The Best Baby Shower Dresses for Moms-to-Be
Planning a baby shower? Congratulations! This milestone event is an opportunity to come together with your loved ones and celebrate the impending addition to your family. And such a joyous occasion calls for something extra-special to wear—and not just any something special. “This is the mom’s moment to show off their pregnancy,” says Samantha Brown, Celebrity Stylist and best-selling author of Dressing Up. “You’re gathering your friends and family, you’re celebrating the arrival of a new baby.” You’ll need a baby shower dress that lets your natural beauty shine through and accommodates that blossoming bump. “The bump is the statement; the bump is the showpiece of the outfit,” says Brown.
As a mama of two, I remember just how difficult it was to choose the perfect baby shower dress. I tried over twenty styles before I found the one! While some moms like to wear classic colors like pink, blue or white, others break away from tradition and rock bold prints or unusual color combinations. Whatever camp you fall into, it’s important to choose a cut and color that makes you feel confident. Aside from style, look for a comfortable dress that you can move in. Empire-waist gowns or wrap dresses with free-flowing skirts will define your waist without feeling restrictive. After all, you’ll be taking part in tons of baby shower games and activities, meaning comfort is key! But whether you’re looking for a casual-yet-cool option or a glamorous baby shower outfit, there’s an option for you.
We get it—shopping for maternity dresses isn’t always a breeze. We took the following steps to help you find the best outfit for your special day:
- We interviewed a celebrity wardrobe stylist who works with pregnant clients and, as a mom herself, knows all of the important considerations when choosing the best dress for your baby shower.
- We browsed a wide array of options from trusted maternity clothing brands and retailers.
- When sourcing options, we considered a list of criteria, such as sizing options, dress types, fabrics, colors and, of course, style.
- To see how these maternity dresses worked for real moms, we conducted exhaustive market research, scouring forums and message boards and reading user reviews to find out what parents across the country looked for in a baby shower dress.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
Affordable ruffle dress
Finding an affordable baby shower dress can be tricky, especially if you’re not planning to wear the dress again. “People don't love to invest a ton because they know that their body is changing rapidly,” says Brown. At under $50, this mostly cotton option offers a feminine look that’s body-hugging and flatters your bump but not too restrictive. The tie-back detail adjusts as your bump grows, and the pockets add functionality to this flowy number. Available in winter white, navy and lime, the ruffled-sleeve maxi optimizes comfort and style and can easily be dressed up or down depending on your shower theme.
Size range: XS to XL | Material (shell): 97% cotton/3% spandex | Material (lining): 100% polyester | Care instructions: Machine wash
Blue midi dress
Expecting a boy? Some moms opt to match their shower’s theme in a blue hue. Brown loves a dress that showcases your “statement” (aka the bump), and this midi option in premium stretch jersey will hug your growing belly in all the right places. We love the feminine details on this one– an off-shoulder neckline, bow detail, split hemline, and bodycon fit are sure to make mama-to-be feel celebrated and special. Also available in hot pink, blush and white!
Size range: 4 to 12 | Material: 95% polyester/5% spandex | Care instructions: Wash inside out with similar colors
Pink off-the-shoulder dress
If you have a little girl on the way, the dusty pink hue of The Biana Maternity Dress from Bumpsuit is a perfect choice to celebrate this special occasion. Designed with a comfortable fit in mind, this off-the-shoulder option is both elegant and flattering. Made in four-way-stretch brushed jersey, this option is not only buttery soft but double-lined for the most flattering fit and coverage. The fabric allows a great fit for bumps of all sizes and is designed to last well beyond postpartum.
Size range: XS to XL | Material: 92% polyester/8% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash cold with like colors, dry flat
Bump-friendly floral dress
Brown encourages moms-to-be to explore options that aren’t necessarily maternity. This floral dress is considered bump-friendly and our research shows it’s beloved by moms for their baby showers. Featuring a soft floral print and pleated design, it offers both elegance and comfort. This beautiful flowy option is a perfect choice for celebrating your little one’s arrival. The lightweight fabric and flattering silhouette ensures you’ll feel chic and comfortable throughout the day. The exposed shoulders and pleated detailing make it a stylish, versatile choice that can easily play into a garden, ultra-feminine shower theme.
Size range: S to XL (petite, regular, tall) | Material: 100% poluester| Care instructions: Cold hand wash separately
Classic maxi dress
This Ivory Solid Off-Shoulder Maternity Maxi Dress from PinkBlush features a simple yet classic silhouette that perfectly showcases your bump. The elegant off-shoulder neckline adds a touch of femininity, while the flowing design keeps you comfortable and stylish for your baby shower or any special occasion. The dress is versatile and can easily be dressed up or down with accessories. As Brown mentions, “Jackets work really well when you’re pregnant—you can wear your blazers open and over the shoulders,” making this dress the perfect foundation for layering with a chic blazer or jacket, allowing you to create a polished, sophisticated look.
Size range: S to XL (petite, regular, tall) | Material: 95% rayon/5% spandex | Care instructions: Hand wash cold, no bleach, hang or line dry
Floral wrap dress
This fun floral wrap dress is a stylish and flattering option for any mom-to-be celebrating her baby shower. The wrap design ensures a customizable fit, comfortably accommodating a growing bump while offering a touch of sophistication. The bold floral print adds a playful pop of color, making it perfect for a festive occasion. The dress features a V-neckline and adjustable waist tie, allowing for a personalized fit that enhances your natural shape. "A wrap dress is nice because you can wrap over the top of the bump," says Brown, highlighting the flexibility and comfort this style offers. Whether you're hosting or attending, the elegant yet practical design of this dress ensures you'll feel confident and chic throughout the celebration.
Size range: XS to 2XL | Material: 94% rayon/6% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash, line dry
Ruffled empire waist dress
This organic cotton gauze maternity dress is a perfect choice for a baby shower, offering both comfort and style with a feminine touch. The empire waist creates a flattering, high-waisted silhouette that gently accentuates the bump without being restrictive. The smocked bodice and ruffled hem add a playful yet elegant feel, making this dress ideal for a day of celebration. Brown notes that there are "a lot of empire waist [options] for [pregnant] women which definitely feels more babydoll and a feminine girlie look if that's your style.” This dress beautifully embodies that vibe with its soft, flowing design. Available in a warm toasted coconut shade as well as classic black, this dress is not only comfortable but also a chic choice for expecting moms who want a light, airy and effortlessly stylish look for their baby shower.
Size range: XS to XL | Material: 100% organic cotton | Care instructions: Machine wash cool using mild laundry detergent, tumble dry low or line dry.
Reversible satin dress
“Seraphine has some nice dressier dresses,” says Brown, and this reversible satin halter-neck A-line dress is a perfect example. The soft blush hue and luxurious satin fabric create an elegant look, while the halter neckline and A-line silhouette flatter your growing bump. With its reversible design, this dress gives you two stylish options in one, making it a versatile and chic choice for your baby shower and beyond.
Size range: 2 to 16 | Material: 55% Lenzing/45% viscose | Care instructions: Very gentle wash at 86ºF, do not bleach, dry flat, cool iron, can be dry cleaned
Tie shoulder dress
This smocked, tie-shoulder midi dress in a beautiful mauve hue is another great option for mom-to-be. The smocked bodice provides a flattering and comfortable fit, accommodating your growing bump with ease, while the tie shoulder straps add a lovely touch for an adjustable fit. The tiered skirt offers a flowy, feminine silhouette that moves gracefully, ensuring you feel elegant and comfortable all day long. Its soft, breathable fabric is ideal for a celebration, making it an excellent option for expecting moms who want a stylish and effortless look. Accessories can dress this one up for a dressier occasion or can be paired with simpler pieces for a more casual look.
Size range: S, M, L | Materials: 100% polyester| Care instructions: Hand wash cold, line dry
Stylish sweater dress
In terms of maternity wear, Brown says, "I felt like HATCH [does] a pretty good job. Their fabrics [are] good quality," and the Dasha Sweater Dress is a perfect example of that. Crafted from soft, luxurious fabric, the dress features ribbed side panels that beautifully frame and flatter your bump while also offering the flexibility to stretch and grow with you. The pretty scoop neckline and slight flare at the hem add a touch of elegance, making it a perfect blend of comfort and style for a baby shower. The rich mocha color completes the look, offering warmth and sophistication for expecting moms who want to feel chic and cozy.
Size range: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 | Materials: 88% Cotton 12% Spandex | Care Instructions: Hand wash cold, Do not Bleach, Do not tumble dry, Lay flat to dry
Bump to beyond dress
This White Floral Lace Maternity to Nursing Occasion Dress from Seraphine is a beautiful and practical choice for a baby shower. The delicate lace and floral design add a touch of elegance, while the flattering silhouette ensures you look and feel your best. The lift up nursing access even makes this dress an excellent option for moms who want something they can continue to wear after baby is born, as it seamlessly transitions from maternity to nursing wear, offering a chic solution for new moms.
Size range: 2 to 16 | Material (main): 80% nylon/20% polyester | Material (lining): 100% viscose | Material (belt): 100% polyester | Care instructions: Dry clean only
Ruched bodycon dress
Both stylish and practical, this ruched option from Seraphine is an ideal choice for your baby shower. The ruching through the body of the dress offers a flattering fit that accommodates your bump without altering the dress’s length. As Brown explains, “Ruching is such a big thing [in maternity clothing] because the ruching through the belly area allows the belly area to be accommodated without changing and shifting the length of the dress. It allows for more fabric where you need it.” Not only does this bodycon style look chic, it’s functional, too. The dress features discreet lift-up nursing access across the midriff, making it a perfect option for new moms who want convenience without sacrificing style. Whether you're celebrating your baby’s arrival or looking for something chic after baby arrives, this dress combines comfort, functionality, and elegance.
Size range: 2 to 16 | Material: 95% polyester/5% spandex | Care instructions: Very gentle wash at 86ºF, do not bleach, dry flat, cool iron
Flowy chiffon dress
This ASOS Maternity Wrap Front Midi Dress in sage green is a flattering and versatile option for mom-to-be. The wrap front design cinches at the waist, accentuating your bump while offering a comfortable fit that grows with you. The seaming details add structure and shape, while the midi length keeps the look elegant and timeless. We love the feminine split cuffs and the sophisticated, calming soft sage-green color. Whether you’re dressing it up with accessories or keeping it simple, this dress provides a chic, effortless look.
Size range: 2 to 16 | Material: 100% polyester | Care instructions: Machine wash
Midi smocked floral dress
Having a picnic or outdoor shower? Or just want to look as if you are? This adorable smocked long-sleeve dress in a dainty blue and white floral print is perfect for an outdoor occasion. The breathable fabric ensures comfort throughout the day, making it ideal for warmer weather. Brown loves breathable fabrics, and this dress checks all the boxes to stay cool and stylish. The smocked bodice provides a flattering fit, while the long sleeves add a touch of elegance without being too heavy. There are “a lot of oversized exaggerated sleeves on clothing right now,” according to Brown. “You already have the change in body proportion of having a bump in the front, so I would say the most flattering is usually when you keep the rest pretty sleek.”
Size range: Small to 2XL | Material: 95% polyester/5% spandex | Care instructions: Machine wash
Floral mini dress
This soft light blue floral mini dress exudes a feminine, fresh vibe that’s perfect for celebrating your little one’s arrival. The fitted design gently hugs your bump, offering a flattering and comfortable fit without feeling too tight or restrictive. Moms love the material, which is thick yet comfortable, providing support and softness. The short-sleeve design is ideal for warmer weather, and the dress has plenty of stretch, allowing it to grow with you throughout your pregnancy. This dress’s elegant yet simple style makes it a beautiful, easy choice for moms-to-be who want to look and feel their best while celebrating in style.
Size range: S, M, L, XL | Material: 95% polyester/5% spandex| Care instructions: Hand wash cold, no bleach, line dry
- Your personal style. “One of the challenges that people face during their maternity is that they feel like they’re being forced to abandon their personal style because maternity options are more limited,” says Brown. She (and I!) are firm believers that personal style should be the number one consideration when choosing a baby shower dress. Brown encourages her pregnant clients to really think about “what resonates with [them] pre-pregnancy.” The stylist is a firm believer in maintaining who you were before you became mama-to-be. “You should stay true to your own style,” she continues. For instance, “there are a lot of florals [in maternity wear], if you’re not a floral girl you don’t have to force yourself to become one just because you’re pregnant.”
- Comfort. While looking like your most beautiful self on the day you celebrate your little one-to-be, comfort is critical. “Your thought should be on enjoying the day and feeling beautiful and not feeling fussy,” Brown says. “So anything that clings, pinches or digs, I would say pass, even if it’s the most beautiful dress you can find.” According to Brown, fabrics that have a little stretch end up being more comfortable and far less restrictive. Considering dresses with a bit of stretch ensures flexibility and comfort as your body changes.
- Fit. Choose a dress that accommodates your growing bump and provides room to move. Options like empire waist or A-line silhouettes are ideal. “Oftentimes, it’s actually more flattering to everyone’s body to show off the bump and to find a silhouette that hugs against the body,” explains Brown. “It doesn’t have to be tight or clingy but versus something really tented and oversized which ends up just sort of swallowing you up.”
- Fabric. While it might not have been a big consideration for special occasions pre-pregnancy, fabric and fiber content are important factors when selecting the perfect bump-worthy dress for your big day. “Pregnant women tend to run a little bit warmer, and avoiding 100% synthetic materials is ideal,” explains Brown. Opting for material blends and even sticking to cotton options might be your best bet.
- Trends. If staying on top of trends is important to you, there are plenty of options that reflect the current looks. “If you’re a trend-heavy shopper, [ASOS] could be a good place where you don’t have to invest too much, but I would also just encourage the passing on of that clothing afterwards,” Brown says. “I’m not usually a huge proponent of buying fast fashion, but it serves a purpose when you need it.” Choose trendy pieces that align with your personal style and feel appropriate for the occasion, but keep in mind that they might only be worn for a short time.
About the writer:
Christine Carpenter is a New York-based storyteller and devoted mom of two little boys. With over a decade of experience in the fashion industry, Christine’s keen eye for design and product development allows her to offer valuable guidance on selecting the perfect baby shower dresses. Her deep understanding of fabric, fit and style ensures that mamas-to-be can feel both confident and comfortable as they celebrate this special occasion.
Plus, more from The Bump:
Samantha Brown is a professional and celebrity stylist based in New York City.
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