Finding a go-to dress for summer’s seemingly endless wedding season becomes even more of a challenge when you’re fitting a growing belly. “It’s definitely difficult because your body is changing, and you’ve never had to dress this way before,” says Robin Saperstein, a Los Angeles-based stylist whose main clientele is moms. “You just need to embrace it.” Here, some of our fave dresses that keep you confident—and comfortable—from the ceremony until the cutting of the cake.
Motherhood Maternity, $45Let’s officially retire the old rule of leaving black dresses for funerals. Now, the LBD has a place at weddings too, and opting for a simple style accented with pops of bold jewelry can be very on-trend. “Black is always in style (even in the summer),” Saperstein says. Not to mention, it’s slimming and can downplay any insecurities you might have with your changing shape, she says.
Related: The Hottest Maternity Fashion Moment of All Time
Merona, $50Between tossing rice in the air after the ceremony to the reception dance floor, you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet. “Your feet can swell from carrying extra weight,” Saperstein says, adding that rocking a bump gives you the chance to rethink the standard 3-inch heel. “It’s totally fine to wear flats. You need to be comfortable.” Saperstein loves styling maxi dresses with dressy sandals for an effortless look. Tie in the beaded detailing around the waist of this blush-colored dress with an equally sparkly sandal.
French Connection, $195Your best features don’t go away once you’re sporting a bump, Saperstein says. Example: If love your legs, rock a mini dress, like this one from French Connection, which balances a high neckline with the shorter length.
Japanese Weekend, $154When temps rise, pregnant ladies feel it even more thanks to those lovely hot flashes. Choose a dress in a lightweight fabric, Saperstein suggests. This one is made entirely of polyamide, a breathable, wicking material that’s usually found in workout gear due to its moisture-zapping abilities. Plus, the deep v-neck allows for easy nursing once the baby arrives.
Related: The Pregnant Mama’s Summer Survival Guide
Asos, $57.16A form-fitting dress shows off your figure—and your pride. “Pregnancy is beautiful—show off your bump,” Saperstein says. The fabric on this stretchy dress is loaded with five percent elastane and adjustable fastenings to fit your growing belly, while the midi length calms any fears of overexposure.
H&M, $35Not quite ready to embrace the look-at-me form-fitting look? Choose a loose, layered dress. “A dress that’s blousy on the top and more slimming on the bottom hides the bump,” Saperstein says. But make sure you feel confident: “If you feel good, you’ll look good,” she says.
Motherhood Maternity, $40“Big patterns will make you look, well, bigger,” Saperstein says. If you’re not ready to commit to solids for a full nine months, choose a smaller, more concentrated design, like the tiny navy and white dots here. The ruffles also distract from a prominent bump and add a feminine flair to the flirty dress.
BCBG, $338“The longer the dress, the longer and taller you’re going to look, which is always good,” Saperstein says. In addition to the floor-skimming hem on this formal BCBG dress, the ruching accommodates your expanding bust and the jersey material stretches to fit your shape, so you can wear it as your belly expands. Bonus: The slit along the side keeps you feeling (and looking) cool.