A couple's baby shower is one of the most special events that a mom will attend in her lifetime. The day that her family, friends, and acquaintances come together to celebrate the new life that will soon be entering the world. An event that usually ends in hauling loads of boxes making up the "shower" of gifts that baby will need. It's a beautiful day.
Although on this day we're the guests of honor, that can sometimes be nerve-wracking. Being the center of attention and smiling for tons of pictures can feel like a lot of pressure. We have to make sure we've got the perfect look, from our hair to our toes. Especially important is something comfortable. Showers are usually thrown toward the end of the pregnancy, so wearing something to tight or uncomfortable is just not an option.
Thank goodness for the boom of online vendors that makes shopping for events so much easier for plus-size women. Women now have a ton of brands, and even a few targeted stores, that cater specifically to pregnant moms and their growing tummies. Sure we could look for dresses among the normal sizes and just buy them bigger, but even when doing that, it's only a certain type of dress that will fit us and the baby inside us.
As a plus-sized woman, finding a fabulous dress in the maternity section can even more challenging. It's best to start early on the search, and to spread the net wide (across a bunch of stores and sites), and then sift through for the perfect one. We've taken the time to make an initial survey of the web's maternity dress options (which were sort of slim, I won't lie), and I've also included some plus-size dresses that aren't targeted at moms-to-be, but have a lot of give, an empire waist, or a forgiving cut. Let's jump in!
Lace Cami Top Tulle Midi Dress
Channel the princess we all wanted to be as little girls in this adorable tulle dress. People will find it incredibly hard not to touch the tummy in this diaphanous little number.
ASOS DESIGN Maternity Premium Lace Cami Top Tulle Midi Dress ($92, ASOS)
Belted Floral Wrap Dress
This long ruffled wrap dress is great for the pregnant body. There's ample space for the belly, and since it wraps, it can expand with us!
Isabel Maternity by Ingrid & Isabel Maternity Plus Size Floral Wrap Dress ($33, Target)
Pink Chiffon Dress With Jewel Embellished Neckline
What a fun dress to wear at a baby shower for a baby girl! I can't decide if my favorite feature is the bow around the waist, or the embellished neckline that eliminates the need for a necklace.
Pink Chiffon Dress With Jewel Embellished Neckline & Self Tie Waist ($60, Yours Clothing)
Ivory Floral Print Sash Tie Plus Maxi Dress
Yes, there are quite a few maxi dresses in this list. The print and color scheme of this one is my favorite though — green and orange look so nice together.
Ivory Floral Print Sash Tie Plus Maxi Dress ($68, Pink Blush)
Artsy Pencil Dress
This dress ventures away from all the traditional maternity silhouettes, while still giving baby some space in the middle. That's the great thing about innovative maternity clothing — it lets us wear what everyone else can.
ASOS DESIGN Maternity Pleated Shoulder Pencil Dress in Abstract Brush Stroke Print ($64, ASOS)
Colorblock Maxi Dress
This dress is a simple option, with its two-toned color block design. Why not wear this to a shower for a new baby boy? It also comes in pink!
Chiffon Colorblock Plus Maternity Maxi Dress ($65, Pink Blush)
Bandeau Dress
A dress like this will make our ever-growing bellies the second thing people look at. With its bandeau top and bright floral print, mom-to-be can't help but be the center of attention at her shower.
Maternity Bandeau Dress with Dipped Hem in Floral Print ($92, ASOS)
Black Textured Glitter Layered Dress
This dress is great because it literally has no waist. Not only that, the glittery outer layer is split in the middle! This isn't a maternity dress but the cut is perfect for any mom-to-be.
Black Textured Glitter Layered Dress ($56, Yours Clothing)
Long Sleeved Floral Maternity Plus Maxi Dress
This dress drew my attention because of its beautiful pink color palette and how the flowers appear to have been painted with watercolors. The scoop neck is great to show off a gorgeous face and glowing clavicles.
Black Pink Floral Sash Tie Maternity Plus Maxi Dress ($63, Pink Blush)
Zig-Zag Patterned Maxi Dress
Here we have another dress that isn't a maternity dress but it is great because of its loose fit and elastic waist. The print also adds an edgy flavor for the mom who doesn't feel like wearing flowers for her shower.
Flounce London Plus Maxi Dress With Split in Zig Zag Pattern ($95, ASOS)
Patterned Burgundy Dress
This thin and wispy, maternity dress is understated but still pretty. The large floral print is somehow still delicate.
MAMA Patterned Dress – Burgundy/Floral ($40, H&M)
Black & White Gingham Floral Embroidered Bardot Dress
See the recurring theme? When shopping from clothing that isn't made specifically for pregnant women, the safe choice is a dress with no waistline. No matter how big we grow, a dress like this will safely, but beautifully cradle us.
Black & White Gingham Floral Bardot Dress ($51, Yours Clothing)
Navy Scalloped Chiffon Evening Gown
Going for an ultra glam or evening vibe for your shower? This number is luxurious, sexy, and dark but still delivers comfort.
Navy Scalloped Crochet Chiffon Plus Maternity Evening Gown ($115, Pink Blush)
Floral Skater Dress
This pink and black floral, A-line maternity dress is playful, while remaining chic. It also comes in black and white, instead of pink.
BUMP IT UP MATERNITY Pink Floral Skater Dress ($60, Pink Blush)
Lace Overlay Maternity Maxi
Embody inner serenity in this delicately laced bohemian number. With so many color options, the possibilities of looks are endless.
Lace Overlay Maternity Maxi ($95, Pink Blush)
Tulle Dress With Sequin Top
Tulle is a fabric that is super forgiving. This sequined A-line number works because it also has an empire waist effect. I'd order a size up just to be sure, though.
Maya Plus Long Sleeve Wrap Front Midi Dress with Delicate Sequin and Tulle Skirt ($135, ASOS)
Embroidered Mesh Swing Dress
We have yet another swing dress, and its so enchanting. Multiple layers of chiffon-like material and metallic silver and green embroidery make this a wearable masterpiece.
Embroidered Mesh Swing Dress ($90, Lane Bryant)
Floral Short Sleeve Swing Dress
Bright colors and flowers just make me smile. With its vivid print and loose fit, the free-spirited mom will truly feel her best self when wearing this.
Loft Plus Floral Short Sleeve Swing Dress ($70, Loft)
Black Sequin Cold Shoulder Cape Dress
Feeling moody? Be a glam rock queen in this sequined, black cape dress.
Black Sequin Cold Shoulder Cape Dress ($165, Yours Clothing)
Off-the-Shoulder Maternity Gown
A simple dress need not be a bad thing. This dress is made for a mother's body and comes in multiple colors. But the cream is definitely my favorite, as it lets the mother be the centerpiece and allows for creativity with the accessories.
Angelina Off the Shoulder Maternity Gown ($54 and up, Etsy)
