Finding stylish maternity clothes you actually want to wear every day can be tricky. Finding stylish maternity wedding guest dresses that not only look chic and feel comfortable, but also meet the dress code? That can feel nearly impossible — especially when you don’t want to spend a ton of money on a bump-approved dress that you’ll literally only wear once before it no longer fits or suits you anymore.
That’s where — you guessed it — Rent the Runway comes in and turns all your maternity outfit woes into maternity outfit dreams. No matter the dress code or how far along you are, the Closet in the Cloud has you covered.
Ahead, we’ve put together a dress code cheat sheet complete with bump-friendly styles that will make you all the more excited that you RSVP’d “yes!” to being on your feet for an extended period of time.
1. White Tie Maternity Gowns
White tie is as fancy as it gets — think: state dinners, military balls and royal weddings. For a white tie event, reach for floor-length dresses and gowns, and don’t be afraid to go all out with dramatic details and fabrics like sequins, lace, trains and the like. If you’re in your third trimester, we recommend looking to fabrics with a hint of stretch or elastic, or opting for silhouettes that have an empire waist.
2. Black Tie Maternity Dresses
Slightly less fancy than white tie, a black tie event calls for formal floor or midi-lengths or elegant cocktail dresses. No matter what stage you’re in, this is the moment to have fun playing with rich color palettes, bold patterns and luxe details like off-the-shoulder silhouettes, strategically placed layers or ruching.
3. Black Tie Optional Maternity Dresses
This dress code is a bit more flexible than traditional black tie, so feel free to think outside the floor-length box. Sleek separates, look-at-me hues, a cocktail dress in a sophisticated lace or silk crepe — it all works. Pro tip: We recommend steering clear of heavy fabrics to avoid overheating.
4. Semi-Formal Maternity Dresses
Shorter hemlines are A-OK with a semi-formal dress code, as are an assortment of prints and patterns like florals, brocade, color-blocking — you name it! If the event is at night, try rich, darker hues like navy or burgundy for a more formal effect. For daytime events, opt for a flowy style in softer hues like a lavender floral dress.
5. Festive Attire Maternity Dresses
An invite that says festive attire, essentially means anything goes. Vibrant colors, stretchy separates and mini dresses are all approved so long as they’re ready to party. Another option is to go with a fail-safe neutral that you punch up with bright accessories and a bold lip. Insider take: accessories are the unsung hero of maternity style, so don’t shy away from earrings and necklaces that you might otherwise overlook.
6. Casual Maternity Dresses
The casual dress code denotes a laid-back vibe — like a rustic outdoor or beach wedding — so while your attire doesn’t need to be “dressy”, it should still be appropriate (i.e. leave the maternity jeans at home). Think effortless styles like breezy maxis, playful sundresses and easy separates in fabrics like cotton, linen and pretty much anything with elastane (a.k.a. the pregnant person’s dream).
Start browsing for your next maternity wedding outfit now! Or better yet, try a membership and rent maternity styles for events, work, cozying up at home and every moment in between.