Getting Dressed When You're Growing a Human #3
Part 3: Special Events, and getting dressed up "just because."
This is Part 3 in a series about how to maintain your sense of style, curate the right pieces and feel like yourself when you are growing a human. You can read Part 1 here and Part 2 here.
So far in this series, we have covered basic pieces that will help you feel like yourself and maintain your sense of style, and the pieces that will keep you comfortable through the shifting stages of a growing and changing body.
At some point, over the course of 40 weeks, it’s very likely that you will have an event of some kind that will require a fancy outfit — or, if not a specific event, you will decide that you want to be able to get a little dressed up - maybe to go out to dinner, for or a birthday party or a weekend away, or a night out on vacation. The occasion honestly doesn’t really matter - you are entitled to get dressed up “just because” anytime - and that extends into pregnancy.
If you read Part 1, or really any selection of my pieces, then you know I believe strongly in the power of a good outfit. My clothes, outfits, and personal style are directly connected to how I feel. When I feel blah, exhausted, or just “not great,” putting on a great outfit is a tool in my toolkit to feel better. This applies just as much during pregnancy as it does when you’re not growing a human — it’s just that it can be a little harder when you’re pregnant! In my experience, it is my “occasion” wardrobe that I tend to outgrow the fastest during pregnancy - so many of those pieces fit just right, as soon as there is a major shift in my shape, they just don’t work the way I want them to (or I don’t feel comfortable or great in them, so they are an immediate no). This makes it harder to lean on things that you already have, and means we have to get a little creative to make sure there are a few pieces that you can reach for when you want to get dressed up.
Over the course of several pregnancies, I have developed some tips for the best way to find these types of dresses.
It is worth searching maternity options: You can absolutely find some gems if browse maternity brands! In particular, I have seen, or have friends that have had success finding nice occasion dresses (especially for weddings and rehearsal dinners) from ASOS, and H&M Maternity. Hatch has a few styles that are really nice, though in general tend to be pretty pricey for a piece that you might only wear once or twice — some of their more classic styles, like this or this look like you could rewear and style many different ways so they would be more worth your investment. To avoid something that looks overtly maternity, I tend to avoid overly clingy styles, shiny fabrics, or anything with major ruching on the sides. And, you have to be prepared to try things on, and maybe make some returns. Also, a hot tip that stores like Tuckernuck and Doen both have sections on their websites dedicated to maternity-friendly styles, that are worth a browse! I’ll share a few pieces in the full edit that jumped out as good choices!
Borrow: Check in with friends to see if they have anything you might be able to borrow. This is especially smart if you have multiple weddings or many events that you need to wear something to — borrowing is a great move!
Rent-the-Runway: Another great option - they have a big maternity selection, and some good filters to help find non-maternity styles that will work throughout your pregnancy!
Solid colors are your friend: Especially if you choose something in black or navy, you will be able to wear it multiple ways throughout the course of your pregnancy. It’s always amazing to have “that piece” that you know you can pull on and feel great and wear a million different ways. A simple navy is going to feel classic and chic.
The right time to size up: This is a time when sizing up and investing in something that you might wear after is worth it, in my opinion. I’m assuming you’re not wearing these pieces on a regular basis, so you (hopefully) won’t feel sick of it. And, you can always take something you really love to a tailor to have it fit your non-pregnant body when you are ready. If you are shopping normal styles and dresses, then you will have luck with pieces that are empire-waist styles (fitted at the bust, and then open), have smocking of some kind to make the bust and waist adjustable/more forgiving to accommodate a changing shape, are very stretchy, or caftan-like styles. It’s ideal to be able to go to a store and try things on! I am including many options & ideas below!
Don’t sleep on Slip Dress Styles: Something I discovered this pregnancy is that slip dresses are actually great maternity-friendly dresses! I wouldn’t have immediately assumed this, but the draping of a slip dress means that there is actually a decent amount of extra fabric build into the torso part of the dress. As your stomach grows, there is space for it to grow into the dress, and the cut of the style actually looks great with a growing bump. I ended up wearing my J.Crew Gwyneth dress as a staple this pregnancy!
So, let’s get to it — a TON of awesome pregnancy-friendly dress inspiration for all your fun events coming up. I will kick off the edit with multiple options is several staple styles and types of dresses that I think you could leverage for a variety of different events throughout your pregnancy. Then, I’ll just share all of the maternity-friendly pieces that I found when I was researching this piece. I hope there is something that inspires you and makes you excited for your next opportunity to dress up — whether you are expecting or not!!
Black Dresses: A black dress will get you very far! Also, this is a good opportunity to consider investing in something that you would be able to wear many times. Black is a go-to for me, I think you can never have too many black dresses, and especially if you are not getting too trendy, will happy wear forever. I found I ton that I really liked when I was browsing, and they are all versatile and highly style-able — you could wear them a number of different ways!
1: Matteau Off-the-Shoulder Dress: I love that this is fitted at the top, provides a little arm coverage via the off-the-shoulder style (in case you aren’t into a spaghetti strap) and is absolutely timeless. If I was wearing early in my pregnancy, I would try this in my normal size, but to wear throughout I would likely try at least one size up!
2: Skims Maxi Dress: These dresses have a cult-like following! Would look good with an awesome blazer over it! Have also heard great things about this one.
3: Ribbed-Knit Cotton Maxi: Another option from Matteau, which makes classic, clean, beautiful pieces. This offers straps and looks like you could wear a normal bra which is a plus. Also a classic style, in a soft-stretchy cotton which means it would be super comfortable. Bonus that cotton can be dressed up or down. If you were wearing for a formal event, add a special shoe (love these!), simple jewelry and and a shawl. Wear for a date night with simple sandals, or on the weekends with a jean jacket and sneakers! Even wear in colder weather with a cozy sweater on top!
4: Strappy Black Dress: I love a little strappy black dress - so sexy and chic! This looks like it would also be comfy - would definitely size up!
5: Staud Maxi Dress: This silhouette — with ruched elastic waist, poplin fabric, a-line skirt, and the scoop neckline works so well throughout pregnancy. I love this dress and it looks great dressed up or down! This look for less here.
Slip Dresses:
6: J.Crew Slip Dress: I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how versatile this dress is. I wore it comfortably from the early days, up until I was about 30ish weeks. I haven’t tried it recently, but I would guess it would have been workable until a couple weeks ago! I have my true size! An option at a lower price point here.
7: Nili Lotan Slip Dress: If you have multiple cocktail or black tie events, or want to invest in something you will wear for many occasions to come, then this is a beautiful option. It’s timeless, and I think you can also take your normal size to wear throughout pregnancy and beyond!
8: Fabiana Dress: La Ligne is an all-time favorite brand of mine, and they make beautiful dresses — many of which are pregancy-friendly! I love navy - I tend to gravitate towards black, so I try to intentionally pick navy to mix things up a little bit! Especially great in summer if you don’t want to wear black all the time (Although I love black, especially in summer!)
9: La Ligne Open Back Dress: Another beautiful La Ligne Dress in a bright blue!
10: Blue & White Striped Poplin Dress: Blue and White forever! Would be fun for Memorial Day Weekend!
11: Seersucker Maxi Dress: Not sure that this would work throughout your entire pregnancy, but definitely through the first trimester - I would size up, this is beautiful! Another similar option here (although at a higher price point!)
12: Catarina Mini: For the mini fans. I would probably size up in this, and I think this would be so chic, and I love the pattern (it also comes in several other colors).
13: Doen Ischia Dress: I loooveeee this dress. I didn’t have many occasions to dress up this pregnancy, so I haven’t taken the plunge, but am thinking about purchasing postpartum, and likely wearing for family photos, and all summer and fall!
14: Doen Catrinette Maxi Dress: A solid color option that would work for many occasions! This would also be a beautiful piece for maternity or newborn family photos.
15: Patchwork Midi Dress: This is beautiful and so fun, especially if you love color. Would probably size up to have a little extra space, especially since the top is adjustable!
16: La Double J Choux Mini: If you love a mini, this is for you. I find this brand to run really generous, though if you are later in your pregnancy I would probably size up. I love this - so fun!
17: Back Bow Lime Dress: I would not sleep on Mango as you are shopping for non-maternity, pregnancy-friendly styles! They have a lot of great options, especially dresses. Go for the full How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days vibe with this beauty!
18: Floral V-Neck Maxi: This is the absolutely perfect silhouette with a bump! I love the pattern, the color and the skirt! So beautiful!
19: Voluminous Pleated Maxi Dress: I love a statement sleeve and this dress does not disappoint!
20: Floral Print Dress: Size up and have a beautiful statement dress! You could even belt above the bump if you wanted! Another beautiful floral option here.
21: Long Halter Dress: Size up in this beauty that will not break the bank!
22: Farm Rio Maxi: If you love color, this is so beautiful and glamorous!
23: Hannah Artwear Silk Maxi: Gorgeous, classic — would work for cocktail event or black tie alike!
24: Faithfull the Brand Maxi Dress: Brown is unique, but also classic and chic — would be incredible for a summer wedding!
Not included in this edit, but major mentions (and, if you are shopping, worth a look!) also go to the Doen Gia Dress, Hill House Nap Dresses (anything with their ruching all around tends to work in my experience. Also they have a new drop on May 16th - would highly recommend checking it out!). Also, this Yvonne S Maxi Dress - I love the colors and patterns on this dress - a great throw on a go, and pair with gold accessories for a more formal look.
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you found something that inspires you! And please, if you have a friend who might find this useful, please share!