The Non-Maternity Dress Styles My Bump is Loving

Quigs here!

So, I made a bet with myself. At the beginning of my pregnancy, I told myself that I would limit the number of clothes that were deemed “maternity.” I didn’t want them just to end up in a pile post-baby, waiting until the next time they could be worn. One problem: when you go to search for bump-friendly pieces on most retailers’ sites, you’re stuck combing page after page. That’s why it’s important to know the types of styles that work, so you’ll avoid weeding through the masses to find the one piece that will work.

I’ve always preferred a dress to pants (excluding sweatpants, of course), and since I’ve been pregnant, I’ve found my hand reaching for them even more. With a variety of different silhouettes and cuts, they are one of the easiest items to accommodate a growing bump.

1. Smocked

A feminine touch to traditional bodycon dresses, smocking is perfect for the season and your pregnancy. One word: e-l-a-s-t--i-c. This cut has a whole lot of stretch and is super breathable, so it’s like a hug for your belly and a kiss for you in this summer heat.

2. Empire

The empire waist seems to be plucked right from the pages of a Jane Austen novel. A fitted bodice that flows into a loose skirt, this silhouette is perfect to give some support to your bust while giving room for bump to move and grow. Think of it as the a-line for pregnancy.

3. Flowy

Ok, I know - “flowy” is a blanket term that encompasses a lot of different cuts, but it’s also a tried-and-true keyword that pulls up pieces that work for most pregnant women! My favorite silhouette in this category? Trapeze. (Buckle up because I’m about to wow you with my geometry skills!) The trapeze dress is based off the shape of a trapezoid. Narrow through the shoulders and flowy literally everywhere else. Like your own personal tent, and this mama is living for it. 

Mamas, what styles are you and your bump currently loving? Tell me below!