Bump-friendly dresses I’ll be wearing all summer long
Last month, I was so excited to share (on my socials) the wonderful news that our family will be welcoming another precious baby boy into our lives this Fall. We found out at the start of the year and have been soaking in the sweet anticipation ever since. I was surprised at how quickly Hudson understood that there was a baby in my belly, and I absolutely melt every time he waves to my bump and gives his baby brother kisses.
So far, this pregnancy has been different from my first with Hudson. Time has flown by (how am I already past halfway?), and I started feeling baby boy kick much earlier this time around. I’ve felt fatigued well into my second trimester, and my husband may be able to attest to my many mood swings - although, those might have been around last pregnancy too.
This past month, our little family celebrated our babymoon and enjoyed a relaxing staycation at a local, Mediterranean-inspired resort & spa. Highlights were sun-bathing in our private veranda (while Hudson took his midday nap, or explored alongside us), ordering room service meals & enjoying them al fresco on the patio, and cozy nights in with the three of us all snuggled up in bed watching Hudson’s favorite show, while the fireplace glowed across the room and quietly warmed our casita.
It was such a sweet, memorable trip, and made me even more excited for the long, warm summer days ahead. As with most of our vacations, I had a lot of fun finding outfits (specifically, dresses) to wear during our stay. On my hunt for babymoon dresses, my goal was to find sustainable, bump-friendly styles that could grow with my belly all summer long & that I would be able to wear post-pregnancy too. I’m excited to share some of my favorite finds with you.
Knit dresses
Knit dresses are a forever staple in my closet. They’re soft, stretchy, flattering, and make the perfect throw on summer outfit. Wilfred’s (by Aritzia) Saturn Midi Dress is made with responsibly-sourced viscose and is perfect for the early stages of pregnancy. As my bump has gotten bigger, it’s not as comfortable as it once was - but I love that I was able to make my pre-pregnancy size work so I can wear it for years to come.
Reformation’s Emiliana Knit Dress is another dress that I purchased in my normal size, and it’s stretched with my bump comfortably throughout my pregnancy (I’m currently at week 24). The Tencel Lyocell fabric is buttery & breathable, and Reformation delivered once again with an ultra-flattering silhouette. This one makes me feel good.
Lastly, Mate the Label’s Tencel Rib Tank Dress has been one of my closet favorites since last year. It’s made up of a blend containing Tencel Lyocell & organic cotton and is a true pregnancy bff. It’s versatile enough to wear on just about any occasion or errand, and fits like a dream so I always feel put-together. I pair it with a claw clip & jean jacket on mornings we’re rushing out the door for church or throw my hair into a low messy bun & slip on my white sneakers for a quick run to the grocery store. Linking these looks below.
Babydoll
The ever-feminine, ethereal babydoll dress. Earlier this year, I started to notice babydoll dresses were trending & popping up in most of my favorite clothing brands’ collections. I didn’t own any babydoll styles pre-pregnancy, but thought it would be the perfect, flowy dress to throw on when the summer heat rolls around & my belly is at its biggest.
I discovered the beautiful & timeless Xirena brand in a local clothing boutique & immediately fell in love with the feel of the fabric and quality of the dresses. Made in the USA, most of Xirena’s pieces are fabricated with natural, sustainable fibers. The Sonnet Dress was my splurge dress for our babymoon and I look forward to wearing it many times this summer. It’s made up of a luxuriously soft 100% cotton gauze that feels like vacation.
I’ve also had my eye on Free People’s Blissful Breeze Mini - a cotton & linen blend, and Sunday Best’s (Aritzia) Angela dress - made up of 100% organic cotton. I love how girly and playful these dresses are, and that they allow plenty of room for growing bellies. Links below.
Smocked bodice
Smocked. Bodice. Dresses. A pregnant woman’s dream! Similar to the knit styles I mentioned above, the stretchy, forgiving silhouette of a smocked dress allowed me to purchase dresses in my true pre-pregnancy size, so I can wear these timeless styles well after baby arrives.
I love Wilfred’s (Aritzia) Golden Hour Linen Dress so much that I bought it in 2 colors (Natural Ecru & Black). The adjustable shoulder ribbons are feminine and flattering, and allow for a tailored fit during the ever-changing stages of pregnancy. The dress is made up of 100% organic linen, and feels cool to the touch - making it ideal for the warm, summer months ahead.
A softer, cotton alternative - Marine Layer’s Selene Smocked Tiered Maxi Dress features ruffle straps, a trendy tiered skirt, and pockets. I love that it can easily be dressed down with sneakers to run errands or dressed up for date night with a tasteful sandal. Linking these finds below.
While pregnancy is not always easy (hello fatigue, back pain, & weight gain), the many joys far outweigh these temporary discomforts. What a blessing it is to feel baby boy kick around & tumble inside me. I have so much fun dressing up my bump as he continues to grow, & I get more excited to meet him every day. Pregnancy is a beautiful miracle, and I’m thankful for each and every second of it.
I’m forever in awe that God has given me the gift to be a mommy to not just one but two precious baby boys. It’s incredibly humbling that He has chosen me to be their mama, and I pray that He will continue to have His hand on their lives, protect them, and give me (& Tyler) the wisdom to raise them up in a home where God’s great love & mercy is on display every day.
til next time,
Becks