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The Best Maternity Dresses (That Aren’t Actually Maternity Dresses)
The Best Maternity Dresses (That Aren’t Actually Maternity Dresses)

The Best Maternity Dresses (That Aren’t Actually Maternity Dresses)

These dresses weren’t designed for pregnancy, but they’re secretly perfect for it.

author-Latifah Miles
By Latifah Miles
Fact Checked by Briana Engelbrecht
Updated On
Updated On
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In This Article

A Sweater Dress
A Shirt Dress
A T-Shirt Dress
A Flowy Dress
A Wrap Dress
A Pleated Dress
An Athleisure Dress

A well-curated maternity wardrobe should include pieces you can easily throw on and feel confident and comfortable in. But here’s the thing: unlike maternity leggings and jeans, you don’t have to exclusively shop maternity to find modern, bump-friendly dresses that fit well. Standard dresses that aren’t necessarily cut for the pregnant body can actually work just as well, and because they aren’t maternity specific, you’re more likely to find something that aligns with your personal style. 

There are some general rules of thumb to keep in mind when shopping for a non-maternity, bump-friendly dress. If you’ll be wearing the dress in the second or third trimester, it’s a good idea to size up to give your bump and the rest of your body (like your hips and breasts) room to grow comfortably. When it comes to material, choose options that have some stretch to them so they’ll mold to the shape of your body. Also, the dress style that you liked pre-pregnancy might not exactly match what you like during pregnancy. Try out different styles and silhouettes; you may surprise yourself with what you gravitate towards. 

While choosing a dress designed for pregnancy is totally up to you, we’ve seen many pregnant people opting for regular dresses instead. There tends to be more variety and you can stick to the brands you already know and love. The best part, your wardrobe can extend through postpartum and beyond. 

From casual to formal, here are the best maternity dresses (that aren’t actually maternity).

A Sweater Dress

A snug knit dress that shows off your bump will last as your body changes. If you’re expecting a winter or early spring baby, a sweater dress won’t just look good—it’ll actually keep you warm. The non-maternity cuts work because sweater dress material is typically stretchy, making it perfect for a growing bump.

A Shirt Dress

Want something with more structure and less form-fitting? A shirt dress is just that. You can opt for a style with a knotted tie in the front or smocking on the sides to accentuate your shape, or a roomier standard Oxford shirt-style dress.

A T-Shirt Dress

Casual and comfortable, a t-shirt dress will quickly become a wardrobe staple, especially if you’ll be in your second or third trimester during the summer months. They’re light, roomy and allow plenty of space to grow. T-shirt dresses can be form-fitting or fall away from your body; both are flattering.

A Flowy Dress

Have a formal event on your calendar? Then a flowy dress that won’t make your bump feel like it’s in a vice grip will be your go-to.

A Wrap Dress

Wrap dresses work well with bumps because, as your pregnancy progresses, they’re super easy to adjust to create the best fit. They also highlight your waistline just above your bump, giving you that effortless, put-together look with minimal effort. Plus, you can keep wearing them postpartum.

A Pleated Dress

Pleated dresses are bump-friendly because the built-in volume gives your belly room to grow without feeling tight or restrictive. The vertical lines of the pleats create a really flattering drape that skims over your body instead of clinging, so you look polished but still feel comfortable.

An Athleisure Dress

An athleisure dress is perfect for pregnancy because it gives you that leggings-level comfort in a one-and-done outfit. The stretchy, performance fabrics move with your bump, wick away sweat (hi, hot flashes), and usually have plenty of give through the waist and hips.

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