15 Best Maternity Dresses for Spring Holidays, Weddings and Casual Hangs

checked mark Fact-Checked by Leah Rocketto  | February 28, 2024
best maternity dresses

Quick Summary

The best maternity dresses for spring are stylish, comfortable and available in a range of sizes, according to What to Expect community moms. Ideally, they are also machine-washable to make care easy.

Maternity Dresses

Spring is just around the corner, which means that it’s time to do one important thing: Update your maternity wardrobe! For moms-to-be, this may mean stocking up on a couple pairs of maternity shorts, especially if you live in a warmer climate, or buying a pair of lightweight maternity pajamas to keep you cool at night. But, one of the most important staples that you may not have considered yet is a cute maternity dress perfect for the warmer spring weather.

Whether your style leans towards long, flowy maxi dresses or comfortable casual T-shirt dresses, there are a number of spring maternity dresses that are lightweight, yet provide enough coverage to keep you warm on breezy or rainy days. Ahead, you’ll find dresses you can wear to just about any occasion this spring, whether it’s running errands, attending a wedding or going to your own baby shower.

How we chose the best maternity dresses for spring

When you search for maternity dresses, thousands of results populate, making it difficult to narrow down which dresses are actually comfortable and made of quality material. In order to create a list of dresses to consider, we looked at what maternity dresses moms and moms-to-be in the What to Expect community have worn and loved. We considered dresses from maternity clothing brands that What to Expect moms are always raving about — such as Old Navy and PinkBlush — as well as non-maternity dresses that moms say have enough stretch to fit comfortably over your bump. We then narrowed down the long list of dozens of dresses to the best 15 by ensuring that each pick is comfortable, functional and durable.

Why Trust Us?

What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.

Best Casual Maternity Dress

Xpenyo Casual Short Sleeve Empire Waist Maternity Dress with Pockets

Xpenyo maternity dress
Buying Options
Pros
  • Affordable
  • Soft
  • Over 10 colors and patterns
Cons
  • May wrinkle easily

Material: 95% Rayon, 5% Spandex

Sizes: S-XXL

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

This budget-friendly Amazon maternity dress is the perfect staple for your pregnancy wardrobe. Made of soft and breathable fabric, it has a comfortable empire waist that’s designed to rest just above your bump. The hemline hits right below the knees, providing enough coverage for spring before the sweltering days of summer arrive. One of the best features, however, is that it comes with pockets so you can store your phone or wallet easily.

Community Reviews
  • “I have like three of them and I do laundry every couple of days. It’s the only thing that’s comfortable to me.”

  • Amazon!! I ordered one from IWEMEK and one from Xpenyo and both were/are great! Wayyyy cheaper than pink blush and honestly I like the fabric of these much more.

Best Formal Maternity Dress

Baltic Born Kia Kimono Maxi Dress

Baltic Born Kia Kimono Maxi Dress
Buying Options
Pros
  • Comes in a range of colors
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Not suitable for later pregnancies

Material: 100% Polyester

Sizes: S-XXL

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Whether you’re attending a wedding or just need a show-stopping dress for an evening event, WTE moms recommend checking out maternity-friendly brand Baltic Born. In fact, Baltic Born has an entire section of their website dedicated to bump-friendly dresses, many of which come in under $100. One dress would be particularly great as a formal maternity dress is this stunning maxi dress. With an elastic waist and adjustable tie, the website says it will accommodate bumps up to 20 weeks (but some moms report being able to wear their dresses even later in their pregnancies). The low-cut V-neck would also make for a great nursing top if you wanted to wear this postpartum, too. The charming flowy sleeves, leg slit and variety of beautiful floral patterns add extra style to the overall look. Many people say that it runs long, however, so keep that in mind if you opt for petite clothes. Another thing to note: Many people complain about the return policy, since you only receive store credit.

Community Reviews
  • I bought one of their dresses pre-pregnancy and have been able to wear it to two events since, most recently at a friend's wedding at 24 weeks. The one I have is so comfortable and stretchy! For 8 months you might want to order up a size but you might not need to? I had to return/exchange sizes the first time around and it was a smooth process with them.” 

  • “Baltic Born!! I was really impressed with the dress I got and the price was decent. Shipping didn’t take too long either.”

  • “Love Baltic Born. They can be pricy but if you can find the right thing on clearance, they’re great! They aren’t all maternity friendly but I wore one to my husband’s Christmas party.” 

  • “I got three dresses from them and love all of them. I feel like they are true to size.”

Best Plus-Size Maternity Dress

Torrid Maxi Challis Off Shoulder Tulip Hem Dress

Torrid Off the Shoulder Dress
Buying Options
Pros
  • Easy to dress up or down
  • Waist falls above bump for room to grow
Cons
  • Not made for pregnancy so may need to size up

Material: 100% Rayon

Sizes: M-6X

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Many moms and moms-to-be find that Torrid is a great place to shop for plus-size maternity clothes. Although they don’t have a dedicated maternity section, many find that they can size up from their pre-pregnancy size and have a wide range of clothes to choose from, including tons of cute, stylish dresses. This dress in particular has a smocked top for a little extra stretch, plus a waist that falls just below your bust so that it won’t press on your bump and should allow for some room to grow. One downside of shopping at Torrid is that sizes often sell out, so you may have to act fast for these seasonal items.

Community Reviews
  • “Mine [aren’t] technically maternity dresses, but [they] are stretchy and flowy so I'll be able to wear them well into my pregnancy. I got them both from Torrid.”

  • “I'm just wearing a non-maternity dress from Torrid! It's stretchy/flowy enough.”

  • “I actually ended up buying a non maternity dress from Torrid for my baby shower and it looked really cute!”

Best Maternity Maxi Dress

PinkBlush Draped Maternity/Nursing Maxi Dress

PinkBlush Dress Draped Maxi Maternity Dress
Buying Options
PinkBlush_Maternity
PinkBlush Maternity
$65
See Now Opens a new window
Pros
  • Nine colors to choose from
  • Cinched waist gives shape
  • Easy nursing access
Cons
  • Belt is not adjustable

Material: 95% Rayon, 5% Spandex

Sizes: S-XL

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

This pullover-style, V-neck maternity maxi dress is as flattering as it is comfy. Some maxis can have a bit of a shapeless style, but this one is cinched right under the bust to create some shape and show off your bump. Plus, this design also gives your bump plenty of room to comfortably grow because there’s no waistband pressing on your belly. The long skirt provides some coverage on cooler spring days, but it isn’t so constricting that you’ll be hot if the temperature shoots up. Available in nine colors, this dress is perfect for pregnancy and even postpartum due to the easy pull-aside bodice.

Community Reviews
  • “I bought this in light pink for my shower in March! It’s heavier on but really soft and comfy.”

  • “I've ordered two shirts and a dress from pink blush. I ordered a size up from my pre-preganancy size and everything has fit great. Not too loose, but still room to grow. The dress I ordered is really good quality too... Way better than I expected!!”

Best Maternity Dress for Photoshoot

PinkBlush Lace Mesh Overlay Maternity Maxi Dress

PinkBlush lace maternity dress
Buying Options
PinkBlush_Maternity
PinkBlush Maternity
$98
See Now Opens a new window
Pros
  • High-quality fabric
  • Gorgeous lace detail
  • Double-lined
Cons
  • Sizes not available in all colors

Material: 100% Polyester

Sizes: S-XL

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

PinkBlush is a go-to brand for many moms in the What to Expect community when buying a special occasion dress because of their huge variety. This elegant PinkBlush dress in particular is perfect for spring maternity photoshoots. Aside from the gorgeous lace detailing, the bust and skirt are double-lined, so you don’t have to worry about it being see-through. Plus, the flowy skirt leaves plenty of room for your growing bump. Moms-to-be say they love the style so much that they’ve opted to wear it both for maternity photos and special occasions like weddings. And, many say their pre-pregnancy size fit perfectly. Although some note that they felt the brand’s material wasn’t high enough quality to justify the price, many What to Expect moms recommend shopping the robust sale section. And, it doesn’t hurt that their return process is a breeze.

Community Reviews
  • "I love pink blush! If you watch for sales it’s not nearly as expensive, and it’s delivered within like 3 days so you don’t have to wait forever! Every single thing I’ve gotten has been beautiful, and will last me for a long time."

  • “My baby shower dress was from Pink Blush Maternity. I had to add a belt to define my bump, but I was pleased with the quality and have been able to wear it non-pregnant too. Look for coupon codes to get the price down.” 

     

  • “Yes I second this! I got two from PinkBlush for a trip to Hawaii and plan to rewear one for my baby shower! Good quality and a very flattering fit! I think they may be having a sale right now too.” 

  • “I got a plus-size dress from pinkblush maternity. They have a variety of plus size maternity gowns and dresses (as wel as other clothes). just be careful to read on the sizing if they run big or small. I was happy with the dress I got from them but  tried to order a bathing suit (said it ran small) and a 3x was smaller than my lane bryant suit by a huge amount! Returns are fairly easy though if it's doesn't fit.” 

Best Maternity Dress for Baby Shower

Mother Bee Maternity Short Sleeve Ruched Waist Faux Wrap Maxi Dress

Mother Bee Faux Wrap Maternity Dress
Buying Options
Pros
  • Versatile
  • Over 30 colors and patterns to choose from
  • Stretchy
Cons
  • Some felt that the material is thin

Material: 95% Rayon, 5% Spandex

Sizes: S-XL

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Although many of these dresses would be perfect for a baby shower, tons of moms opt for this Mother Bee maxi dress for their showers because of how comfortable yet flattering it is for their bumps. The waist is extra stretchy because of the elastic band and ruched material. And although it has the appearance of a wrap dress, it’s actually a pull-on dress, so you don’t have to worry about fiddling with the fit all day. People love this dress for their showers particularly because of how many beautiful designs there are, including numerous floral prints. Some moms with bigger busts, however, felt that the chest was too small on this dress.

Community Reviews
  • “Both my shower dress and maternity photo dress are Mother Bee. I was really happy with both!” 

  • “I just saw that Mother Bee Maternity is having a really great sale! I bought a dress during my last pregnancy for a shower and I loved it.”

  • “Mother Bee Maternity has all dresses for $12.95 or less. I bought two with my first pregnancy, and they are good quality.” 

Best Maternity Jumpsuit

Old Navy Maternity V-Neck Wide-Leg Jumpsuit

old navy maternity jumpsuit
Buying Options
Pros
  • Very soft
  • Has pockets
  • Smocked waist has room to grow
Cons
  • Sizes tend to sell out quickly

Material: 90% Cotton, 10% Polyester

Sizes: XS-XXL

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Sometimes you want the loose feeling of a dress but the coverage of pants. Enter this extremely comfortable Old Navy jumpsuit. Made of soft jersey material, this lightweight jumpsuit has comfortable wide legs and a smocked waist that will stretch with your growing bump. Moms love the super soft material and flattering V-neck that shows some skin but can still cover a regular bra. It comes in three colors, including the bright blue pictured, a deep mauve and classic black, and you can easily dress it up or down. It doesn’t hurt that What to Expect moms tend to love all of Old Navy’s maternity clothing, so you know this is a safe bet. 

Community Reviews
  • I kept almost every piece of [maternity] clothing I ordered from old navy. Comfortable and flattering.” 

Best Maternity to Nursing Dress

Smallshow Maternity Nursing 3/4 Sleeve Dress

Smallshow Women's Maternity Nursing Dress
Buying Options
Pros
  • Has pockets
  • Versatile
  • Easy nursing access
Cons
  • Can run slightly large

Material: 93% Rayon, 7% Spandex

Sizes: S-XXL

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Although V-neck style maternity dresses can often double as nursing dresses, this Smallshow dress was designed specifically for both pregnancy and breastfeeding. The bodice opens up for easy breast access; no need to pull down on the actual neckline of the dress and risk stretching it out. Instead, the panels make it easy to breastfeed whether you’re on the go or in the comfort of your own home. And, it’s perfect for wearing while pregnant because of the stretchy material and elastic waistband — even moms-to-be in their third trimester find it comfortable to wear. The dress comes in a dozen color options from a solid or printed bodice to a colorful hem that truly adds a bit of flair. 

Community Reviews
  • "I pretty much live in these Smallshow nursing dresses from Amazon throughout pregnancy and nursing (nursed my first for 18 months). They’re comfortable, stretchy, and range in price from $25 to $28. I have them in 3 different colors and wear one pretty much anytime I leave the house."

  • “I found a TON on Amazon that I love! I ordered several different colors and I wear them daily! AND THEY HAVE POCKETS!!!”

Best Black Maternity Dress

Seraphine Cotton Poplin Dress With Jersey Top

Seraphine Poplin Maternity Black Dress
Buying Options
Seraphine_Maternity
Seraphine Maternity
$95
See Now Opens a new window
Pros
  • Has pockets
  • Nursing panel for easy breastfeeding
Cons
  • Pricey

Material: 100% Cotton

Sizes: 2-16

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

A little black dress never goes out of style, and this Seraphine maternity dress is no exception. Made of a soft, lightweight cotton, the dress has a flattering silhouette thanks to the fitted top and skirt that falls just at your knees. You can easily dress it up with the right accessories or pair it with sneakers for a more casual look. Seraphine is known for its high-quality material and long-lasting wear, so even though it’s on the more expensive side, many moms feel their clothes are worth the price. You can wear this dress postpartum, too, because of the lift-up nursing panel.

Community Reviews
  • “Seraphine has lovely maternity dresses!” 

  • “They’re a little expensive but I really like Seraphine Maternity. I ordered a few dresses from there to add to what I kept from my last baby, mostly from motherhood maternity.” 

Best White Maternity Dress

Ripe Maternity Hail Spot Dress

Ripe Maternity White Maternity Dress
Buying Options
Pros
  • Sleeves can be worn on or off the shoulder
  • Skirt is lined
Cons
  • Pricey
  • Needs to be hand washed

Material: Outer: 100% Viscose, Lining: 100% Cotton

Sizes: XS-XL

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Whether shopping for an outfit for your maternity photoshoot or just an elegant flowy number to wear to a brunch with friends, this white Ripe Maternity dress is perfect for a comfortable, stylish spring dress you’ll wear over and over again. Made with a soft cotton interior lining, the Hail Spot Dress is flowy and breathable for warm spring days, yet has a long length for more coverage if it’s still a little chilly out. The smocked top is also made to grow with you because of how stretchy it is, which is especially great if your bust has grown during pregnancy. The downside to this dress, however, is that it requires some maintenance: It’s hand-wash only, and it may need to be ironed to prevent wrinkling.

Community Reviews
  • “I wore a more formal dress from Ripe Maternity that was absolutely gorgeous for a summer wedding. A little pricier but great quality and it’s nursing friendly so I could in theory wear it again to an event now that baby is here.” 

  • “And re a dress, have a look at Ripe Maternity they have some really nice stuff.” 

Best Floral Maternity Dress

Isabel Maternity Flutter Sleeve Short Woven Maternity Dress

Isabel Maternity Flutter Sleeve Maternity Dress
Buying Options
Pros
  • Stretchy waistband
  • Stylish flutter sleeves
  • Soft fabric
Cons
  • Limited colors available

Material: 54% Cotton, 46% Rayon

Sizes: XS-XXL

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Many moms in the What to Expect community shop the special Isabel Maternity line at Target for its stylish clothes at more affordable price points than Ingrid & Isabel typically offers. This floral flutter sleeve dress is perfect for spring because of its pastel colors, lightweight material and midi length ideal for cool weather. Made of poplin fabric, the material is silky smooth, yet durable enough to hold up to wrinkles when worn throughout the day. 

Community Reviews
  • “I’m also in Middle Tennessee and have so much trouble finding maternity stores!! I did find some good options at Target (they have a line called Isabel Maternity) and otherwise it’s mostly online (Seraphine, Pink Blush).”

Best Work Maternity Dress

ASOS Closet London Maternity Kimono Wrap Dress

asos closet london kimono maternity shirt dress
Buying Options
Pros
  • Adjustable tie waist
  • Wide arm holes
Cons
  • Hand wash only

Material: 100% Polyester

Sizes: 2-14

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

For a work setting, you might want a dress that sits between casual and formal. This wrap dresshits just below the knees — perfect for any office environment — while structured short sleeves and slim fit give it a bit of style. Moms-to-be particularly like the tie waist; not only does it add extra detail, but it makes it easier to adjust the size of the dress as your belly grows. The beautiful deep navy looks gorgeous on everyone, but it’s also available in a velvet red for those feeling bold. The main downside: It’s hand wash only.

Community Reviews
  • "I am a huge asos fan pregnant or not because they have tall sizes and I am 5’10”. They have free shipping and free return shipping so doesn’t hurt to try."

  • “I normally wear a 10 in regular clothes from ASOS and was told to order the same size in maternity clothing. Personally I found the 10s a little big and started ordering size 8s. They fit perfect.”

  • “Asos has the cutest dresses and they are very reasonably priced.” 

Best Bodycon Maternity Dress

Musidora Bodycon Maternity Dress

musidora bodycon maternity dress
Buying Options
Pros
  • Over 35 patterns and colors
  • Affordable
  • Ruched sides grow with you
Cons
  • Some found the material a little thin

Material: 95% Rayon, 5% Spandex

Sizes: S-XXL

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

This stretchy bodycon dresshas a flattering ruched style to accommodate your bump while three-quarter length sleeves and a knee-length skirt make it a great option for wearing during springtime when there’s still a chill in the air. The rayon fabric is super soft and breathable, although some moms report that it’s a little thin — so you might want to layer up with tights or leggings underneath. But for a fairly low price point, it’s a flattering option with a ton of different colors to choose from.

Community Reviews
  • "I bought this one from Amazon. The material is a little thin (it was less than $40) but it is soft and looks nice. I'm short so I didn't want a maxi dress (which seems like what most shower/picture dresses are in my search)."

Best Boho Maternity Dress

MEROKEETY Square Neck Puff Sleeve Boho Midi Dress

Merokeety Amazon Midi Boho Dress
Buying Options
Pros
  • Over 15 colors to choose from
  • Very stretchy
Cons
  • Not designed for pregnancy so may need to size up

Material: 100% Polyester

Sizes: S-XXL

Why We Love It

Moms-to-be who prefer a boho-inspired style will love this flowy dress with romantic features like cute puff sleeves and a tiered ruffle skirt. Wear it for your maternity photoshoot or baby shower, or pair it with a denim jacket and sneakers for an elevated casual look. Even though it isn’t specifically a maternity dress, moms-to-be find that the stretchy smocked top is comfortable for growing bodies and busts, while the high waist rests above your bump. The skirt is also lined so it won’t be see-through, and the midi length should fit both taller and shorter moms. Note that some people found the elastic on the arms to be a little snug.

Best Maternity Cocktail Dress

Maacie Maternity Bodycon Dress

Maacie Bodycon Cocktail Maternity Dresss
Buying Options
Pros
  • Three different sleeve lengths available
  • Stretchy
Cons
  • Some found that the top fit awkwardly in their bust

Material: 95% Polyester, 5% Elastane

Sizes: S-XXL

Why We
Love it
Community
Reviews
Why We Love It

Many maternity dresses for special occasions are long and flowing, but you don’t always want to be limited to that style when dressing up while pregnant. Instead, look to this cute Maacie maternity cocktail dress that combines all of the sleekness you expect of a cocktail dress with the stretchy comfort a maternity dress needs. The skirt is snug without being tight, and the bodice comes in three sleeve variations: the folded-over sleeve pictured here, a short sheer sleeve and a long sheer sleeve. The high waist will also rest comfortably above your bump.

Community Reviews

What to look for in a maternity dress

Here are some important general considerations you might want to keep in mind when shopping for a maternity dress:

  • Material: When you’re expecting, it’s not uncommon to feel warmer than usual — in fact, your body temperature runs a little higher than usual while pregnant. Regardless of the climate where you live, you may want to look for breathable fabrics like cotton and rayon. Also, look for dresses that include a bit of spandex or other accommodating materials to ensure they grow with you, too.
  • Ease of care: You’re already doing a lot of work prepping for the baby, so why waste precious time hand washing or dry cleaning? Look for maternity clothes that are machine-washable to make life a little bit easier. Plus, if you plan on wearing maternity clothes postpartum, you’ll want to be able to easily clean your outfits due to frequent messes whether from your nipples leaking milk or from baby spit up.
  • Nursing-friendly features: If you plan on breastfeeding, look for dresses with v-necks, removable straps, buttons and zippers. This makes your maternity dresses even more versatile because you can wear them postpartum and make nursing easier.