Look 1: Belted cowl-neck dress in brown heather
The Bump Tip: Know your bod
“It’s key to identify (and accept!) your body type when trying to figure out what’s flattering,” notes Koch. “Nothing frumpifies more than oversized clothes and a lack of proportion.” Pay attention to what shapes work for you and which don’t, and always remember play up your assets. This A-line dress is fitted in all the right places and bells out to disguise all those problem areas that tend to gain the most weight during pregnancy (i.e. your hips, thighs, and rear).
Get the look: Gap, $59.50
Look 2: Cross-front dress in black
*The Bump Tip: When in doubt, go back to black
*There’s a lot to be said for the wonders of a black dress. Not only does the hue have amazing slimming powers, but it also has the added bonus of making everything look a lot more expensive. So if you’re not into bright colors and are looking to save some cash, opt for a basic black dress like this one from Old Navy and accessorize to amp it up. It’s super-flattering on lots of body types, ultra-soft, and needless to say, a total steal at $29.50.
Get the Look: Old Navy, $29.50
Look 3: Virgin Strawberry Daiquairi dress by Jaimee Fulton
The Bump Tip: Don’t be afraid of color
Even though we’ve already been over the fact that black is a mama-to-be’s best friend, you shouldn’t always steer clear of color. The trick: Avoid those obnoxiously bright holiday reds and greens, and go for deeper tones, like this wine-colored dress. Want to skip holiday colors altogether? Try a deep purple or even a navy.
Get the Look: Shabby Apple, $62
Look 4: Bella cowl-neck dress in charcoal
The Bump Tip: Show some leg
Try a hemline that falls above-the-knee and pair the look with heels — it’ll make you look longer and leaner. (Hate showing your legs? Throw on a dark pair of tights or high boots if you’re not 100-percent into baring it all.) This gets bonus points for being a great postpregnancy dress for nursing mamas, since its low-slung cowlneck makes it a cinch to breastfeed in.
Get the Look: BellaBlu Maternity, $100
Look 5: Ruched sleeveless dress with sash tie by Lauren Kiyomi
The Bump Tip: Take it to the floor
For fancier holiday parties, you might want to spring for a full-length gown. We love this Lauren Kiyomi dress for its rich plum color and classic lines that help distract the eye away from your belly. True, you might only get the chance to wear the dress once or twice, but going with a classic look will keep it timeless and allow you to pass it on to friends over the years.
Get the Look : Chulamama, $100
Look 6: Navy blue tie-front maternity dress by Maternal America
*The Bump Tip: Work your neckline
*Sure, everyone loves a nice turtleneck every now and then (especially in the colder weather), but that doesn’t mean it’s always a flattering look. Go with a lower neckline when you can — it will lengthen your neck, show off your decolletage, and make you look thinner (always a plus). This dress not only creates a flattering neckline, but also gets props for being versatile — the tie waist can be worn in front or behind, whichever way you like.
Get the Look: 9 Months to Grow, $100
