What to Wear to a Wedding When You’re Expecting

Meghan Markle at a charity Cirque du Soleil performance.

If figuring out what to wear a winter wedding is like the fashion equivalent of trying to land a triple salchow, imagine how much more difficult it is when you’ve got a baby bump to take into consideration? It’s almost up there with trying to land a triple salchow while pregnant.

For those with a bun in the oven, who have recently gotten a wedding invite in the mail, the process of finding a wedding-appropriate and maternity-friendly dress is next level hard—we know, cause we’ve been there. Anything with a waist is out of the question; same goes for cleavage—both front and back. Prints and bright colors can also prove challenging, and then there’s the matter of needing comfortable shoes for those slightly swollen feet. But thankfully, there are still ways to look chic and sleek when you’re expecting. Just take a page from Meghan Markle’s fashion playbook. Yes, she has a full-time stylist on hand, but the Duchess has managed to consistently turn out a stunning maternity wardrobe for both day and night, and there are notes to be taken and lessons to be learned from the styles and silhouettes she’s relying on. Below, seven outfits for mamas-to-be that won’t make you feel like you’re wearing a tent. (As for staying stone cold sober while everyone else is really feeling the music? Unfortunately, that’s something we can’t help you with.)

Look 1

Instead of splurging on a maternity dress you’re not going to wear after the baby is born, why not invest in a dress your post-pregnancy bod will love as well? The brand Doen works well for expecting moms. Using fabrics that stretch easily, they are cut in a way that is flattering for bumps of all sizes. Pair this floral number with a pair of fancy slides. Done and done!

Look 2

If you’re aiming for something a little bit sexier (yes, that is allowed), a mini babydoll silhouette is where it’s at. Model Bianca Balti recently launched a sustainable maternity line offering a range of flirty babydoll looks and matching bloomers that we predict will be a big hit amongst the fashion forwards moms.

Look 3

While it’s tempting to go for something loose, a figure-hugging knit dress is always a flattering way to show off those new curves. Even though guests are often discouraged from wearing red to the wedding because it can be too “look at me, look at me,” expecting moms should have at it!

Look 4

La Ligne is another brand that works for both future moms and single gals. (It helps that both founders are ex-Vogue staffers who have been pregnant more than once.) Pair their lovely stretch polka-dot midi dress with a pretty pastel chunky heel for maximum comfort and style.

Look 5

Pregnant women learn quickly that an empire waist is their friend, and who does that silhouette better than Valentino? Correct answer? No one.

Look 6

Speaking of babydoll mini dresses, this fun little look by Prada will not only be a hit on the dance floor, it’s also roomy enough to comfortably fit (or hide, if that’s your jam) a growing baby bump.

Look 7

If none of the above appeal, a tried and true route is to look for a simple slip dress from a maternity brand, like Hatch, and pair it with a dressed up blazer or cropped jacket. And remember to focus on the accessories, they can make or break the simplest of outfits.