Maternity Evening Dresses
Maternity Formal Dresses and Evening Gowns
Black tie does not pause for a pregnancy, and a formal dress is the hardest thing to improvise when nothing in the wardrobe fits. This range covers maternity formal dresses and evening gowns: floor length maxis, V neck gowns, ruched bodycon styles, silky ruffle dresses and reversible tie dresses, in black, emerald, teal, wine, grey, butter cream and print.
They are cut to hold a line rather than hang. Ruching, wrap fronts and stretch through the body mean the dress follows the bump instead of tenting over it, which is what separates a maternity formal dress from a regular gown bought two sizes up. At least one style is cut with a nursing opening, so check the product description if you need to feed on the night.
What Do You Wear to a Formal Event While Pregnant?
A floor length gown in a solid dark color is the safest answer and usually the most comfortable one. It reads formal without needing structure or boning, it photographs cleanly, and it lets you wear a flat or a block heel without the length looking wrong.
If the event is less formal, a ruched bodycon or a V neck maxi covers cocktail and black tie optional. The rule that holds is to define a line above the bump, at the bust or the shoulder, and let everything below fall.
Pick by Event
- Black tie and galas: floor length gowns in a solid, ideally with a sleeve or a defined shoulder.
- Weddings as a guest: jewel tones, silky prints and soft neutrals; avoid white and ivory.
- Cocktail and dinner: ruched bodycon and V neck styles that dress up with shoes alone.
- Work functions and awards: structured maxis in navy, black or grey.
- Photoshoots: flowing maxi gowns, which move well on camera.
Sizes run XS to 3XL with free shipping on US orders over $100. For less formal occasions see maternity party dresses, and for daytime events baby shower dresses.
More Maternity Dresses
- All maternity dresses
- Maternity maxi dresses
- Maternity midi dresses
- Maternity bodycon dresses
- Maternity floral dresses
- Maternity work dresses
- Nursing dresses
- Maternity dresses on sale
Maternity Formal Dress FAQs
What size maternity formal dress should I order?
Your usual pre-pregnancy size. These allow for the bump already, and stretch and ruching handle the growth between ordering and the event. If the event is more than six weeks away, a ruched or wrap style is the safer buy than a structured one.
Can I wear a regular evening gown while pregnant instead?
You can, but it rarely sits well. A non-maternity gown sized up gains width at the bust and shoulders while still pulling at the front, and floor length hems ride high over a bump. A maternity cut adds the length exactly where it is needed.
What color formal maternity dress photographs best?
Solid dark tones: black, navy, emerald, teal and wine all hold their shape on camera and flatter a bump. Very light or shiny fabrics catch flash and add volume, which is worth knowing if the event will be heavily photographed.
Can I breastfeed in a formal maternity dress?
In the styles cut with a nursing opening, yes, which matters if you are attending an event with a newborn. The product description says which ones; for the full feeding-friendly range see nursing dresses.
