Confession: for someone who has always hated clingy, bodycon dresses, this (very pregnant) writer now has an awful lot hanging in her wardrobe. Because out of all the pregnancy lessons learned so far, this one stands out: when it comes to maternity dressing, it’s far more flattering to embrace the bump than try to hide it. And that means stretchy, form-fitting dresses become your new best friend – particularly for an occasion like your baby shower, when your protruding belly is practically the guest of honour.
But given how many babies are born every year, there are surprisingly few baby shower dresses available. Do you opt for a maternity maxi dress, or a cute denim pinafore? Or do you play up the gender of your impending arrival and opt for a maternity dress in pink or blue?
Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best maternity brands to shop for baby shower outfits, whatever your sense of style.
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1. Legoe Heritage
Australian maternity brand Legoe is made for mums-to-be who, pre-pregnancy, favoured local labels like Seed and Paddo to Palmy. Head here if you’re looking for a white maternity dress, breezy separates or striped tees. They’ve recently released a strapless maxi dress in either black or chambray stripe that’s perfect for summer.
9. Bae The Label
Looking for something to see you through your pregnancy and post-natal wardrobe? Melbourne label Bae offers nursing-friendly maternity outfits, from bodycon-style tank dresses to roomier linen options. The beauty of all their pieces is in the detail – think tortoiseshell buttons, flattering side splits and gathering just where you want it.
8. Ripe
Another Australian maker of high-quality maternity wear, Ripe does a fine trade in dressier options perfect for weddings, the races or – you guessed it – your baby shower. Think pale pink lace dresses or floral off-the-shoulder mid-length styles, as well as more casual options.
7. Pea in a Pod
Baby shower outfit ideas abound at Pea in a Pod, with designs to suit pregnant mamas in summer and winter, from bodycon styles to shirt dresses and everything in between. Hot tip: they also offer a great selection of maternity activewear.
6. Hatch
A luxe option that’s stocked by the likes of Net-a-Porter and Shopbop, Hatch was a maternity wear favourite of Zoe Foster Blake. Their dresses are dreamy, if on the expensive side, and they also do amazing hospital bundles (baby shower present idea, anyone?) and even a pregnancy-safe beauty line including – bizarrely – a sheet mask for your bump.
5. Topshop Maternity
Yep – Topshop does a (small) maternity range. While it’s key focus seems to be denim (head here for maternity skinny jeans), they always have a tightly edited selection of maternity dresses too – you can shop the lot in Australia on The Iconic.
4. Ingrid & Isabel
Founded by Ingrid when she was pregnant with her firstborn, Isabel, this is a label created by a mama for mamas. They do a strong collection of special occasion dresses, as well as a decent line of basics – including that ‘Mama’ denim jacket you’ve probably spotted on Instagram.
3. Zara Maternity
When Zara announced it was launching a maternity collection in Australian stores last month, women everywhere reached for their credit cards. As you’d expect, the main game here is affordable, trend-driven pieces that can be worn with or without a bump.
2. Soon Maternity
A pregnancy favourite of Rebecca Judd, Rachael Finch and Erika Heynatz, most of Soon Maternity’s designs are made in Melbourne. They do special occasion dresses perfect for baby showers, as well as on-trend denim, activewear and basics.
1. ASOS
There are literally hundreds of maternity dresses to suit any and all baby shower dress codes on ASOS – your only problem will be stopping at just one.
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