My best friend on the planet is pregnant right now–I remember being in the EXACT same situation nearly two years ago (cue bittersweet sobs!) and being hot, miserably uncomfortable, and wanting to walk around in a maternity bra 24/7.
But alas, the real world frowns upon not wearing pants–and thank goodness for dresses! I’ve been helping my gal pal decide which of many baby shower dresses she should purchase, which is a feat in and of itself without adding in factors like comfortability and guessing how large you’ll be by the time the party rolls around. Wearing a dress in the deep throes of a summer pregnancy is a true Godsend, but not all baby shower dresses are created equal. Maternity wear for baby showers and other get-togethers used to have a bad rap for being frumpy and without style, but the great minds of fashion got together and finally figured it out!
Our Favorite Baby Shower Dresses for Summer
For the Ethereal Mama
I absolutely love these options for late spring and early summer–or, if you don’t live in the hot-and-humid south, you could wear one of these dresses at any point and look like an actual pregnant goddess! You can easily add accessories, you don’t have to cross your ankles or legs the whole time thanks to the length, and they’re still casual enough to wear every day, so you don’t have to reserve it only for special occasions like your baby shower.
Polka dot maxi wrap

Watercolor floral wrap

Flutter-sleeve maxi

Chiffon tank dress

Eyelet babydoll

For the Chic Mama
Have you been wearing heels and cute clothes throughout your pregnancy, and you want to extend that same style to your baby shower? A chic maternity dress can be rather difficult to come by, but some of these styles handle the call beautifully!
Ruffle sheath dress

Midi knot dress

Little white dress

Off-the-shoulder mermaid

Maternity sheath

For the Budget-Savvy Mama
This is where I feel most at home–chatting fashion and being frugal. I’ve encouraged my BFF to buy only one or two special maternity dresses if she’s not planning to have lots of babes–or, to pick a few of these gorgeous options for a fraction of the cost of the others! Though baby showers are such a special event in a pregnant mama’s life, you shouldn’t have to feel constrained by a formal gown or a generally uncomfortable ensemble. If you’re pregnant in the thick of the heat, the last thing you want is to be sweating and soaking through a nice dress. Instead, sweat through one of the adorable-and-budget-friendly option below!
Floral jumpsuit

Short and sweet

Sunny maxi

Navy shirt dress

Striped ruffles

For Wearing Post-Pregnancy
Though so many of these amazing dresses don’t even look like a maternity dress, rouching and expanded torso areas often give them away without a belly to fill it out. These options below give you the ability to be comfortable and stylish, and many aren’t even *technically* maternity dresses.
Wrap-front midi

Blush wrap

Ruffled shirt dress

Floral button-front

Tie-shoulder

The baby shower will be a hit regardless–but it won’t hurt to slay every photo you’re tagged in with one of these beauties, right?!
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