Dear FO Personal Stylist: Mama-To-Be Needs a Formal Summer Dress!
I am going to my husband’s brother’s wedding in August in Seattle. I will be just about 5 months pregnant at the wedding. Since you are a recently pregnant in heels fashionista, I need advice on what would look good and I’m pretty much OVER everything I’ve found at the maternity stores. I would like to wear something that’s not maternity but still looks flattering and chic. I am 5’11 and was pretty busty before I got pregnant, so as you can imagine I’m even bustier now!! The wedding is going to be pretty formal, so possible something long.
Thanks for your help!
Sarah A., Walnut Creek, CA
Dear Sarah,
First and foremost, congratulations! I’ve tried not to get all mommy blogger up in this joint, but I will say that I spit-up is currently my most worn accessory - and I could not be happier.
That being said, pregnancy (and unfortunately, post-pregnancy) can create a maelstrom of wardrobe issues. Like you, during my pregnancy I did not want to invest in a lot of pregnancy-specific items, and I certainly did not want to outfit myself in the cutesy-bland styles that seem to run rampant at some of the better known maternity retailers (more fashionista-friendly maternity collections can be found at ASOS, Unbuttoned and Topshop).
In looking for non-maternity styles that can be worn while pregnant, the elastic or smocked waist is your friend. Not only is it flexible enough to accommodate your expanding belly, but you’ll also appreciate the non-restrictive comfort. I found in my second trimester that I wanted to draw attention to the fact that I was pregnant (which my elastic waisted pieces did, since they can also kind of make you look pregnant when you’re not), as there was a transitional period where I kind of looked like I was pregnant but I also kind of looked like maybe I just had one too many tacos the night before.
Mixing in a few maternity basics is sort of unavoidable, especially since your pregnancy spans over the summer and winter months. My staples were a pair each of J Brand maternity jeans and jeggings (sadly, you’ll still need these after childbirth), Alternative Apparel tunics (one size up), maternity tights and maternity leggings (both with the built-in belly band). It’s also not a terrible idea to have one super-cute maternity dress for your third trimester - I got a black pointy-shouldered French Connection dress from ASOS last fall, and I wore the literal s*&^ out of it for every holiday party and occasion imaginable.
I think your idea of a long dress is perfect for a summer formal wedding - there is probably nothing more adorably chic than a baby bump in a maxi dress. I’ve included some of my favorite elastic waisted maxis below, avoiding any strapless shapes - the busty and pregnant situation is hard enough without trying to find a strapless bra. I’ve also thrown in one cute maternity dress thrown in for good measure. Good luck!
Martin Grant’s Striped Maxi Dress, $633 (orig. $2110)
Gianni Bini’s Helena One-Shoulder Maxi Dress, $108
Topshop Maternity’s Embroidered Midi Dress, $100
Topshop’s Nude Lemon Floral Print Maxi Dress, $150
Von Vonni’s Yellow Print Maxi Dress, $98
Matthew Williamson’s Printed Jersey Maxi Dress, $675
Topshop’s Multi Feather Print One Shoulder Maxi Dress, $140
Hale Bob’s Embellished Maxi Dress, $332
Tibi’s Printed Silk Maxi Dress, $220 (orig. $550)
Have a fashion emergency, or just looking for a helpful hint or two? Email Fashion Orbit’s Personal Stylist!
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