8 OF THE BEST MATERNITY DRESSES FOR EVERY SEASON

Pregnancy is the perfect time to celebrate your body, and nothing is more figure-flattering—not to mention comfortable—than a maternity dress.

Today’s designer brands make finding a flawless dress simple, offering great designs, from flowy boho florals to cable-knit sweaters. Here are our top tips for buying maternity clothes and some of the best maternity dresses for every season.

HOW TO BUY MATERNITY CLOTHES

Preparing for parenthood is no simple feat—luckily shopping for maternity clothes is much easier, thanks to the immense selection of favorable options available today. Keep these factors in mind when building a baby-bump-friendly wardrobe:

Loose-fitting designs

Maternity dresses come in various silhouettes, prints, and colors, allowing wearers to express themselves comfortably. Loose-fitting designs are one of the best choices when expecting, as they accommodate movement and accentuate the body in charming ways. Select tiered flowy dresses with flutter sleeves or puff sleeves to take advantage of flattering relaxed fits.

Stretchy materials

Fabrics that stretch will give plenty of room to grow, taking you from the second trimester to the third with ease. Spandex, elastane, and jersey are commonly used in casual maternity dresses to fit the body throughout every pregnancy stage. They provide support where needed and fit comfortably.

Lightweight fabrics

Light, breathable fabrics reduce the chance of overheating even on the hottest days. Cotton, linen, and silk are three great materials for keeping cool.

Draw attention to favorite features

As with any stage of life, showcasing your favorite features is a great first step for styling. Draw attention to the décolletage with a sweetheart or deep-V neckline. Mini and midi-length skirts are perfect for showcasing the legs. And for the waist, opt for wrap dresses and other styles that proudly draw attention to your midsection.

Play up your personal style

Maternity designers today offer stretchy or maternity versions of the styles you gravitated toward before becoming pregnant, whether relaxed or fitted. Feeling comfortable and confident is top priority, and that’s easiest to achieve in styles that feel like you.

SPRING AND SUMMER MATERNITY DRESSES

Building a wardrobe with lightweight designs that can beat the heat is essential as spring and summer arrive. Without the extra layers, you can have fun with jeweled or off-the-shoulder necklines, playful prints, and rich colors.

Explore these summer and spring maternity dresses to make the most out of each season:

Floral dresses

Nothing says spring quite like a floral print. Whether searching for a dress for an upcoming wedding, baby shower, graduation, or garden party, florals and botanical prints are perfect for any occasion. Tiffany Rose offers brightly colored maxi dresses with crossover necklines for nursing. The empire waists allow the fabric to flow naturally and accentuate the body’s curves.

Mini dress

Mini dresses are great for summer, whether you’re hitting the beach or sight-seeing in a new city. There are countless long-sleeve and T-shirt dresses in attractive colors and fabrics. Emilia George features an exquisite tie-neck satin dress. Easy access for nursing means you can continue to wear this versatile dress after the baby is born. 

Off-the-shoulder dress

An off-the-shoulder silhouette is a beautiful summer option that requires very few accessories to look dressed up. They typically come in maxi or midi lengths, some with graceful ruffles below the neckline. This dress shape opens up opportunities to style short statement necklaces that draw attention to the décolletage.

Wrap dress

Ease and comfort make wrap dresses a perfect choice for pregnancy and postpartum. Available in a range of colors and patterns, they’re great for meeting up with friends for brunch or celebrating a special occasion.

FALL AND WINTER MATERNITY DRESSES

When temperatures drop, it’s time to bundle up in warm fabrics. Choose textured knits, wool, velvet, and tweed in long full-coverage cuts to feel cozy on even the chilliest days. When traveling from point A to B in frigid climes, add leggings and layers, and choose hats that are comfortable indoor and out.

Try these winter and fall maternity dresses to stay comfy during cool weather:

Knit dress

Knit dresses, commonly fashioned from wool or cotton, are a must-have for all winter wardrobes. Emilia George offers a maternity rib-knit bodycon dress in an olive green that’s well suited for crisp fall mornings. Style the design with tights, a fall blazer, or a winter wool coat. Knits look exceptional with boots and accessories such as a statement necklace and structured handbag.

Wool dress

Wool is the cold-climate champion. It’s warm, soft, and reliably stylish, whether dyed or left natural. Select a long-sleeve floor-length design, and then add a faux-fur coat for outings.

Long-sleeve dress

Every fall season, maternity designers unveil a range of long-sleeve dress options in varying fabric weights for every climate. On particularly cold days, layer up with a long cardigan, tights, and boots. Add finishing touches via dangling earrings or a jaunty hat. 

Maxi dress

Ankle-length or floor-sweeping dresses offer warmth and plenty of style. Discover designs with delicate ruched details, A-line skirts, and long sleeves.

DRESSES AND BEYOND

For more designer dresses, baby clothing, and baby gear, explore the vast collection for moms-to-be at Neiman Marcus. Or, for assistance in finding the perfect fit or charming gift, book a one-on-one in-store or virtual appointment with a Neiman Marcus style advisor.

Neiman Marcus’ editorial archive is filled with insider styling tips and fashion recommendations that make getting ready easier than ever. Explore our ideas for styling black dresses or wearing jackets with dresses to elevate your maternity look.