Carrying new life comes with a plethora of perks, the main one being that there's a child at the end of the road.
However, for many, pregnancy can be rough - riddled with morning sickness, ballooning bodily changes and hormonal pandemonium. So ideally, you should only have to spend minimum effort shopping for new bump-friendly clothing.
Maternitywear has a tainted reputation. Bloated silhouettes, garish prints and limited choices tend to saturate these collections both online and on the high street. Not only is this restrictive for expecting mothers, but it totally negates the fact that pregnancy is a chance to shine in the wardrobe department. This is especially true in summer.
The advent of the warmer weather calls for ethereal designs, voluminous cuts and georgette styles - all of which can seamlessly translate to maternity clothing.
There has been a shift in the maternity fashion space in the last few years. As perfectly encapsulated by Rihanna, non-maternity pregnancy wear has become the mainstream. Sofia Richie Grainge, who is currently pregnant with her first child, has continued to champion her ‘quiet luxury’ aesthetic. Likewise, Emily Ratajkowski lived in her signature bodycon numbers, proudly displaying her bump for all to see.
Blake Lively continued to stir up a sartorial storm on the red carpet across all four pregnancies, sporting looks by Versace, Gucci, Valentino and more prestigious fashion houses. Gal Gadot, Rihanna, Jessie J and Karlie Kloss followed suit.
Lest we forget Sienna Miller bearing her bump in Schiaparelli on the Vogue World red carpet back in September. Media meltdown triggered.
While baby bumps were a stand-out red carpet trend of 2023, in reality, most pregnant women simply want an elegant day dress or two. This is where we call upon brands that favour versatile structures that can be stretched or placed atop a bump with ease.
Molly Goddard, Ganni, Cos and Free People incorporate loose silhouettes into their online collections, ensuring mamas-to-be don't have to sacrifice style in the name of comfort. Breezy shirt dresses, ruched tea dresses and airy nap dresses are a mere handful of options for parents to ponder.
Discover the best bump-friendly dresses to shop for summer and embrace the warmer weather in style.
Shop now
Ganni Pleated Georgette Flounce Smock Dress
A fairytale frock to see you through summer weddings, garden parties and more, Ganni’s georgette dress is a bump-friendly no-brainer.
Buy now £285.00, Ganni
H&M MAMA Flounce-trimmed dress
Featuring gentle flutter sleeves and a dreamy colour palette of mint, lemon yellow and turquoise, H&M’s flounce-trimmed midi dress is an ethereal pick for feminine dressers.
Buy now £49.99, H&M
Cos Pinstripe Shirt Dress
Don’t be a regular mum, be a cool mum. Cos’ longline striped shirt dress comes in a serene cornflower blue tone and features a loose shape. Button up over your bump and turn out a crisp look for coffee morning dates and pre-mat leave work days.
Buy now £85.00, Cos
DÔEN + NET SUSTAIN Ischia Dress
A radiant clear canvas of a frock, DÔEN's Ischia dress is carefully made from organic cotton-voile featuring refined shirred detailing to flirt with the eye. An elegant scooped necklace allows for ample accessorising, while a relaxed fit across the shoulders flashes the collar bones.
Buy now £352.00, Net-A-Porter
Massimo Dutti Pleated Dress with Tie Details
Forget hot summer flushes in a lightweight number to suit your style. Massimo Dutti’s sea-green dress will catch the breeze as you walk, making for an airy piece to wear when the city heats up.
Buy now £129.00, Massimo Dutti
By Anthropologie Sleeveless Square-Neck Patterned Maxi Dress
Sheathe your baby in style with a beautiful printed garment. Whether jetting off to a sun-drenched destination or prepping for your baby shower, Anthropologie’s jewel-toned maxi dress is a decadent addition to your maternity wardrobe.
Buy now £220.00, Anthropologie
Laura Ashley X Joanie Rhian Margam Floral Print Midi Dress
Affordable and readily available for cottagecore enthusiasts, the Laura Ashley x Joanie Rhian dress is a heavyweight piece dotted with delicate ditsy florals. Pick from sky blue or sage green and let the frock speak for itself.
Buy now £23.70, Joanie
Arket Tiered Strap Dress
Arket Tiered Strap Dress is set to show off your bump to perfection. A long, tiered silhouette is elevated by a painterly pink gingham print and delicate spaghetti straps. Elastic detailing under the bust and tie straps at the back promise comfort and functionality in equal measure.
Buy now £89.00, Arket
& Other Stories Gathered Sleeveless Midi Dress
Occasion dresses are a whole new ballgame for expecting mothers. Dress to impress with & Other Stories’ vibrantly violet sleeveless maxi dress, which can be zhuzhed up with some chunky gold jewels.
Buy now £95.00, & Other Stories
Sister Jane Thimble Jacquard Mini Dress
Who said mini dresses were off the agenda during pregnancy? Turn out a fun, flirtatious look in Sister Jane’s Thimble Jacquard Mini Dress which marries bouncing volume and a sophisticated floral jacquard fabric.
Buy now £105.00, Sister Jane
Kitri Jemima Pink Pansy Print Shirred Maxi Dress
Expecting? Then ruching is your friend. Kitri’s Jemima dress boasts a long-shirred bodice that will stretch to fit your figure. A gently pleated maxi skirt and flutter sleeves infuse any look with romance, while the pink pansy print serves up quintessential British summertime elegance.
Buy now £215.00, Kitri
