Bumpin’ in Style: Celebs Show How to Embrace the Maternity Maxi Dress Craze

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I recently noticed that a maternity maxi dress trend, along with the baby boom, is also happening in Hollywood.

They’re entirely right, of course — just take a look at how many pregnant celebs have been spotted rockin’ maternity fashion in maxi dresses:

A collage showcasing Alessandra Ambrosio, Alyson Hannigan, and Tori Spelling elegantly sporting maternity maxi dresses during their public appearances in 2012A collage showcasing Alessandra Ambrosio, Alyson Hannigan, and Tori Spelling elegantly sporting maternity maxi dresses during their public appearances in 2012 (Credit: WENN)

Featured here are Molly Sims, Elizabeth Berkley, and Anna Faris, each radiating pregnancy glow in their fashionable maxi dresses on various occasions in 2012
Featured here are Molly Sims, Elizabeth Berkley, and Anna Faris, each radiating pregnancy glow in their fashionable maxi dresses on various occasions in 2012 (Credit: WENN)

Kourtney Kardashian’s Maternity Maxi Dress Diary

Kourtney Kardashian, who gave birth to her daughter Penelope on July 8th, consistently favored the maxi dress trend throughout her pregnancy. Her wardrobe choices demonstrated practicality and style, blending comfort with contemporary fashion.

Kourtney Kardashian, photographed in chic maternity maxi dresses at different locations in Malibu and West Hollywood, showcasing her stylish pregnancy wardrobe in May 2012Kourtney Kardashian, photographed in chic maternity maxi dresses at different locations in Malibu and West Hollywood, showcasing her stylish pregnancy wardrobe in May 2012 (Credit: WENN)

Kourtney Kardashian spotted at Fred Segal and Barneys New York in Beverly Hills, flaunting her maternity style in maxi dresses during June and July 2012
Kourtney Kardashian was spotted at Fred Segal and Barneys New York in Beverly Hills, flaunting her maternity style in maxi dresses during June and July 2012 (Credit: WENN)

Kourtney Kardashian’s enviable maternity style in maxi dresses looks effortless yet fashionable. But most importantly, especially to expecting mothers, it seems downright comfortable.

These pregnant celebrities prove that ladies-carrying-babies-in-their-bellies shouldn’t be and aren’t restricted to shopping at maternity sections for clothing needs. Particularly with this maxi dress trend, the style is easy to find, versatile, and wearable even post-pregnancy.

There are just a few things to be mindful of while perusing the regular racks for maternity-friendly maxi dresses. Moms-to-be, here are the five things to look for when shopping for that perfect maxi dress!

1. Flowy and Fabulous: Maternity Maxi Must-Haves

This one’s a no-brainer, but loose shouldn’t mean frumpy. A spaghetti-strapped maxi dress fitted around the bust area will show just the right amount of skin and balance out the skirt’s volume.

We love the pregnant Beyonce in an orange Lanvin gown look of the Winter Kate ‘Kamala’ dress below!

Showcasing a selection of flowy and comfortable maxi dresses, ideal for expectant mothers, including designs like Michael Stars 'Marisa', Tbags Los Angeles, and Winter Kate 'Kamala'Showcasing a selection of flowy and comfortable maxi dresses, ideal for expectant mothers, including designs like Michael Stars ‘Marisa’, Tbags Los Angeles, and Winter Kate ‘Kamala’

2. Stretch for Success: Comfortable Maternity Maxi Dresses

You’ll want a maxi dress that will stretch right along with you as your baby bump grows. Thankfully, the jersey is a popular fabric for maxi dresses and should be found in every style:

A variety of stretchy and accommodating maxi dresses perfect for growing baby bumps, featuring designs like Gabriella Rocha 'Hally', Tommy Bahama 'Deco Waves', and RVCA 'Spirit Voice'A variety of stretchy and accommodating maxi dresses perfect for growing baby bumps, featuring designs like Gabriella Rocha ‘Hally’, Tommy Bahama ‘Deco Waves’, and RVCA ‘Spirit Voice’

3. Cotton Comfort: Empire Cut Maternity Maxi Dresses

100% cotton is one of the most comfortable fabrics, but unfortunately, it doesn’t have a lot of give. If you’re itching to wear a pure cotton maxi dress, at least choose one in a pregnancy-friendly empire cut:

Comfortable and stylish empire cut maxi dresses, including the Jessica Simpson Striped Twist Bust, Roxy 'Born Dreamer', and MICHAEL Michael Kors designs, suitable for maternity wearComfortable and stylish empire cut maxi dresses, including the Jessica Simpson Striped Twist Bust, Roxy ‘Born Dreamer’, and MICHAEL Michael Kors design, suitable for maternity wear

4. Pleats and Gathers: Chic Maternity Maxi Choices

Pleating, ruching, and gathering in a maxi dress are a few more of a pregnant gal’s allies:

A showcase of maxi dresses with pleating and gathering details, ideal for maternity wear, including Soft Joie 'Wilcox', Nicole Miller 'Tidal Wave', and Type Z 'Liliana'A showcase of maxi dresses with pleating and gathering details, ideal for maternity wear, including Soft Joie ‘Wilcox’, Nicole Miller ‘Tidal Wave,’ and Type Z ‘Liliana’

5. Adjustable Elegance: Maxi Dresses for Now and Later

Removable belts, drawstring, and elastic waists will let you wear your maxi dress after pregnancy. We all want to get the most bang for our buck. Just make sure to choose one that’s stretchy!

Maxi dresses with removable belts, drawstrings, and elastic waists, ensuring a perfect fit during and post-pregnancy. Featured are designs from Rip Curl, MICHAEL Michael Kors, and Rachel PallyMaxi dresses with removable belts, drawstrings, and elastic waists ensure a perfect fit during and post-pregnancy. Featured are designs from Rip Curl, MICHAEL Michael Kors, and Rachel Pally