Dressing the Bump
My niece Camille is turning 18 this year and my sister is throwing her a traditional Filipino Debut party. I was under the impression that maternity clothes have come a long way, but after spending hours online trying to find a suitable maternity dress for the event that wasn't a wrap-around jersey knit, I decided to hunt down a "normal" dress that would still work with a 5.5 month seedling bump.
I figured my best bet would be to find an empire-waisted dress with ample space in the bottom half for the bump so it doesn't cause the hem-line to ride up at an awkward angle. After trying on numerous dresses, here are two that I ended up purchasing.
Pre-pregnancy I was a size 2. I initially ordered the Taryn Dress ($215) in a size 4, thinking that would be enough leeway...) WRONG, it was waaaay too small in the bust area and I couldn't even close the zipper around my chest. So I returned it at the shop and reordered another one but this time I followed the sizing guide VERY closely. AND since my chest has gone from a 34 to a 36.5 I swallowed my pride and reluctantly ordered a size 10 (petite). Yes, a definite OH HELLS NO moment, I'm now wearing the 2nd to the last size in the spectrum. I tried on the dress once more last night to make sure that the bump still fits, fortunately it does but I have a feeling I only have a couple more weeks until I grow out of it.
My back up dress is from Anthro (Monukka Dress, $168) - I ended up buying a size 4. It fits really well and looks really flattering on! All I had to do was move up the belt hooks a bit higher so it hits right below the bust line. If for any reason the J.Crew dress doesn't fit, I'll happily rock my option 2.
Conclusion? It is possible to find non-maternity dresses that will work (not sure if I'll be singing the same tune in about 2 months). Think empire-waist + flowy/roomy!
images: J.Crew + Anthropologie
9 comments:
Good thing you're not tall! All non-maternity dresses on me were WAY too short in the hemline at the front. Like indecent short! You look beautiful by the way!
Very good point Stefanie! Finding dresses that fell closer to the knees was definitely challenging. Most of the dresses that are out right now are definitely more on the short side!! Thank you so much!!
These are awesome picks hun! You are so very beautiful pregnant or not and I know you will look gorgeous for the party! :)
xo
Melis
Lovely dresses :) I work in a maternity shop and I know exactly what you mean about jersey wrap dresses haha! When my sis was pregnant she definitely rocked the non-maternity look for as long as possible!
http://justpressedprint.blogspot.com/
Don't think of it as weight gain for you but health for the baby. From pers. experience, all of it was lost plus more. sadly, I had to say goodbye to glorious "bosoms" during the "fragrant" period. Since we're family...I doubt you'll be over 110 lbs., really, am still trying to gain it back. What you'll wish for is the patience, strength & endurance since the addition to your family will definitely change dynamics. We wish you well!
Love both dresses! Great choices! I really like the typefaces you used in this post...is that Century Gothic? What about the handwritten font? Thanks!
Thanks! It's actually Gentle.
you're adorable with a bump!
Thanks Jenn!!!
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