I don’t know exactly how my size and shape will shift over the course of pregnancy and beyond, but I do know that forgiving, stretchy clothing pieces will be key. For this reason (and the fact that Boston’s remarkably cold winter has me craving resort styles) I’ve been deep in a rabbit hole of smocked dresses.
The Ellie Nap Dress (#2) is famous for stretching to fit a 40-week pregnant body just as well as a not-pregnant body, but they’re not the only smocked dress game in town. The long-sleeved Boden (#4) and Tuckernuck (#5) dresses would have been so nice this fall when I wasn’t yet showing, but was feeling less than stellar and was extremely sensitive to tight waistbands cutting into my tummy and therefore only wanted to wear pajama pants. And the Oliphant dress (#6) would be absolutely dreamy if I had a wedding to go to during pregnancy or postpartum (and also happened to have an unlimited budget).
Regardless of whether or not I could squeeze a third trimester body into any of these options, I am confident that smocking will be such a nice feature for postpartum walks and mini-adventures with baby this summer. Plus, comfort is always key in my wardrobe. Here are the top contenders that I can’t get out of my mind.
- Sunshine Tienda Caroline Flower Rio Dress ($178)
- Hill House Ellie Nap Dress in Pink Pimlico Floral ($178)
- Mille Garden Dress in Ibiza Stripe ($368)
- Boden Gemma Smocked Midi Dress in High Risk Red Abstract Dot ($190 marked down to $102)
- Tuckernuck Ro’s Garden Red Geraldine Ivy Maxi Dress ($258)
- Oliphant One Shoulder Smocked Maxi Dress in Ginkgo Green ($498)
- Avara Samantha Dress ($112)
- Mille Olympia Dress ($268)
Bookworm Cottage Style 
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