5 Non- Maternity Maternity Dresses You Need

Maternity fashion is tough.

You want to look good, you want to feel good, and you want whatever you’re wearing to fit and feel comfortable should you… say… need to use the bathroom for the 10^th time that day. So what’s a mama to do? This pregnancy, I tried my hardest to stay away from buying actual ‘maternity’ clothes. For the first few months of my pregnancy, I was able to get away with it… but as my belly started to pop I had to break down and buy a few pants and jeans.

With that said, I’m so proud to say that the bulk of my pregnancy wardrobe has been non-maternity! I really wanted to get pieces that I would be able to wear pre and post giving birth. So that means dresses… but not just any dresses. I narrowed it down to 5 dress styles that all you pregnant mamas need.

Empire Waist

Like the dress I’m wearing in this post, finding dresses with a high waistline is the key to wearing non-maternity dresses while pregnant. Empire waist dresses usually mean that the bodice is fitted while the skirt is loose and flowing, which is perfect for fitting over that belly! Think: Kiera Knightly in Pride and Prejudice.

Elastic, Elastic, Elastic

Repeat after me: elastic waistbands are my best friend. That’s the first thing I look for when I’m shopping for dresses. They’re super comfortable and I know that they can grow with me as I’m pregnant but be just as comfortable after I give birth!

Body Con

The stretchier, the better! Tight bodycon dresses might not be my usual dress of choice when I’m not pregnant, but I love showing off my bump. Plus, chic form-fitting ones like this one are so easy to find and so easy to pack, too. You might remember me wearing one in Paris in this post here! (Pssst: I did end up buying ONE maternity dress… and it was this one here from Ingrid & Isabel! It’s under $100 bucks and crazy comfortable!)

Shift Dresses

Shift dresses are the epitome of effortlessness. They’re loose, comfortable, easy to throw on and you can dress them up or down. A good t-shirt dress like this one is a perfect example of just that!

Slip Dresses

I’ve been all about slip dresses this pregnancy. You’ve probably seen them all over my Instagram, like here and here! For the first few months, it was ALL I was wearing and as I’ve gotten bigger, I’ve needed to size up a little bit for dresses- buying a size medium instead of a size small. They’re breezy, comfortable and I know that I’ll get tons of wear out of them after my second child is born, too!

Stay away from…

Buttons and zippers. Nothing feels worse than not being able to pull up a zipper, and buttons have a tendency to pull and tug over your tummy!

Do any of my mamas have any tips for picking non-maternity dresses to wear while pregnant? I’d love to hear your suggestions! Drop a comment down below and have a great day!

Photography by Karla Ticas