Even if you’re attending a wedding as a guest, you still want to look your best for your loved one’s big day. But this might have been you before: you’re shopping for the perfect dress to wear to that wedding coming up. Despite the thousands of options available online and in-stores, you still can’t find anything to wear.
If you add a baby bump to the mix, this already tough task may have become harder. Fashionability must be balanced with functionality, ensuring that whatever you wear is comfortable enough to spend all day in.
Pregnancy may bring a unique set of challenges for you, but shopping for a dress shouldn’t have to be one. Read our guide below to find out how and form your game plan for the big day!
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The Do’s and Don'ts
DO Double Check the Dress Code
Triple checking doesn’t hurt either. Black tie and cocktail attire for example all have their own distinct rules for dresses. Find out what’s appropriate first, and then go shopping second. You’ll be saving yourself from the potential heartbreak of finding a fabulous dress that is a mismatch with the wedding’s dress code!
DON’T Squeeze Yourself into Anything Uncomfortable
Stretch is your best bet, and will be your best friend! Blended cotton, jerseys, polyesters, and other stretchy fabrics move with your body. Because of this, they will be more comfortable over long periods.
DO Consider Pregnancy Friendly Silhouettes
This is subjective and can mean many things depending on the person. Along with feeling physically comfortable, you also want a dress that has you positive about your appearance. After all, the most gorgeous article of clothing a person can wear is confidence. If you want information on specific types, then keep reading.
DON’T Reach for your Heeled Shoes
Save those for after the baby arrives! Common complaints during pregnancy are pain from swollen feet and ankles. Weddings are already all-day affairs, with plenty of standing and dancing. Hang up your heels, and go with flats. Comfort is your priority––and your feet will thank you later!
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The Benefits of Maternity Dress
Maternity dresses are made with your body in mind. Designed for the growing baby, these dresses include space for your belly bump. Expecting mothers often worry about how attractive the options for maternity wear are, but thanks to the Internet, there’s plenty to pick from!
Different Types of Maternity Dresses to Choose From
There are many styles to consider, but here are some of our favorites!
Empire Waist
Some opt for the classic empire waist silhouette, where the dress cinches in below their bust. Beneath the bust the dress’s skirt fans out, elegantly flowing across your body. The design allows for plenty of room for that growing baby too. Dress it up with jewelry and the perfect pair of shoes, and you’re set for the wedding!
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Bodycon
Embrace your beautiful bump and reach for the bodycon hanging in your closet! Bodycon dresses hug around your body and are a stylish choice through each stage of the pregnancy. Pick a dress that’s comfortable around your midsection, and you will be good to go.
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Wrap Dresses
Flattering on every body type, wrap dresses are a fantastic option to consider. As the name implies, wrap dresses literally wrap around your body, tying off at the waist. Because of the dress’s design, it will change shape as you do. Fashionable for every setting, you’ll be both stylish and comfortable for that wedding.
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Finding the Right Maternity Dress For You Is Easy With These Tips!
Many stress over purchasing maternity clothes for a wide variety of reasons. Some feel as though they’re wasting money, due to maternity wear being worn only for a short period. Others worry about their appearance; for many years, maternity wear has had a negative reputation for being frumpy and unstylish. The good news is that things are changing in this department. There are plenty of choices for fashionable and affordable maternity dresses that will have you confident.
Here are some shopping tips to help make this stress-free and possibly even (gasp!) fun!
Remember that everyone experiences pregnancy differently. How your body handles it may be different than how your mom did, or your aunt, or best friend, and whoever else.
As cliche as it sounds, it’s important to listen and be in tune with your body’s changes and developments. If a size isn’t right, or a dress style is unbearable to wear, then don’t put yourself through the misery of making whatever work. Your body is carrying out the hard work of growing a little human, and you want it to be as smooth of an experience as possible!
Okay, so you might want advice that’s more grounded––and that’s totally fair. Let’s move on to that!
We spent plenty of time discussing the perks of stretchy dresses, which bears reiterating. Through each trimester, your body grows with the baby. How you look and feel one day could be different from the next. Stretch materials create a safety net for this possibility. Anything flexible ensures that whatever you wear will conform to your body’s shape. No need to squeeze into anything too tight!
Something else to consider is how much you want to commit to a maternity dress. For a formal event such as a wedding, this is extra true. If you’re hesitant about purchasing a dress that could end up as a one-time use, then a clothing rental service is a wonderful option! Enjoy your dress for the evening, and then return it without worrying about it gathering dust in the back of your closet.
Even as your body grows and changes throughout pregnancy, shopping for the right wedding guest dress doesn’t have to be a chore. It can be rewarding and fun, allowing you to look your very best on that special day!