The Best Maternity Dresses That Aren’t Actually Maternity Dresses

Going an entire pregnancy without buying any maternity clothes is the modern-day equivalent of, “I don’t use social media.” When I hear someone say that, I assume they’re putting themselves through the ringer for no reason. But now that I’m six months pregnant with my own baby and witnessing the state of the maternity market first-hand, I understand the desire to abstain. The market is bleak, and the options are more basic than beautiful.

I don’t wear, as I like to call them, “hard pants”—so, I definitely wasn’t going to initiate that venture while pregnant. Jeans are tricky, and leggings are a no-no for New Yorkers and work weeks. Other than maxi skirts and baggy trousers, by sticking to dresses of all kinds, I was able to maintain my pre-baby wardrobe. The general rule of thumb? Don’t be afraid to be bold and size up! My main goal for this journey is (and has always been) the same. Don’t lose yourself to motherhood, and that begins with dressing.

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The Sweater Dress

Diane von Furstenberg Donna sweater dress

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The Everyday Shirt Dress

The Frankie Shop Calren maxi shirt dress

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Pregnancy may mean your favorite shoes are on strike, and your go-to high-rise trousers have mysteriously shrunk, but your style doesn’t have to take maternity leave. The best maternity dresses have range—they work for your growing bump, and for everything postpartum. From wedding guest dresses to comfortable T-shirt dresses for nursing, lounging, and strolling, these are the best maternity dresses to shop now and later.

The Artful Drape

Most of the first trimester is spent in a limbo of sorts: considering morning sickness and the uncertainties of those first few early weeks, you’re likely caught between wanting to shout your pregnancy from the rooftops and wanting to keep it close to home. You probably won’t look any different at first, which will feel maddening considering how different you feel. These tumultuous days require a drape to hide under until you’re ready—artfully, of course.

Knitted to Perfection

A tight-knit dress may not seem like the best choice for a growing baby bump, but once the belly has made its official appearance, a more fitted style is actually the perfect way to showcase it while your bump is still on the smaller side. For pre-fall, styles from Staud and Everlane layer well beneath lightweight trench coats. As the winter chill creeps in, Khaite and Theory have you covered with cozy.

It’s a Shirt! It’s a dress! It’s a Shirtdress!

For a bit more structure when you need to look pulled-together, a looser shirt dress is a great option. A.L.C.’s twisted style and Cos’s voluminous option will pair easily with leather loafers and ballet flats at the office. For an off-duty ensemble, look to TWP and The Frankie Shop.

RSVP, Plus One (the Bump)

If any fancier occasions pop up during pregnancy, looser, but jazzed-up styles like oversized floral prints, sharp pleats, silk-taffeta fabrications, and lavish drapery make room for both you and your bump to breathe easily throughout the night and hopefully even dance!

Falling for Prints

If your pregnancy falls anywhere between now and winter, autumnal prints are especially apropos for minimizing and camouflaging where you need it the most. Paisley, florals, leopard, and even geometric motifs are an easy way to make a statement without much effort. After all, who has the time for trying when you’re pregnant?

Easy, Breezy T-Shirt Dresses

Any dress with a self-tie, removable belt is a pregnant woman’s secret weapon. From classic striped versions to playful patterned ones, you can cinch the tie above the bump for a bit of definition or remove it entirely if it feels too constricting and wear it loosely.