What you wear to a baby shower depends on one thing first: whether you're the mum-to-be or a guest. The mum-to-be should prioritise comfort and a silhouette that flatters a bump; guests should aim for smart-casual elegance that feels celebratory without upstaging her. Beyond that, the venue sets the tone a garden gathering calls for something softer than a restaurant or hotel.
This guide covers both, season by season, with a few gentle rules on what to avoid.
What to wear to your baby shower as the mum-to-be
If it's your baby shower, dress for comfort first and let the outfit work around the bump, not against it. Soft, fluid fabrics that skim rather than cling are the most flattering and the most comfortable to wear for hours. A maternity dress in a breathable natural fabric — silk, cotton, or a soft jersey, lets you move easily and photograph beautifully.
Look for adjustable or stretch details, a defined empire line that sits above the bump, and a length you can sit, stand and pose in without fuss. Our white maternity dresses are designed exactly for this: elegant, bump-friendly pieces that carry you from the shower through to the early weeks of motherhood.
What to wear to a baby shower as a guest
As a guest, aim for smart-casual: polished but relaxed, and never so dressy that you draw attention from the mum-to-be. A floral or midi dress, or a silk blouse with tailored trousers, hits the right note for most showers. Keep tight clothing, very high heels and plunging necklines to a minimum — relatives are often present, and the mood is celebratory rather than glamorous.
A thoughtful gift completes the day. A piece of luxury loungewear or silk dresses and midi maternity dresses or maxi maternity dresses. makes an elegant, lasting present for the new mum, something she'll reach for long after the shower is over.
What to wear to a baby shower by season
The right baby shower outfit shifts with the season. Here's a quick guide for both mum and guests:
-
Spring/summer: a lightweight floral or silk midi dress with flat sandals or low wedges; add a light layer if the evening cools.
-
Autumn: a long-sleeved or knit dress with ankle boots, in deeper, warmer tones.
-
Winter: a soft wool or jersey dress with tights and boots, or a silk slip layered under a tailored coat.
What not to wear to a baby shower
Avoid anything that competes with the mum-to-be or reads as too formal. As a general rule: skip all-white (traditionally the mum-to-be's to wear), avoid ultra-high heels and very revealing cuts, and steer clear of stiff cocktail or black-tie dressing. Aim for comfortable elegance in soft colours and forgiving fabrics — that's the sweet spot for almost every baby shower.
Browse thematernity editfor pieces made to flatter the bump, or the robes collectionfor a gift she'll treasure.
Frequently asked questions
What should the mum-to-be wear to her own baby shower?
The mum-to-be should wear something comfortable and bump-flattering a maternity dress in a soft, breathable fabric like silk or cotton, with an empire line and a length that's easy to sit and pose in.
What should a guest wear to a baby shower?
A guest should aim for smart-casual: a floral or midi dress, or a silk blouse with tailored trousers. Keep it celebratory but understated, and avoid upstaging the mum-to-be.
What should you not wear to a baby shower?
Avoid all-white (traditionally reserved for the mum-to-be), very high heels, plunging necklines, and overly formal cocktail dressing. Soft colours and comfortable, elegant fabrics are best.
What colours are best for a baby shower?
Soft pastels, mid-tones and gentle florals suit the celebratory mood. Avoid solid white, and at a gender-reveal shower avoid solid pink or blue so as not to pre-empt the surprise.
