When you’re pregnant, finding bump-friendly dresses that offer both style and comfort can be difficult – even more so for events such as a wedding or baby shower that call for celebratory dressing.
Flowing, well tailored styles offer room to grow in natural fibres that keep you cool but also feeling well dressed for the occasion.
Discover our pick of maternity dresses for special occasions, from wedding to baby shower and everything in between.
Below: Our Emmaline Gown in White (one sized)
Bump, baby and beyond
When it comes to day-to-day dressing, it makes sense to purchase a few maternity clothes to see you through the seasons. But for those special occasions, buying something you may only wear once may not be the best investment.
Instead, consider opting for a dress that flatters your bump whilst also providing longevity beyond your pregnancy. The right dress will become your go-to special occasion piece and one that you can easily style with a change of accessories from bump to baby and beyond. A good indicator of styles that may be able to carry you through your pregnancy and beyond are one sized pieces, such as our Emmaline Gown, and items that are dual sized to allow room for movement within a size range, such as a size S/M or M/L, featured in our much loved Melody Maxi.
When it comes to choosing a dress, your stage of pregnancy may dictate some of your style choices.
During the first trimester, you may find yourself caught between wanting to announce your pregnancy to everyone while also basking in the excitement of waiting. Flowing styles that skim over your growing belly provide both comfort and a little thinking time to figure out your pregnancy style.
Second trimester is often where you’ll hit your stride and want to show off your bump with determination. This is usually when you’re also officially ‘out’ with your pregnancy, so make the most of it with a dress that accentuates your growing bump. We love styles that offer a tie waist option you can adjust to accommodate your bump and adapt post-pregnancy.
Below: Christina wears our Melody Maxi in Cinnamon in size S/M
Third trimester can be difficult as tiredness hits in the final few weeks and comfort becomes your top priority. This is the time to reach for natural fibres, such as breathable cotton, that won’t tug or irritate and items that are tailored with an oversize fit.
Consideration should also be given to the fourth trimester where dressing up is often given second thought to your new day-to-day life as the busy mum of a newborn. Look for dresses that provide easy (and quick) access for breastfeeding with wrap ties, v-necks, or buttons that can be swiftly undone, and that are easy to clean (no dry-cleaning required).
Below: Christina wears our Melody Mini dress in size S/M
Our Melody Maxi Dress is a versatile fit that accentuates your shape at every stage. With its soft elasticised waist adding just the right amount of definition, side pockets, and a draped bust line (complete with a discreet bust clasp) to celebrate your curves. The wrap style can be adjusted as your bump grows, and makes breastfeeding a breeze.
Pair with low rise wedges or sandals and a statement bag to really elevate the look. The Melody Maxi easily transitions from day to evening and can be styled in many ways to suit the occasion.
Maternity dressing for special occasions
Forget the tent-like muumuus of the past. Contemporary pregnancy dressing calls for styles that embrace your bump, rather than try to hide it.
The full sleeves and ruffled neckline of our soft cotton Emmaline Maxi dress draws the eye towards your bump and décolletage with the use of the detachable waist tie – or you can leave it off for a romantic, floating feel. The full tiered skirt provides plenty of room to grow, while the neckline allows the gown to be worn on or off the shoulder with ease.
A special event is the perfect time to experiment with colour in earthy based timeless hues such as sage, cinnamon, espresso or deep rose. Or embrace the occasion in classic white – a considered choice for maternity photoshoots and baby showers.
Discover our collection of bump-friendly dresses for every occasion. Our Melody Maxi dress and Emmaline Maxi dress are offered in a range of timeless, modern and romantic hues to suit your style and occasion.
Muse measurements:
Christina is 30 weeks pregnant in this shoot, and is wearing a size S/M in the Melody Maxi and one size in the Emmaline Gown.
Height: 176cm | Bust: 87cm | Waist around belly: 89cm
