Friday Faves: Bump Friendly Summer Dresses

Is it just me or did we blink and miss June and July? I am seriously in shock that yet another Summer has flown by. It always happens like that for me, Summer is too short and Winter is way too long. Luckily, for those of us in the South, it doesn’t really get hot until August which is why today’s Friday Favorites is all about bump friendly Summer dresses that transition into Fall. I’ve managed to make it through 27 weeks of pregnancy without really giving into maternity wear and wanted to share with all of you some shopping rules I’ve been following and how you can still look and feel fabulous with a growing waistline. Scroll down to read more about my shopping tips and to shop my favorite maxis, midis and minis. You can also see a full bumpdate post here. Xo

Size Up: It seems simple enough right? This has been a great way for me to pick up a few of the season’s trending pieces without having to totally give up my style. I also know that by only going up one size, I’ll still be able to wear my new pieces with a more loose and casual fit post baby belly. I have been surprised and how much life I’ve gotten out of the items I thought would only last a few weeks. Sizing up just one size can keep you in the styles you love without sacrificing your personal style or getting fomo. Depending on the garment, you may be able to go up two sizes and get even more life out of it. If I’ve had to go two sizes up, I just opted for the maternity version because I know I won’t be able to wear it postpartum.
Choose Your Silhouette Wisely: I learned early on in the pregnancy that tailored and zipper closure garments are off limits for me after about 10 weeks. It was really discouraging the first time I bought two sizes larger than I thought I needed only to find it wouldn’t zip. When I purchased it, I thought I was giving myself room to “grow into it” and was so wrong. Choose more shift or a-line silhouettes that really do give you room to breath and grow. I have found some great styles that have truly become favorites and kept my self confidence up in the process.
A Little Give Goes a Long Way: I mentioned yesterday that my polka dot dress has a full smocked elastic back. This has been one of the main reasons I’ve gotten so much life out of it. There’s no shame in an elastic waist or a fabric with a little stretch. I used to stress about wearing knits and knit dresses; they just weren’t my style and I always felt they didn’t work for me. Finding styles with those elements built in is a great way to keep your comfort without going full on sweatpants.
Empire State of Mind: This goes right along with choosing a good silhouette, but picking tops and dresses with an empire waist is a good way to give yourself more options. Just make sure they are either adjustable or not so tight you can’t breathe. These styles (sometimes called babydoll) are also good for defining what’s left of your waist.