Formal Maternity Dresses

What Are Formal Maternity Dresses for Evening Events?

We love a fancy evening event: the fine food, the beautiful venues, and, of course, the glamorous fashion. Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you can't rock ravishing evening dresses! Let us introduce you to our line of formal maternity dresses made just for those sparkling wine-and-dine occasions. Maternity evening dresses let you flaunt your new motherhood while keeping your image chic and classy.

Whether you're looking for stunning floor-length maxis for a black-tie dinner or cute maternity cocktail dresses for a semi-formal party, you'll find gowns to suit you in this collection.

But getting ready for a formal event involves more than donning a beautiful dress. A lot goes into making that drop-dead gorgeous outfit! Makeup, hair, and accessories all come into play, too. What's a woman to do? You shine in your very maternity best! Let's explore how to wear maternity evening gowns, from accessorizing to dressing for your shape. Consider this your formal dress class 101!

Maternity Evening Dresses vs. Maternity Cocktail Dresses: What's The Difference?

The very first thing to consider when shopping for formal maternity dresses is the type of occasion. Is this an upscale formal event? Or a more laid-back, semi-formal party? If the occasion is semi-formal, you can look at maternity cocktail dresses. These short but sophisticated dresses deliver that upscale look while keeping it cute. Maternity cocktail dresses usually fall right around the knee (give or take a few inches) and can be quite colorful!

Now, if you're attending a sparkling charity ball (very luxe and formal), you must shop for maternity evening gowns (AKA evening dresses). Unlike cocktail dresses, maternity evening gowns are always floor-length. The skirt can be fitted or flowy, but the gown is always divinely elegant. Most maternity evening dresses come in a solid, dazzling color. There can always be some overlap between these two categories. To remember it simply, maternity cocktail dresses are shorter and less formal, while maternity evening gowns are longer and reserved for black-tie occasions.

Maternity Style Guide for Common Formal Occasions

For gala dinners, choose a stunning maternity evening gown that combines elegance with comfort. Weddings are a perfect opportunity to wear flowy, romantic dresses, perhaps with floral prints or delicate lace. And for corporate events, sophisticated yet comfortable maternity suits or tailored dresses can make a professional and stylish statement.

How to Wear Maternity Evening Dresses

The epitome of formal maternity dresses, evening gowns need to check off every box to deliver their chic effect. It's essential to find the right dress for your body type, as well as matching accessories to create a balanced look. Above all, you want a dress that keeps you comfortable and confident all night long, so consider these points when you make your selection!

Understanding Formal Event Dress Codes During Pregnancy

Navigating dress codes for formal events while pregnant can be a challenge. For black-tie events, opt for elegant, floor-length gowns that offer both style and comfort. Semi-formal occasions may call for knee-length dresses or sophisticated cocktail attire that elegantly highlights your baby bump. Remember, the key is to balance formality with maternity-friendly features, ensuring you look fabulous while feeling at ease.

Evening Elegance: Dressing Up for Nighttime Galas

Evening events call for a touch of glamour and sophistication in maternity wear. Opt for darker shades or jewel tones that offer a slimming effect and pair well with evening lighting. Luxurious fabrics like silk or velvet can add an extra layer of elegance, making you stand out gracefully in the night.

Popular Maternity Styles for Formal Occasions

The most popular types of formal maternity dresses include empire-waist gowns, which provide comfort and style, and bodycon dresses that celebrate your pregnancy silhouette. Flowing maxi dresses are also a hit for their ease of movement and timeless elegance. For a modern twist, off-the-shoulder or illusion-neckline dresses can add a fashionable edge to your formal maternity wardrobe.

Dressing for Your Body Type

If you have a full bust (and you're pregnant, so chances are you do), it's best to avoid backless or strapless dresses. This is because strapless bras aren't ready to support pregnant breasts, and this will result in your dress slipping down. Trust us, you don't want to be pulling up your dress all night! So, we recommend that bustier women opt for a gown with a full top. If you have an hourglass shape, you'll want to flex your natural curves with a fitted maternity bodycon dress. If it has a slight flare at the bottom, all the better!

Those with a more pear-shaped body type should go for formal maternity dresses that emphasize their upper half. A sexy maternity dress with a plunging neckline will look fantastic since it draws attention away from your hips. Aim to accessorize with gleaming jewelry!

Finally, if you're a petite mama, the goal is to create more height. Try to stay away from fancy maternity dresses with full skirts or long trains — the extra material will swallow you up and make you appear smaller. Go with fitted gowns with a thigh slit to lengthen your form.

Classy Accessories For Your Evening Maternity Fit

• Jewelry: For a glamorous evening look, select shiny, metallic jewelry like gold, silver, or bronze, tailored to your skin tone. Vibrant stones can add a splash of color, complementing the shade of your formal maternity dress. Blue eyes can be highlighted with neutrals or silvery gemstones, while brown eyes pop with green or blue gems. Remember, a statement piece such as a necklace or earrings can elevate your evening maternity attire.
• Handbag: The right handbag is crucial for your formal maternity ensemble. Choose a shade that harmonizes with your dress and jewelry. For a cohesive look, consider selecting your handbag last. Simple prints that match your dress's color palette are ideal. For an elegant touch, opt for high-quality materials. Petite figures should avoid large bags, while a clutch is a perfect companion for maternity cocktail dresses.
• Shoes: Shoes play a significant role in complementing your evening maternity dress. Neutral tones like nude or matching colors are safe bets, ensuring they don't draw attention away from your gown. For those comfortable with heels, choose a height that ensures both elegance and safety, particularly in later stages of pregnancy. Flats, low heels, or stylish wedges are suitable alternatives that blend comfort with style.
• Coat: A well-chosen coat completes your formal maternity look. Short coats, like shrugs or boleros, pair excellently with long maternity evening dresses. If you prefer a long coat, ensure it harmonizes with your dress's length to maintain a balanced silhouette. The coat's length should not extend past the hips to avoid disrupting the outfit's proportions.

How to Stay Comfortable in Formal Maternity Dresses

If you're getting all decked out like this, chances are it's going to be a long night! Your comfort is the most important aspect of your outfit because it affects the way you carry yourself (and your mood!). You want to stay upbeat, confident, and cozy all night, so considering some extra maternity accessories is not a bad idea.

First off, we highly recommend wearing supportive maternity briefs underneath maternity party dresses. They will support your bump and reduce pelvic and back pain, which is crucial if you're wearing heels. Plus, some of them can shape your hips and enhance your silhouette. If your dress allows it (and most of ours do), wear a seamless nursing bralette to keep your breasts supported during the event. A seamless garment is less likely to show beneath your dress, and it's more comfortable for you.

Where to Buy Formal Maternity Dresses

Right here! If you need evening gowns or other party dresses, we can ship your desired maternity dresses right to your door for about half of what other online pregnancy stores might charge you. Our fancy maternity dresses draw eyes and keep a high standard even though the price is lower than you expect.

How is that possible? We have a direct relationship with our textile producers, so we don’t have to pay any middleman fees for the same luxurious fabric that other maternity boutiques use. This means we don’t charge our mothers more than what they need to pay! Yes, that means the dresses are still the same high quality you would get from other retailers. Each dress is breathable and made with durable elastic to conform to your form, regardless of what trimester you’re in. They can support your growing body and give you a tailored fit every time.

The best part though? No trip to the store is required! You can shop for all the maternity party dresses you want without having to leave your house. No traffic battle, and no lines. We supply thousands of maternity dresses for special occasions through our trusted online platform, and we’re ready to dress you for your special event.