Baby Shower Dresses for Moms-to-Be and Guests

For a baby shower, the mom-to-be does best in a stretchy maternity dress, like a wrap, a maxi or a fitted knit midi, that stays comfortable through a few hours of sitting, standing and opening gifts. Guests should wear a relaxed daytime dress, like a floral midi, with flats or low heels.

Most showers are casual to dressy casual, held in a living room, a backyard or a restaurant's private room. Dress for the place, keep the guest of honor's outfit the star, and skip anything you'd need to fuss with while holding a plate.

Maternity dress for a baby shower

The best maternity dress for a baby shower is the one you'll forget you're wearing. You'll be sitting on a sofa for gift opening, standing for photos and probably bending down to talk to small cousins, so stretch and an easy neckline matter more than a trend. Look for "maternity" in the listing itself, because a maternity cut leaves room at the bust and bump that a regular dress in a bigger size doesn't.

Buy close to the date if you can, or pick a style with plenty of give. A dress that fits at 28 weeks may feel snug at 34, and a wrap or a stretch knit copes with that change better than a fitted woven dress with a zip. Try it on sitting down, not only standing in front of a mirror.

A maternity wrap dress

A wrap dress adjusts as you sit and stand, and the tie sits above the bump so the line stays neat. A jersey wrap with a little stretch is the easy daytime choice. If you plan to nurse later, a wrap neckline keeps working after the baby arrives, which makes it one of the few shower dresses you'll wear again soon.

A stretch maxi

A long stretch maxi looks dressed-up with almost no effort and keeps you covered when you sit low on a sofa or a garden chair. Short sleeves or flutter sleeves suit a spring or summer shower; a long-sleeve maxi works for fall. Pair it with flat sandals or ballet flats.

A fitted knit midi

Plenty of moms-to-be want to show the bump, and a ribbed or smooth knit midi does that comfortably. Look for a soft, stretchy knit and a hem that falls below the knee so the dress doesn't ride up when you sit. A cardigan or denim jacket on top makes it feel less formal for a backyard party.

Baby shower outfit for a guest

A baby shower outfit for a guest is simple: a pretty daytime dress you'd wear to a brunch. A flowy floral midi is the classic, and a soft knit dress or a jumpsuit works just as well.

How dressy to go depends on the venue. At someone's home, think casual party outfit ideas: a knit dress or nice jeans with a blouse are both fine. At a restaurant, a tea room or a hotel, a midi dress with sandals or low heels is the safer level. There's no need to spend much; an inexpensive cotton or jersey midi does the job.

A jumpsuit is a good choice if you'd rather not wear a dress. Pick one in a soft crepe or linen blend with a wide leg, and add sandals or flats. It also solves the low-sofa problem: no hem to worry about when you sit down to watch gifts being opened.

Co-ed showers and evening showers lean a little dressier, closer to a dinner party. A midi in a solid color with a block heel fits there, and so do dark trousers with a silky blouse.

Keep the guest of honor in mind. A guest doesn't need to avoid any particular color, but if the invitation hints at a theme (a garden party, a gender reveal, a color scheme), it's a nice touch to wear something that suits it.

Plus size baby shower dress

For a plus size baby shower dress, the rules are the same and the fit points matter more. Moms-to-be should look for listings that give a plus maternity size range, a stretch knit with some weight to it (thin jersey clings) and a wrap or empire waist that sits comfortably above the bump.

Guests in plus sizes have the same options as anyone else: a wrap midi, an A-line floral dress with sleeves, or a knit maxi. Check the listing's size chart rather than assuming a size range runs to your size, and look for a lining under light florals. For cooler months, our plus size winter outfits guide covers tights, layers and boots built around dresses.

Winter baby shower outfit

A winter baby shower outfit swaps the floral midi for something warmer without getting heavy. A few ideas:

• A sweater dress with tights and ankle boots. See these sweater dress outfits for more ways to wear one.
• A long-sleeve knit midi with a long cardigan you can take off when the room warms up.
• For the mom-to-be, a maternity sweater dress if the listing calls it maternity; otherwise a stretchy knit midi.
• Tights or leggings under a dress. Maternity tights only where the listing describes them that way.
• A wool coat that covers the hem for the walk in.

Rooms full of people warm up fast, so layers you can remove beat one thick sweater.

Shoes for standing and sitting

Flats are the easy answer for everyone. You'll be on your feet for games and photos, then sitting low for gifts. Ballet flats, loafers, flat sandals in summer or low ankle boots in winter all work. If you want some height, a low block heel is steadier than a stiletto, especially on a lawn or a deck.

For the mom-to-be, the comfortable pair is the right pair: wear what feels good now rather than what fit last year.

Photos and the gift table

A few practical choices make the afternoon easier:

• Solid colors and soft prints sit well next to balloons and table decorations; a busy print can clash.
• Pockets are handy when you're juggling a phone, a drink and wrapping paper.
• A cardigan helps in a room that starts warm and cools down as people leave, or the reverse.
• For the mom-to-be, a dress with an easy neckline makes the receiving line of hugs more comfortable.

For other daytime parties and celebrations, browse our occasion dresses for ideas by event.

Before you shop, ask the host whether there's a theme or color scheme. It takes one text, and it means your outfit fits the photos. If the next family event on your calendar is a christening, our guide on what to wear to a baptism picks up where this one ends.