Buying an adorable gift for the new arrival? Easy! Deciding what to wear to a baby shower? Not so much.
Can you don your best jeans? Is black appropriate? Unlike the dilemma of what to wear to a wedding, there are no strict rules when it comes to baby shower outfits, which can be both a good and a bad thing. Good, because there’s plenty of choices, and bad because sometimes too much choice can be overwhelming.
It’s a celebration, so in all settings, color is appropriate - the brighter and cheerier, the better. You could even take your cue from the soon-to-be new arrival and dress in blue or pink.
The finer details of your outfit will depend on the kind of event you’re attending, as the dress code will be different depending on whether the baby shower is a fancy restaurant affair, a low-key garden party, or something in-between.
So, whether you’re the mum-to-be, a family member, or a friend, here’s everything you need to know about what to wear to a baby shower.
What should I wear to a baby shower as a guest?
As mentioned, the key to dressing for a baby shower is to tailor your outfit depending on the venue and theme. Afternoon tea or brunch likely calls for a dress and heels, while a chilled afternoon at the expectant Mum’s home feels better suited to casual trousers and a nice top.
Guidance around baby shower outfits is often similar to what to wear to a christening. Think smarter than your average day spent with friends, but not as dressy as a wedding guest outfit.
If you’re unsure as to whether your outfit is appropriate, under, or overly dressy, speak to other guests to get an idea of what they might be wearing in advance. Trust us, outfit-planning is a lot less stressful when you have someone to chat it through with.
What to wear to a baby shower
Jumpsuit
Baby showers tend to involve at least a few games, so a jumpsuit will keep you on the right side of a wardrobe malfunction. They’re super comfy too - perfect for all-day wear. Dress yours down with flats or up the glamour with heels, statement earrings, and a tailored blazer. Think Amal Clooney at Meghan Markle's baby shower!
Wedges
Far easier to walk in than a spindlier stiletto, wedges have the same leg-lengthening effects with none of the wobbles. Choose a pair in metallic, nude, or tan to max out your cost-per-wear.
Bright colors
Baby showers are a celebration, so now’s the time to bring out your brights. Think vibrant prints, clashing colors, and rainbow brights. Rarely stray from black or grey? Tip-toe out of your comfort zone with pretty pastels instead.
Can you wear jeans to a baby shower?
Whether or not your jeans are deemed baby shower-appropriate will really depend on the type of soiree your attending.
If you decide to don jeans for a baby shower, rest assured you’re in good company. The Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle donned a coated black pair for her New York baby shower in 2019.
Our advice? Follow Meghan’s lead and stick to black, indigo, and white denim with a straight or skinny leg. Anything acid wash, baggy or ripped will feel too casual.
Can you wear black to a baby shower?
A color traditionally associated with mourning and funerals, wearing black to a baby shower can be frowned upon. This is a happy occasion, so your outfit should match the sunny mood.
That being said, if you throw some vibrant accessories into the mix, you should be able to get away with a chic black outfit.
Go-to brands when shopping for a baby shower outfit
& Other Stories
Bringing a dash of their signature style to any occasion, you’d be silly to overlook & Other Stories for party pieces. They might be best known for their beautifully tailored coats and chunky wool knits, but they always deliver on pretty dresses, skirts, and blouses too.
Zara
High-street hero Zara is yet to let us down when it comes to fashion-forward clothing at prices that won’t leave us plummeting into our overdrafts. Their easy-to-wear midi dresses are well-worth stocking up on.
Anthropologie
Home to smaller indie fashion labels alongside their own-brand offering, Anthropologie is our go-to for something special. Their MO is pretty prints and luxe fabrics (velvet, silk, and faux fur always make an appearance) which justify the slightly steeper price tags.
Baby shower-ready buys
One for the moms-to-be. This stylish co-ord could be worn during pregnancy and beyond. Mix and match the skirt and top to max out your cost-per-wear.
Ticking boxes for style and comfort, we wouldn't be without our beloved espadrilles. This cherry red pair will add a pop of color to a neutral outfit.
Your all-in-one outfit solution, a jumpsuit, really will take the stress out of what to wear to a baby shower. Use the attached belt to nip in your waist.
One of our favorite color combinations, this skirt makes a real style statement. Team with plainer pieces to take the print take center-stage.
A pair of beautifully tailored white trousers will always earn their keep in your wardrobe. Wear for a baby shower teamed with a bright blouse.
Don’t want to choose between pink and blue? No problem! This green dress sits on the fence. We love the gently ruffled cuffs and soft tiers to the body.
For laid-back baby showers, the “jeans and a nice top” combo is a good mark to aim for. This would look gorgeous with white denim.
Reminiscent of the ballet cardigans we wore as children, this pastel-colored pretty could make a cute cover-up on colder days.
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