7 Maternity Dresses (+1 Jumpsuit) Perfect for Holiday Parties
OK, fine, you can’t wear your fave pairs of pre-pregnancy jeans (or perhaps even your beloved heels--darn foot swelling!) this holiday season because you’ve...oh, you know...got a cute lil’ baby under that belly bump! Buck up, momma-to-be--stop complaining about weight gain and and lamenting about your old clothes, and remind yourself just because you’re preggo doesn’t mean you can’t look totally amazing at winter parties! Here’s some advice from industry leaders on ways to make a hip, trendy fashion statement this holiday season.
More: Dressing for Pregnancy: Top 10 Maternity Clothes Tips
Stephanie Manganelli; Co-Founder of Stowaway Collection Maternity, shares some festive, but classy, looks from her personal collection she loves!
“Every pregnant woman needs a little black dress (LBD) in her closet, which will quickly become your go-to item as it’s so versatile and can easily be dressed up or down so that you are prepped for any occasion. Wear a LBD to work with flats and a trench coat, and then slip on a funky leather jacket, some statement jewelry, a pair of heels and head to your holiday parties. Look for LBDs with interesting detail, like this off-the-shoulder dress from Stowaway Collection to instantly spice up a classic look.”
“Pay attention to the details! You already have your best accessory; your bump – so small details will make a big statement when dressing for your holiday festivities. Look for pieces with interesting necklines,color combinations, ruching and slits. Layer your look by adding patterned tights (houndstooth, leopard or herringbone) to elevate a simple and classic look.”
“Nothing feels more festive than a pop of RED! Check out mom-to-be Duchess Meghan’s red dress. While many women are intimidated by wearing bright, bold colors – the holidays are the perfect time to experiment with new hues.You can't ever go wrong with red, but bright punches of unexpected colors like kelly green, cobalt blue or fuchsia are the perfect way to stand out at your next gathering.” (Image: Credit:© Andrew Parsons / i-Images)
“All that glitters for (now) mom-of-two Chrissy Teigen! From your holiday parties to New Year’s Eve, sequins should be your go-to this season! Skip the accessories when opting for a full sequin look as that can often be overkill. If a full sequin look scares you, start small with a sequin skirt, top or blazer. Either way, you’ll look like the life of the party.” (Chrissy Teigen photo: Matt Baron/REX/Shutterstock)
“If rocking leopard (or any animal print) is your thing, and was before your little grew in your tummy, tis the season to bring it out! Rock it and own it,” says celeb stylist Jeni Elizabeth Bianco. “Your body and your curves will never look like this again. Embrace that feeling and feel confident about it! Opt for a long-sleeve leopard cotton dress with a cute bootie (or knee-high) shoes, and add fun red earrings for some holiday sparkle. Prints are all over the runways this season and having fun with them is the best part.” (Pictured: actress and mom Tamera Mowry-Housley, styled by Bianco.)
“If you are more of a Boho chic girl, stick to fun large prints and happy holiday colors! To ensure your best feature is highlighted tie a scarf belt (or just a skinny belt) above the bump! Sleeveless or long sleeve depending on where you are going and have fun with the shoe, just make sure you are comfortable,” says Bianco. “Big prints are so fun this season! Consider yourself hitting the style jackpot and also having fun and being comfortable, and walk into that holiday party with your head held high with a smile! I LOVE designer Rachel Pally for this look. I love white with an amazing deep green belt or even gold! Such a fun holiday look! And yes...you CAN wear white! Don't forget to accessorize with fun red or green earrings.” (Photo: Rachel Pally collection.)
“Showing your legs and your bump can also be a great self confidence booster for some women, and trust me, if you have them to rock you should,” says Bianco. “Two celebs I have seen rocking this look are Carrie Underwood and Christine Lakin and both of them nailed it! You can choose a simple, straight cut or slant for hemline, as well as a scoop-neck or boat neck--SO Meghan Markle!” But remember, says Bianco, the key to this look is really owning it and bringing it home. “Keep the focus on the dress. Choose a solid (white/green/gold/red/maroon) and pair with a simple shoe. Do not accessorize too heavily.” (Pictured: Actress Christine Lakin, styled by Bianco.)
“Another amazing holiday look that is super comfy for someone who feels like they might explode at any moment is a fun pantsuit,” says Bianco. “Or, as some may a call it A JUMPER! Sometimes you just need that extra comfort level and fast is there a ton of ways to make them fun and festive!” Again choose a simple solid, stresses Bianco, even black, and pair with a fun red ballet slipper. “You can also wear a fun statement necklace and bangles to tie the look together! No one has to know its your go-to cotton cozy. You want to have fun and be comfortable while also feeling great about yourself and sometimes that means dressing something that is familiar.” (Photo: brand Isabella Oliver.)
Pregnant this holiday season?
