure how dressy the shower will be. The Corinne Dress has a classic, flattering cut that feels appropriate for church, someone’s home, or a country club setting. Add a kitten heel, ballet flat, or loafer for a more tailored look. This dress in included in my post on the best Tuckernuck dresses because it’s really that good. Add a scarf like this one to add a pop of color!

Navy Satin Bellamy Dress

The satin finish gives this Navy Tuckernuck Bellamy Dress a slightly dressier feel, but it’s still easy to wear. It works especially well for showers in the evening or at a restaurant where you want something a little more refined. You could keep it classic with a slingback heel – I love these Larroudé pumps or these more affordable Sam Edelman heels – or dress it down with a leather ballet flat like these.

Here’s my honest Larroudé shoe review and if they’re really worth the price tag.

Red Mini Delaney Dress

The Red Mini Delaney Dress is such a fun option if you like color but don’t want to go too bright. The red has a warmth to it that feels very fall and doesn’t scream holiday. The length makes it playful but still appropriate if you style it right – think ballet flats, boots, a kitten heel, or even loafers, depending on the venue.

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 pair of block heels from Sam Edelman, 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 (which do feel more springy to me). The navy and black options make it feel much more seasonal for fall, and is also nice if you don’t know the dress code or want something you can rewear.

I included this dress in my roundup of what to wear to your child’s graduation since it’s such an excellent option for a polished daytime dress.

For a casual baby shower

Pomander Place Mabel Maxi Dress

An all-day comfortable maxi dress with flat sandals or booties 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 soft 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 my favorite Margaux booties, ballet flats with a bow like these, or even my go-to 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.

Bordeaux Rosa Midi Skirt

If you’re not quite feeling a dress, this Bordeaux Rosa Midi Skirt is the perfect alternative (that deeper bordeaux shade is to die for). You can dress it up or down depending on the shower. Pair it with a simple fitted tee (these $15 basic tees from Amazon are my favorites) or a looser tee like this and ballet flats, heels, or even white sneakers for a more relaxed look (I’d recommend any of the white sneakers in this post).

Winetasting Vegan Suede Ashford Pants

These feel so appropriate for fall – suede just works the second temps drop even a little. These pants come in several darker colors, all of which would be shower appropriate. Pair Tuckernuck’s Suede Ashfors Pants with a white button-down (Frank & Eileen carries my favorite white-button down) and loafers, kitten heels, or ballet flats. If you need ideas on styling loafers, here’s my guide.

Frank & Eileen actually carries so many amazing investment pieces I’ve been able to try over the past year, so if you’re into good quality pieces that are beautiful and last, see my Frank & Eileen review!

Chocolate Satin Deja Pants

Similar to the Ashford pants above, the Chocolate Satin Deja Pants are comfy but elevated. However, the satin gives them a slightly dressier vibe without trying too hard – so if you wanted to make it more dressy, pair with a button-down or bow blouse like this. Tuck in a tee and add a belt, then pair them with pointy booties or kitten heels. How fun would this English Rose Parker Tee be?! See my other favorite Tuckernuck tops here.

Navy Mason Top

The Mason Top from Tuckernuck is an easy yes and makes an easy outfit – especially with white jeans (here are my favorite white jeans after trying 15 brands) for a shower that’s a little more casual but still put together. You could also layer with a trench or cardigan if the weather calls for it. I’d throw on neutral block heels like these Sam Edelman ones.

Continental Stripe Tie Front Bow Bea Blouse

Stripes feel classic year-round, and the bow detail adds something a little special without being loud. This Stripe Tie Front Bow Bea Blouse would be so cute with white jeans or blue denim – I know I said no jeans for me, but if I had this top, I’d probably do the Frame Le Slim Palazzo Modernist Pocket because they are perfect (you can use code TERILYN15 for 15% off). Throw on suede pointed booties like these and you’ve got yourself a cute outfit.

Mauve Stripe Brianna Bow Blouse & Mauve Stripe Wyatt Pants

If you like a matching set, this Striped Bow Blouse and Stripe Wyatt Pants make for such a chic and fun option. The stripes keep it playful, but the colors feel muted enough for fall. If the full set feels like too much, wear the blouse with jeans or pair the pants with a simple tee and blazer or white button-down. Throw on ballet flats or booties for any of the looks you choose, and you’ll be a head turner!

Final Thoughts

Dressing for a baby shower doesn’t have to be stressful or boring. Whether you go for a classic maxi dress, a chic midi skirt, or stylish pants, 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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