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The best maternity cocktail dresses for special occasions

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Great invites don’t just stop when you’re pregnant, so having a maternity cocktail dress on hand is essential. Being pregnant, you shouldn’t have to compromise on style. Forget the dowdy, sack-like dresses and embrace regular dresses with stretch or super cool maternity wear designed to have you looking and feeling like a queen. Our carefully curated list of maternity cocktail dresses will help you make a stunning entrance for your best ever mocktail party, hen’s do, brunch or more. Let’s go!

What are maternity cocktail dresses and why do you need them?

Maternity cocktail dresses are designed to make you look and feel glam while providing the comfort and flexibility your growing bump needs. They are often made with stretchy, breathable materials or flowy and breathable fabrics while featuring flattering cuts that accentuate your best features.

Whether you’re attending a wedding, a work do or another formal, having the right cocktail dress can boost your confidence and make your special moments even more memorable. Pregnancy is a beautiful phase, and you deserve to celebrate it in style!

Our top cocktail dress picks for every fabulous mom-to-be

Sweetest empire waist dresses

An empire waist dress sits just below the bust, giving ample room for your baby bump. It’s a classic choice for pregnant women who wish to maintain both comfort and elegance, while highlighting your figure.

Flounce London Maternity Kimono Sleeve Midi Dress In Blush
Credit: Asos

Flounce London Maternity Kimono Sleeve Midi Dress In Blush

Gorgeous maxi dresses for ultimate comfort

Maxi dresses offer a chic, flowing silhouette that’s perfect for formal events. The high low length of this dress makes you look taller, providing a slimming effect while giving you room to move freely.

Air Linen Halter Maxi Dress In Deep Navy
Credit: Onia

Air Linen Halter Maxi Dress In Deep Navy

Elevating wrap dresses for effortless style

Wrap dresses offer an adjustable fit that can accommodate your changing shape. These are perfect for formal gatherings where you want to effortlessly look put together.

Gillian Recycled Nylon Wrap Maxi Dress - Black
Credit: Meshki

Gillian Recycled Nylon Wrap Maxi Dress – Black

Stunning off-shoulder masterpieces

Show off your beautiful shoulders while giving space to your bump with these off-shoulder dresses. They’re the epitome of modern elegance.

Tia Slinky Off Shoulder Maxi Dress - Black
Credit: Meshki

Tia Slinky Off Shoulder Maxi Dress – Black

Striking sequin maternity cocktail dresses for the limelight

Who says you can’t sparkle while pregnant? Sequin gowns add that extra bit of glam to make you the star of the evening.

Mama Before & After Sequined Nursing Dress Silver Ed
Credit: H&M

Mama Before & After Sequined Nursing Dress Silver Ed

Chic long sleeve dresses for elevated winter style

Figure hugging long sleeve dresses offer a flattering silhouette that highlights your curves and provides a minimalist foundation to your look.

Cozy Rib Maternity Dress Camel
Credit: BUMPSUIT

Cozy Rib Maternity Dress Camel

Captivating high-low hemlines

High-low hemlines offer a playful yet elegant look, giving you the best of both worlds in terms of comfort and style.

Knot-Detail Dress Light Beige
Credit: H&M

Knot-Detail Dress Light Beige

Off shoulder midi dresses for versatile beauty

Midi dresses hit the perfect middle ground between short and long, making them a versatile option for various formal events.

Prairie Black & White Bardot Maternity Midi Dress With Flower Prairie Black   White Bardot Maternity Midi Dress With Flower
Credit: Club L London

Prairie Black & White Bardot Maternity Midi Dress With Flower Prairie Black White Bardot Maternity Midi Dress With Flower

Claire Off-Shoulder Maternity Dress Red
Credit: Soon Maternity

Claire Off-Shoulder Maternity Dress Red

Exquisite slip dresses for understated glam

Slip dresses are the epitome of effortless beauty, offering a slender silhouette without compromising comfort.

Verona cowl dress Dusty Purple Luxe Satin
Credit: Show Me Your Mumu

Verona cowl dress Dusty Purple Luxe Satin

Radiant halter neck dresses for a modern touch

Halter neck dresses are a great way to flaunt your shoulders and arms, providing a modern yet elegant look for any formal event.

Jasmine Halter Maxi Dress Ivory Luxe Satin
Credit: Show Me Your Mumu

Jasmine Halter Maxi Dress Ivory Luxe Satin

Classic A-line dresses for timeless grace

A-Line dresses offer a fit that is both flattering and timeless, perfect for moms-to-be who love a traditional yet stylish look.

The Cozy-Stretch Sleeveless Midi Dress Heathered Toasted Coconut
Credit: Everlane

The Cozy-Stretch Sleeveless Midi Dress Heathered Toasted Coconut

Sultry bodycon styles for glam nights

Bodycon dresses are designed to embrace every curve, making you feel both gorgeous and empowered during your special evening.

Off-The-Shoulder Knitted Maternity Dress Petrol
Credit: Seraphine

Off-The-Shoulder Knitted Maternity Dress Petrol

Breezy bohemian flairs for relaxed elegance

If you’re seeking a more relaxed, earthy vibe, bohemian dresses offer that effortless grace perfect for a more casual cocktail setting.

Millim Mini Dress In Pink
Credit: Hemant And Nandita

Millim Mini Dress In Pink

Ruffled dresses for a fairy-tale look

Ruffles add a magical touch to any dress, offering an extra layer of glamour and whimsy to your ensemble.

Jess Ruffle Midi Dress Black Chiffon
Credit: Show Me Your Mumu

Jess Ruffle Midi Dress Black Chiffon

Captivating maxi dresses for elevated poise

Maxi dresses are the epitome of elegance, offering a long, flowing silhouette that’s perfect for more formal cocktail events.

Luisa Strapless Maxi Dress - Black
Credit: Meshki

Luisa Strapless Maxi Dress – Black

Glorious Grecian drapes for a touch of antiquity

Grecian-style dresses are a timeless classic, offering a flattering drape that highlights your bump in the most elegant way.

The Robin Dress Forest Green
Credit: Hatch

The Robin Dress Forest Green

Vibrant floral prints for a blooming good time

Floral dresses bring the beauty of nature to your look, offering vibrant colors and patterns that are bound to make heads turn.

Jess Ruffle Midi Dress Sage I Do Floral
Credit: Show Me Your Mumu

Jess Ruffle Midi Dress Sage I Do Floral

Off-the-shoulder elegance for extra allure

Show off a little skin while keeping it classy with off-the-shoulder dresses. These dresses offer a balanced look that highlights your shoulders and collarbone.

+ Net Sustain Atlanta Off-The-Shoulder Shirred Linen Midi Dress Black
Credit: SLEEPER

+ Net Sustain Atlanta Off-The-Shoulder Shirred Linen Midi Dress Black

Magical mermaid style maternity cocktail dresses for a splash of drama

Mermaid-style dresses are perfect for those who love a bit of drama. These dresses flare out at the bottom, resembling a mermaid’s tail, and offer a unique, eye-catching look, perfect for your photoshoot too.

Black Off Shoulder Ruffle Maternity Plus Photoshoot Gown/Dress
Credit: PinkBlush Maternity

Black Off Shoulder Ruffle Maternity Plus Photoshoot Gown/Dress

Shimmer dresses for the star of the night

Shimmer dresses are the go-to for a night where you want to shine the brightest. They offer that extra sparkle that captures attention and cameras alike.

Gold Criss Cross Back Maternity Midi Dress
Credit: PinkBlush Maternity

Gold Criss Cross Back Maternity Midi Dress

Midi tank dresses for instant elevation

Tank dresses provide a minimal yet effective look, offering an understated elegance that can be dressed up with the right accessories.

Jill Sleeveless Tank Midi Dress - Black
Credit: Meshki

Jill Sleeveless Tank Midi Dress – Black

What can a pregnant woman wear to a wedding?

Weddings are the perfect opportunity to showcase your personal style, and being pregnant shouldn’t stop you from looking your best. Whether it’s a traditional ceremony or a laid-back affair, there are plenty of maternity cocktail dresses designed to make you look and feel fabulous even if the night goes on.

Many maternity cocktail dresses are form fitted or cut to flatter a growing bump. Consider the material, cut and fit to make sure you feel both comfortable and confident. A pair of comfortable heels and gold jewelry will have you sorted.

What to wear to a wedding at 37 weeks pregnant?

Being heavily pregnant doesn’t mean you have to miss out on attending special occasions. When it comes to maternity cocktail dresses suitable for a wedding at 37 weeks, comfort is the priority. Opt for fabrics like jersey, chiffon, or stretch lace that offer flexibility and breathability.

Designs with an empire waist or A-line skirts can give you room to breathe without compromising on elegance. Pair the dress with supportive footwear and light accessories to keep the focus on your beautiful baby bump and glowing visage. Also, don’t forget to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure you’re up for the event.

What should I wear to a bar when pregnant?

Going to a bar while pregnant doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. Although alcohol is off the table, your sense of fashion certainly isn’t. Maternity cocktail dresses with a relaxed yet stylish design are your best friends for such outings.

Choose a dress made of stretchy, breathable fabric for the utmost comfort. Accentuate your look with a statement necklace or earrings to draw the eye. Remember, confidence is the key to looking good, and a maternity cocktail dress that makes you feel great will shine through.

What is a bump-friendly dress?

A bump-friendly dress is essentially any dress designed to comfortably accommodate your growing belly. In the context of maternity cocktail dresses, look for designs that include features like ruching, empire waists, or elastic fabrics that will adapt to your body’s changes.

Whether it’s a wrap dress, an A-line skirt, or a maxi with a high waist, bump-friendly dresses aim to blend comfort with style. Such dresses aren’t just about accommodating your belly; they’re about making you feel fabulous from head to toe while ensuring you can move freely and enjoy your time out.

What type of dress hides a tummy?

When you’re pregnant, your body goes through a multitude of changes, one of which is a growing belly. If you’re looking to downplay your midsection, certain styles of maternity cocktail dresses can create a flattering silhouette. Empire waist dresses and wrap dresses are popular choices for their tummy-hiding capabilities.

A-line skirts and dresses with strategic ruching can also work wonders for your figure. Pay attention to patterns and fabric choices; darker colors and vertical lines can elongate your form, helping you look and feel your best.

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With a background in fashion design and patternmaking, I've transformed into an online stylist and editor. When I'm not curating looks for busy mamas, I'm mastering the art of juggling motherhood with my little love. I have a serious obsession with luxe athleisure.